South India's first Vande Bharat Express trial run begins, formal launch on Nov 11

Representational image

Indian Railways on Monday started the trial run of to be launched Chennai-Mysore Vande Bharat Express from Chennai's MG Ramachandran Central Railway station.

The Chennai-Mysore Vande Bharat Express train will be flagged off by PM Modi on November 11, the first such indigenously-built high-speed rail in the southern part of India and the country's fifth.

The first Vande Bharat Express train was flagged off on February 15, 2019, on the New Delhi-Kanpur-Allahabad-Varanasi route.

Also read: Vande Bharat incident: Mumbai-Gandhinagar train delayed by 15 mins

The government has dedicated significant efforts towards strengthening the 'Make in India' campaign, and Vande Bharat Express is one of the success stories.In his address to the nation on August 15, 2021, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi announced that during the 75 weeks of the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence, 75 Vande Bharat trains will connect every corner of the country.

What is unique about Vande Bharat Express?

Speed, safety, and service are the hallmarks of this train. Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, a Railways Production unit, has been the force behind the system integration of these rails in just 18 months.

The Vande Bharat Express can run up to a maximum speed of 160 kmph and has travel classes like Shatabdi Train but with a better travel experience for passengers. This train is the next major leap for Indian Railways in terms of speed and convenience.