Vande Bharat Completes 180 Kmph Trial Between Mathura And Nagd,Ahmedabad-Mumbai Test Run Likely Next
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
A 16-coach Vande Bharat chair car trainset has completed a high-speed trial at 180 kmph between Mathura and Nagda, raising the possibility of a similar test on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai route.
The trainset, manufactured at the Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala, Punjab, underwent the trial on October 8, 2026, under the supervision of the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). Officials assessed its high-speed performance, operational efficiency and safety during the run.
Further trials are expected before the trainset is considered for testing on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai route. However, the Railways has not announced an official date for the proposed trial.
Three Vande Bharat Variants Under Development
Indian Railways is developing different Vande Bharat variants to meet the requirements of passenger travel and freight transportation.
Vande Bharat chair car: The 16-coach trainset manufactured at RCF Kapurthala completed its 180 kmph trial on the Mathura-Nagda section. The latest test focused on its performance and safety at high speeds.
Vande Bharat sleeper: A sleeper variant has also been undergoing trials, including a reported test run between Ahmedabad and Mumbai Central. Designed for long-distance journeys, the train will offer sleeping accommodation. Its operational performance and comparisons with existing services, including Rajdhani Express trains, will depend on official test results and service specifications.
Vande Bharat freight train: A 16-coach Vande Bharat freight electric multiple unit (EMU) has undergone a trial between Sabarmati and Mumbai at speeds of up to 130 kmph. The train is designed to transport e-commerce shipments, medicines and other parcels, potentially reducing transit times for time-sensitive consignments.
RCF Kapurthala Records Highest Annual Production
The Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala produced 2,383 coaches in the 2025-26 financial year, its highest annual output to date, according to the supplied report.
The factory manufactures coaches for modern trainsets, including Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat. It also supplies coaches to countries across Asia and Africa.
The development of chair car, sleeper and freight variants reflects Indian Railways' efforts to expand the use of modern trainsets across different segments. While chair car services cater to seated passenger travel, sleeper trains are intended for longer journeys, and freight variants aim to support faster parcel movement.
A trial on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai route could provide further insight into the trainset's performance under testing conditions on the corridor. The timing and scope of any such trial remain unconfirmed.
