While the Vande Metro Rapid service will consist of eight AC coaches for intra-city commuters like the Mumbai local service, the Vande Metro Regional service consisting of 12 AC coaches will be pressed into service for intercity travel.
Pitching for faster and hassle-free connectivity, the Railways has decided to offer two types of Vande Metro services – Vande Metro Rapid and Vande Metro Regional- for intra-city and intercity travellers across the country.
According to the plan, there would be Vande Metro Rapid service consisting of eight AC coaches for intra-city commuters like the Mumbai local service.
The Vande Metro Regional service consisting of 12 AC coaches will be pressed into service for intercity travel.
While it will cost Rs 130 cr to manufacture the 16-coach Vande Bharat train, the Vande Metro is estimated to cost Rs 8 cr for a coach. Frequencies of both services would depend on the traffic demand.
According to the Railways, the specifications for the design of both types of Vande Metro are being finalised by Lucknow-based Research Design and Standard Organisation (RDSO), and the prototypes will be ready in three-four months.
Once the design is finalised, production of both varieties would start at ICF Chennai, RCF Kapurthala and MCF Raebareli, the Railways maintains.
The Railways plans to produce about 600 Vande Metro coaches in the first phase, which is set to be increased to 1000 in the next phase.
The Vande Metro Rapid and Vande Metro Regional will have both seating arrangements and space for standing passengers.
Currently, the EMU, MEMU and DEMU services are operational for intracity and intercity travel.
The Vande Metro will have a plugged door system and vestibules with full air-conditioned facilities and comfortable seats.
While Vande Metro Rapid will be travelling at a maximum of 90 kmph, Vande Metro Regional will be equipped to run at a maximum speed of 130 kmph.
Railways aim to provide comfortable travel for local commuters and inter-city travellers through Vande Metro service.
Since the Vande Bharat service has emerged as a game changer for the Railways, the Railways has earmarked Rs 65,000 cr for manufacturing of Vande Bharat coaches, including Vande Metro coaches.
Besides Vande Metro, the design for Vande Bharat with Sleeper coaches is also getting finalised. Once the Sleeper design is finalised, Vande Bharat trains will be manufactured at Sonepat, Latur and Raebareli factories.