The Indian Railways Ministry has placed an order for production of 16-car and 24-car variants of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, with plans to commence full-scale production in 2026-2027. French manufacturer Alstom and Hyderabad-based Medha Servo Drives Pvt Ltd have been tasked with supplying propulsion systems for the trains. The first 16-car Vande Bharat train has already completed successful testing, positioning the Indian Railways for a major development in high-speed transportation.
The Vande Bharat: India's Vision of High-Speed Rail
India has taken a bold step towards becoming a global leader in high-speed rail with the launch of the Vande Bharat Express, affectionately known as the "Train 18." The revolutionary train is a testament to India's engineering capabilities and a symbol of its aspirations for a modern and efficient transportation system.
Background
The Vande Bharat project was conceptualized in 2015 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Indian Railways, in collaboration with global partners like Alstom and Medha Servo Drives, embarked on the ambitious task of designing and building a train that would redefine rail travel in India.
Features and Specifications
The Vande Bharat Express boasts a host of impressive features:
Significance
The Vande Bharat Express has multiple benefits for India:
Current Developments
To cater to the growing demand, the Indian Railways has placed an order for 16-car and 24-car variants of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. These trains will feature overnight accommodation, offering passengers the convenience of sleeping while traveling. Full-scale production is expected to commence in 2026-2027.
Top 5 FAQs
Q1: What is the current status of the Vande Bharat Express? A1: The first 16-car Vande Bharat train has successfully completed testing and is now in operation on the Delhi-Varanasi route.
Q2: What are the future plans for the Vande Bharat project? A2: The Indian Railways is expanding the Vande Bharat fleet with orders for 16-car and 24-car sleeper variants.
Q3: How fast can the Vande Bharat Express travel? A3: The Vande Bharat Express has a maximum operating speed of 180 km/h (112 mph).
Q4: Is the Vande Bharat Express comfortable? A4: Yes, the Vande Bharat Express features air-conditioned coaches, comfortable seating, and modern amenities.
Q5: When will the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains be available? A5: Full-scale production of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains is expected to commence in 2026-2027.
Telecom giant Bharti Airtel has partnered with SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, to bring Starlink's high-speed internet to India. This marks a significant milestone for Airtel's commitment to satellite connectivity, with the venture pending regulatory approvals. The collaboration is expected to enhance Airtel's diverse service portfolio, providing reliable and affordable broadband to even the most remote areas in India. This partnership showcases Airtel's dedication to innovation and staying at the forefront of advancements in global connectivity, positioning them as a leading telecom operator globally.
The AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee (PEEC) has released a discussion memorandum featuring preliminary conclusions about potential revisions to independence rules related to alternative practice structures. The memorandum aims to address the increasing prevalence of private-equity investment in accounting firms and stimulate feedback from the public. PEEC plans to use this feedback to create an exposure draft that includes a new interpretation of the independence rules, with a focus on issues surrounding auditor independence and private-equity-related entities. This initiative reflects the PEEC's commitment to protecting the public interest and ensuring the integrity of the attest function in the face of evolving industry practices.
Harshil Agrotech, a leading company in the agricultural industry, recently held a board meeting to discuss investment strategies and provide expert advice to customers. By signing up and agreeing to receive communication through Whatsapp, investors can now receive better recommendations and make more informed and successful investments. Additionally, IIFL has a dedicated customer care number for various investment services such as gold, NCD, NBFC, insurance, and NPS, making it easier for customers to get in touch with their team for any queries or concerns.
Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd. is all set to launch Asia's biggest orange processing plant in Nagpur, which aims to boost the local agricultural industry and provide employment opportunities for nearby villages. The inauguration, to be attended by Nitin Gadkari and Devendra Fadnavis, will be a step towards a zero-waste system and expanding the scope to other fruits like lime, amla, and pomegranate. This project showcases Patanjali's commitment to delivering high-quality products and tapping into both local and export markets.
Kelvin Kao, a business owner, discusses the need for a re-evaluation of traditional once-a-year appraisals and suggests alternative methods for providing feedback in the workplace. Companies are increasingly moving away from the annual review and instead opting for real-time feedback through tools like Slack or casual conversations. While this change may bring relief to some, others may question the value and effectiveness of the traditional review process. Still, the question remains - is the annual review truly obsolete or is it simply evolving?
Air India addresses allegations that an elderly passenger was injured due to the airline's failure to provide a pre-booked wheelchair at Delhi Airport. The airline maintains that the wheelchair was provided and used, but the passenger may have suffered injuries due to other factors. Air India emphasizes its commitment to providing quality service to all passengers, including those with special needs.
On the occasion of International Women's Day, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that over Rs 5,000 crore have been disbursed to 1.18 crore women beneficiaries under the state's flagship Subhadra Yojana. This is the second instalment of the scheme which aims to financially support women between the ages of 21 to 60 over a period of five years. In the past seven months, 1.18 crore women have already received the first instalment of Rs 5,000 each in five different phases. With this initiative, the government hopes to make women in the state more self-reliant.
The Managing Director and CEO of BSE has stated that they will take feedback from market participants before making any changes to the derivatives expiry day. This comes after the National Stock Exchange's recent decision to shift the expiry day to Monday. BSE's focus is on providing what the market wants and creating a well-regulated and investor-friendly marketplace, rather than just increasing volumes. They also aim to make Indian markets more attractive to both domestic and global investors in the next two years.
Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced the introduction of a new hydropower policy during his budget presentation in the legislative assembly. The policy aims to harness the Union Territory's vast hydro potential of 20,000 MW, attract private investment, and drive sustainable energy growth. Abdullah also highlighted the government's efforts to expand the consumer base and improve metering, billing, and collection to strengthen the power sector. These initiatives, along with the development of new projects, will help J&K achieve self-sufficiency in energy and become a power exporter by 2027-28.
The Karnataka government's record 16th budget announcement includes a new fisheries policy to support the economic development of fisherfolk in the state. The government plans to promote deep-sea fishing by relaxing limits and doubling the number of fisheries colleges in Mangaluru. Select fish vendors from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will also receive financial assistance for purchasing four-wheeler vehicles, while fishermen with old boats will receive aid for engine replacements. In addition, a hi-tech fish exhibition centre will be established in Mysuru and a multi-level parking facility at Malpe fishing harbour will be developed to ease vehicular congestion. The budget also includes an allocation for the development of fisheries-related roads with NABARD's support.