In 2023, Indian Railways introduced a new addition to its fleet, the Vande Bharat Sadharan. Aimed at providing budget-conscious passengers with an affordable travel option, this non-AC, sleeper class train stands distinct from its counterpart, the Vande Bharat Express. In this article, we will explore the main features, differences, and routes of the Vande Bharat Sadharan. We’ll highlight its offerings and how it meets the various needs of travelers.
What Is Vande Bharat Sadharan?
Vande Bharat Sadharan is a new semi-high-speed train, inspired by the country’s fastest, Vande Bharat Express. However, there are some key differences. It’s designed for long trips over 800 kilometers, unlike Vande Bharat Express. Moreover, it’s suitable for both day and night travel, adding to its uniqueness.
Vande Bharat Sadharan: Key Features And Design
The Vande Bharat Sadharan, a product of the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, is an orange and grey marvel equipped with 22 coaches. Among them, 12 are sleeper non-AC coaches, eight are general coaches, and two serve as luggage coaches. With a capacity to accommodate up to 1,834 passengers, this train boasts modern amenities, including bio-vacuum toilets, charging points, and passenger information systems.
Speed and Operation
Operational trials of the Vande Bharat Sadharan include navigating the challenging terrains of the Thal Ghat on the Mumbai-Nashik line. Running at a maximum speed of 130 km/h, this regular-speed train offers an efficient and cost-effective alternative for long-distance travel.
Differences Between Vande Bharat Sadharan And Vande Bharat Express
Speed and Comfort
Speed: While the Vande Bharat Sadharan is a semi-high-speed train with a maximum speed of 160 km/h, the Vande Sadharan Express operates at a regular speed of 130 km/h. This difference makes the former suitable for those seeking a faster journey.
Comfort: The Vande Bharat Sadharan takes the lead in comfort, offering reclining seats, air conditioning, and entertainment systems. In contrast, the Vande Sadharan Express is designed to be more budget-friendly, lacking these premium features.
Price and Affordability
Price: The Vande Bharat Express is positioned as a premium service, reflecting in its higher ticket prices. The Vande Sadharan Express, on the other hand, caters to budget-conscious passengers, providing a more affordable option for travel.
Vande Bharat Sadharan: Routes And Expansion
Current and Future Routes
As of now, the Vande Bharat Sadharan operates on two proposed routes – Mumbai-Patna and Delhi-Mumbai. Future plans include extending its reach to other major cities, including Patna-New Delhi, Howrah-New Delhi, Hyderabad-New Delhi, Ernakulam-Guwahati, Tambaram-Howrah, Delhi-Jodhpur-Bandra Terminus, and Jammu-Chennai.
Vande Bharat Sadharan: Facilities and Features
Onboard Facilities
The Vande Bharat Sadharan, being a non-AC train, offers sealed gangways between coaches, CCTV cameras, sensor-based taps, electric outlets, bio-vacuum toilets, LED lights, modern switches, fans, and a passenger information system. Every seat is equipped with mobile charging ports, ensuring passengers stay connected during their journey.
Exclusions
While the Vande Bharat Sadharan offers a plethora of facilities, it omits automatic closing doors and onboard catering, contributing to its cost-effective model.
Conclusion
The Vande Bharat Sadharan emerges as a commendable addition to India’s railway network, providing an affordable travel option without compromising on essential amenities. Its distinct features, routes, and affordability make it a viable choice for those seeking a practical yet comfortable journey.
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