The Indian Railways has unveiled a new livery for the Vande Bharat Express train, featuring saffron and grey colours. Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw shared images of the train with its updated colour scheme after visiting the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. While the coaches have been painted saffron and grey, the locomotive’s front is saffron, while the rear matches the coach colours. Certain design elements, such as the Indian Railways logo and Vande Bharat Express branding, remain the same as the existing blue and white trains.
Inspected Vande Bharat train production at ICF, Chennai. pic.twitter.com/9RXmL5q9zR
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) July 8, 2023
The new saffron-themed Vande Bharat Express, currently stationed at the Integral Coach Factory, is the 28th rake of the Indian-built semi-high-speed train. Railway officials clarified that while the colour scheme of this rake is being changed on a trial basis, a total of 25 operational rakes are already running on designated routes, with two additional rakes reserved.
During his inspection of the Integral Coach Factory, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praised the new colour scheme, stating that it is “inspired by the Indian Tricolour.” He also mentioned that 25 improvements have been made to the Vande Bharat trains, incorporating feedback received from field units to enhance various aspects such as air conditioning and toilets.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav visited the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai where Vande Bharat trains are manufactured. The new colour of the Vande Bharat train can also be seen in the video. pic.twitter.com/ToW3s0iZbU
— ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2023
The minister highlighted that the Vande Bharat Express is a proud example of the Make in India initiative, designed and manufactured by Indian engineers and technicians.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched two new and enhanced variants of the Vande Bharat Express, bringing the total number of operational services to 50. This semi-high-speed train has electrified tracks covering all states in the country. The Vande Bharat Express, initially known as Train 18 and manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory, symbolizes India’s engineering prowess and supports the Make in India initiative. The project was completed within 18 months, and the train achieved a maximum speed of 180 kmph on a specific section. Its introduction has revolutionized rail travel in India, offering modern amenities and reduced travel times for passengers.
(With inputs from OpIndia)
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