This story is from June 07, 2024
‘Vande Bharat Bullet Train’ soon? Indian Railways looks to roll out ‘Make in India’ bullet trains with 250 kmph speed this year
It is likely that the trains will be constructed using the Vande Bharat platform. Although utilizing an existing platform would assist ICF in reducing the time required to deliver the train sets, experts noted that supplying them within this fiscal year would be a challenging task.
A senior official familiar with the development was quoted as saying, "ICF, Chennai has been tasked to build and deliver two standard-gauge trainsets of eight cars, each featuring a steel car body, and a running speed of 220 kmph and a maximum speed of 250 kmph."
The official added that the order for the trains was placed earlier this week. Officials said that discussions with a consortium of Japanese rolling stock suppliers, Hitachi and Kawasaki, have been ongoing for an extended period but have made little progress.
The cost of a 10-coach bullet train was estimated at Rs 389 crore in 2018, with each train expected to reach cruising speeds of over 300 kmph. In 2023, the estimated supply cost was revised to Rs 460 crore per train set. Despite the Japanese consortium's willingness to supply the 'Shinkansen' train sets, the Indian Railways remains unconvinced about the offered price.
The bullet train project has experienced significant delays from its original completion deadline of 2022, primarily due to land acquisition challenges in Maharashtra. Experts believe that ICF will face an uphill battle to meet the timeline set by the Indian Railways for developing trains capable of running at 250 kmph.
Sudhanshu Mani, a retired Indian Railways official credited with developing the first variant of the Vande Bharat trains, noted that the current top speed of Vande Bharat trains is only 180 kmph. He added, "This bullet train development and supply target can be achieved by ICF over three to four years.”
Maharajas’ Express Luxury Train In India: Imagine a train ride that takes you through prominent Indian tourist destinations and all in the lap of luxury with deluxe cabins, presidential suites, fine dining restaurants and lounge bars. Maharajas’ Express by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is said to be among India’s most luxurious and expensive trains! The Maharajas’ Express has even won the ‘World's Leading Luxury Train’ award seven times at the World Travel Awards. So what’s special about the Maharajas’ Express? What are its packages and onboard amenities? What does it look like? And, what are the ticket prices of one the most expensive trains in the country? We take a look at the Maharajas’ Express:
Maharajas’ Express packages: There are 4 packages - Indian Panorama (6 Nights/7 Days) covering Delhi – Jaipur – Ranthambore and Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Orchha and Khajuraho – Varanasi; Indian Splendour (6 Nights/7 Days) covering Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Mumbai; Heritage of India (6 Nights/7 Days) covering Mumbai – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Bikaner – Jaipur – Ranthambore and Fatehpur Sikri – Agra and Delhi; Treasures of India (3 Nights/4 Days) covering Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Delhi.
The Maharajas’ Express luxury train offers four categories of cabins/suites, each equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. All cabins feature OTT subscriptions, Wi-Fi Internet, intercom connectivity, DVD players, LED screens, wardrobes, personal electronic safes, air conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms with shower cubicles providing hot and cold running water. The train also provides amenities such as bathrobes, slippers, hairdryers, and a range of luxury toiletries made from essential oils.
Additionally, the Maharajas’ Express luxury train by the IRCTC is equipped with CCTV cameras, smoke alarms, RFID door locks, and 24 by 7 paramedic services for the safety of passengers.
Maharajas’ Express Deluxe Cabin: The train features 20 Deluxe Cabins, including 12 with twin beds and 8 with double beds. Each car is attended by personalized valets for your convenience.
Maharajas’ Express Junior Suite: The train includes 18 Junior Suites, with 12 featuring twin beds and 6 featuring double beds. Each suite offers large panoramic windows. Additionally, every coach is equipped with a mini-pantry and attended by a dedicated valet.
Maharajas’ Express Suites: All four suites are double-bedded and feature large panoramic windows. Each coach includes a mini-pantry and is attended by a dedicated valet. The suites offer additional amenities such as a complimentary mini-bar and a bathtub. The fare for the suite also includes an exclusive language-speaking guide and a luxury car for off-board journeys.
The Presidential Suite on the Maharajas’ Express tourist train spans 448 sq. ft., making it unique among international trains, claims the website. The Presidential Suite features a living room, a complimentary mini-bar, two bedrooms, and two washrooms. Guests in the Presidential Suite enjoy the services of an exclusive 24-hour personal valet. The suite's tariff includes an exclusive language-speaking guide and a luxury car for off-board journeys.
Aboard the luxurious Maharajas' Express there are two fine dining restaurants. One of these restaurants is "Mayur Mahal," and the other is Rang Mahal.” Passengers can enjoy both Indian and international cuisines.
The Maharajas’ Express has a Safari Bar and the Rajah Club Observatory Lounge. The Safari Bar features a curated collection of books for reading enthusiasts and board games. For corporate travellers looking to blend business with leisure, the Safari Bar can be arranged to host meetings.
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