New Delhi: The indigenously developed semi high-speed train, Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, will start its first commercial run from October 5.
The train will operate between New Delhi and Katra. It will be flagged off by Home Minister Amit Shah on 03 October on its inaugural run.
The train consists of 16 coaches including two-driver car, two executive coaches and 12 AC Chair car coaches. It will run six days a week, except for Tuesday.
Vande Bharat Express will reduce the travel time between Delhi and Katra to 8 hours from the current timing of 12 hours. The train will have three stoppages- Ambala Cantt, Ludhiana and Jammu Tawi junction, in between the route of New Delhi to Katra.
The train will start its journey at 0600hrs from New Delhi and will reach Katra at 1400hrs. While in its return journey, the train will departure from Katra at 1500hrs and will reach New Delhi Railway Station at 2300hrs.
The fare of Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat Express will be Rs 1,630 in AC Chair car and Rs 3,015 for Executive Chair Car. While the fare of Katra-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express will be Rs 1,570 and for Executive Chair Car will be Rs 2,965.
The features added in the New Vande Bharat Express includes:
- Improved noise insulation material to reduce noise levels in driver cab.
- The new Vande Bharat Express have more spacious space as compared to the first train. There is additional pantry cubicles of 700 millimetre on either side of the door.
- Strengthened cattle guard to avoid bending and damage during cattle run over.
- To avoid windows damage during stone-pelting, anti-Spalling films are installed.
- Improvements have been made in toilets. Wash Basins are provided with sink and mirror. To avoid water wastage press type mechanical fixed taps are used.
