Mumbai: The Indian Railways is conceptualising a shorter version (eight-car) of its pet project Vande Bharat trains, which currently run with 16 coaches. With 400 Vande Bharat trains planned, the railway ministry believes that the demand for these trains on routes connecting tier-2 cities would be less and hence, shorter trains will serve the purpose better.
The eight-car version is being developed at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai. Senior officials stated that the Railway Board has communicated to the ICF about the same and the latter are working on conceptualising the designs and changes needed to accommodate the idea.
“The ICF is working on revising the current rake formation and seating arrangements. It can be made into an eight-car or a 12-car or even a 16-car train depending on the demand or the growth of it,” said a senior railway official on the condition of anonymity.
