Vande Bharat freight train completes 130 kmph trial

A 16-coach Vande Bharat freight train has completed a trial run at 130 kmph in the Kota Division, testing high-speed performance for parcel and logistics transport. The trial, conducted by Indian Railways, examined regenerative braking, thermal capacity, traction, braking, and jerk levels to ensure smooth acceleration and deceleration under load.

Built by Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF), the Freight EMU features advanced propulsion and braking systems, a roller floor for easier parcel loading, automatic wide sliding doors, temperature-controlled reefer facilities, CCTV surveillance, and fire detection. Saurabh Jain, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Kota Division, said the technical trials aim to assess the rake's functionality, reliability, and performance at high speeds.

Upon successful completion of these trials, the rake could enable fast, safe, and punctual parcel and logistics transportation within Indian Railways, Jain added. The railways are now evaluating the results before considering wider deployment.