Secunderabad-Vijayawada Vande Bharat Express from new year

HYDERABAD: The new generation Vande Bharat train is all set to be launched between Secunderabad Railway Station and Vijayawada from the new year (2023). This is the first indigenously-built semi-high-speed rail in South Central Railway (SCR) and the second in south India.

The first Vande Bharat train in the South was launched between Chennai and Mysuru last month. The second line in the Secunderabad to Vijayawada route was approved by the Railway Ministry. The date for the launch is yet to be finalised as the railway authorities are in the process of completing track upgradation.

Reportedly, Union Minister for Tourism, Culture and Development of Northeast Region, G Kishan Reddy who also represents Secunderabad Lok Sabha constituency plans to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the launch.

According to reports, the authorities also plan to extend the train to Visakhapatnam in February. The Vande Bharat Express can run up to a maximum speed of 160 kmph. The train also has travel classes similar to the Shatabdi Train but promises a better travel experience for passengers.

The train has a total seating capacity of 1,128 with coaches equipped with automatic doors; a GPS-based audio-visual passenger information system, onboard Wifi and comfortable seats.

Integral Coach Factory (ICF) at Perambur in Chennai is designing and manufacturing the Vande Bharat Express trains under the 'Make in India' Initiative. Reportedly, Union Minister Kishan Reddy has also requested the Railway Ministry to introduce a Vande Bharat Express service between Secunderabad and Tirupati.