Latest news with #VandeMetro
News18
06-08-2025
- Business
- News18
3 New Vande Bharat Chair Cars To Launch This Week, Including Nagpur-Pune; Sleeper Variant Soon
The decision on the remaining two routes is still under consideration, a railway ministry official said. The tentative routes are Belgaum-Bengaluru and Katra-Amritsar At least three Vande Bharat Chair Cars are expected to be inaugurated on August 10, with one of these connecting Nagpur and Pune, officials aware of the details told News18. The decision on the remaining two routes is still under consideration, a railway ministry official said. The tentative routes are Belgaum-Bengaluru and Katra-Amritsar, as of Wednesday. The nearly 900 km train ride between Nagpur and Pune will be completed in about 10 hours. Currently, Duronto Express is the fastest train on this route, taking nearly 13 hours. The Vande Bharat will start from Ajni station, about 3 km from Nagpur Railway Station, on the Delhi-Chennai line. Among existing Vande Bharat services, the Delhi-Varanasi route covers the longest distance of over 750 km, while the Tatanagar-Brahmapur train has the longest travel time at nine hours and 25 minutes. 'Three new trains are most likely to be flagged off on August 10. One of the routes will be Ajni-Pune," an official said. 'For the remaining routes, the final approvals are pending." The ministry has not issued any official details of the trains or routes as of now. As the Chair Car network expands, Indian Railways is gearing up to launch the much-anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper variant—the third category after Chair Car and Vande Metro. Vande Bharat Sleeper Expected Soon: In High Demand Already Indian Railways is expected to introduce the Vande Bharat Sleeper train soon, with the ministry finalising the route, News18 has learnt. Earlier plans were for an August 10 launch, which is being reconsidered. In recent weeks, several requests have reached railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's office for sleeper train allocations, including proposals from poll-bound states Bihar and West Bengal. The Nagpur Division of the central zone submitted a proposal in June for the country's first Vande Bharat Sleeper, but it remains under consideration. On Wednesday, BJP MP Captain Brijesh Chowta from Dakshina Kannada met Vaishnaw, urging the allocation of the sleeper train on the Mangaluru-Bengaluru route. 'There is huge demand for the Sleeper Vande Bharat, and the ministry will soon finalise the route," an official added. The Vande Bharat Sleeper offers three classes—AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier—with a total capacity of 1,128 passengers. Delhi-Patna Route Under Consideration Among the frontrunner routes is Delhi-Patna, although Indian Railways is yet to make an official announcement. In 2024 and earlier this year, a special Vande Bharat Chair Car operated on this route during festive seasons, covering nearly 1,000 km in 11 hours and 30 minutes—the longest chair car journey to date. The first sleeper rake, built by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, has already undergone successful trials and was allocated to the northern zone in February, News18 was informed. Earlier this year, the ministry had announced plans to deliver 10 sleeper trains by December. As of July 31, only one train set had been produced. These new sets of trains are redefining travel comfort and convenience for millions of passengers across the country, with commuters expecting faster, safer, and more luxurious journeys. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Business Standard
28-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Jindal Stainless and the Future of Smart Infrastructure in India
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 28: As India accelerates its journey toward smart cities, grid modernization, and sustainable mobility, Jindal Stainless is emerging as a key catalyst. Its advanced stainless steel solutions and digital-first approach are redefining how infrastructure is conceived, designed, and built in India. Reimagining Infrastructure through Smarter Materials Jindal Stainless has delivered SS 301LN stainless steel for India's first underwater metro line in Kolkata, a ₹4,965 crore project covering 4.8 km under the Hooghly River. The premium grade was chosen for its corrosion resistance, life-cycle cost benefits, and low maintenance. In rail applications beyond conventional coaches, the company supplied high-strength 201LN stainless steel for the Vande Metro trains. These trains, planned for launch in mid-2024 across routes like Bhubaneswar-Bhubaneswar and Chennai-Tirupati, use panels of reduced thickness (3 mm down to 2 mm), resulting in lighter, more energy-efficient, and safer car bodies. Fueling Eco-Mobility with Smart Design Partnering with JBM Auto, Jindal Stainless is fabricating over 500 energy-efficient electric buses using JT Tubes made from low-carbon, chromium-manganese stainless steel (N7 grade). The material is three times stronger than carbon steel, enhancing performance and reducing the carbon footprint of public transport. Digitalization as the Backbone of Infrastructure Efficiency In May 2025, Jindal Stainless unveiled Project Pragati at its Hisar plant--a ground-breaking digital transformation initiative. In collaboration with Dassault Systemes and Capgemini, it integrates virtual twin-based planning, real-time tracking, and automated fulfilment. The system is projected to reduce lead times by 10-15%, cut inventory costs by 8-10%, and improve capacity utilization by around 5%. Future phases aim to extend this automation to Jajpur and ultimately the full supply chain. Driving Smart Infrastructure via Sustainability Jindal Stainless is spearheading India's stainless steel industry's shift toward green manufacturing. It inaugurated the country's first commercial green hydrogen plant for stainless steel in March 2024 at its Hisar unit, in partnership with Hygenco. The facility delivers ~72 tonnes/year of green hydrogen to replace ammonia-derived hydrogen in annealing processes, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 2,700 tonnes annually (and ~54,000 tonnes over 20 years). In parallel, the company has earmarked ₹700 crore for sustainability initiatives--including 300-350 MW of renewable energy (solar and wind) across Hisar and Jajpur, biomass substitution, waste-heat recovery, and circular usage of scrap input. The goal: cut carbon intensity by 50% by 2035 and reach net-zero by 2050. Infrastructure Demand Tailwinds India's infrastructure boom is set to boost demand for advanced stainless steel at ~7.5% CAGR over the next decade, with sectors such as railways, automotive, industrial construction, and architecture leading growth--favoring players like Jindal Stainless prepared with sustainable and high-performance products. What It Means for Smart Infrastructure Growth -Lightweighting & Strength: Advanced steel grades like SS 301LN and 201LN enhance structural strength while reducing weight--enabling cost-efficient, durable transit and urban infrastructure. -Digital Integration: Project Pragati's automation tools enable real-time visibility and agility--even in complex project demands typical of smart-city deliveries. -Environmental Leadership: Hydrogen and renewable initiatives position Jindal Stainless as a green infrastructure enabler aligned with India's net-zero ambition. - Scalable Reach: With facilities in Hisar, Jajpur, and overseas, and strategic tie-ups with rail, metro, and bus OEMs, the company is well-placed to support India's smart infrastructure growth at scale. Bottom Line Whether it's underwater metro lines, electric buses, or industry-scale digital factories, Jindal Stainless is not just a material supplier, it is evolving into a smart infrastructure partner. As the company combines engineering innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation, it stands at the crossroads of shaping India's infrastructure of tomorrow.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Cheer for passengers! Indian Railways to roll out 50 Namo Bharat AC trains; 100 new MEMUs for short distance travel
Namo Bharat, earlier called the Vande Metro, is an air-conditioned self-propelled train set that has been built on the Vande Bharat Express platform. Indian Railways will manufacture more trains to ferry passengers over shorter distances. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishaw has said 50 new Namo Bharat trains will be manufactured by the national transporter. Additionally, 100 Mainline EMUs (MEMUs) will be rolled out. These will have 16-20 coaches each with an aim to facilitate travel for railway passengers over short distances. Namo Bharat, earlier called the Vande Metro, is an air-conditioned self-propelled train set that has been built on the Vande Bharat Express platform. The Namo Bharat trains offer premium short-distance travel for regular passengers and those without reservations in non-suburban routes. Indian Railways Namo Bharat trains: Top facts Namo Bharat trains have been designed for inter-city journeys of shorter duration. While Vande Bharat operates at a semi-high speed of 160 kmph, the Vande Metro or Namo Bharat trains have been configured to run at a maximum speed of 130 kmph. Namo Bharat trains may eventually replace the mainline EMUs on the Indian Railways network, with both seating and standing arrangements similar to metro services. The 12-coach configuration can transport 1,150 seated passengers and accommodate 2,058 standing travellers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Also Read | New Tatkal ticket booking rules 2025: Indian Railways announces compulsory Aadhaar authentication from July 1; what it means for passengers Namo Bharat trains offer numerous advanced features, including a maximum speed of 130 kmph, better acceleration and deceleration abilities, and completely sealed gangways that enable smooth inter-coach movement whilst maintaining a clean environment. The train provides comfortable seating arrangements and full air conditioning to ensure passengers travel in comfort. The train comes fitted with automatic doors, the KAVACH anti-collision system, power points for mobile charging, and large sealed panoramic windows with roller blinds to enhance passenger comfort and protection. For security purposes, CCTV surveillance and emergency communication units are installed throughout. The Vande Metro is also equipped with modern modular toilets featuring vacuum-based evacuation systems, which contributes to an improved journey experience. Also Read | Great news for waitlisted passengers! Indian Railways starts trial for train charts; get to know status of your ticket 24 hours before departure Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
India Today
24-04-2025
- India Today
Jaynagar to Patna Namo Bharat Rapid Rail: Check route, travel time, full schedule
Bihar is about to undergo a radical transformation of its railway facilities with the opening of the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail service projected to operate between Jaynagar and Patna. Expected to revolutionise intercity travel for passengers, this rail service will provide remarkable speed, comfort, and second semi-high-speed regional train - the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail (formerly Vande Metro) - is set to launch after the Delhi-Meerut corridor. Modelled to offer a world-class rail service for short distances between cities, this train sets out to improve the economic and infrastructural development of FEATURESJaynagar to Patna 94803, Patna to Jaynagar 94804 Distance Covered: 267 kilometerTravel Time: Approximately 5 hours and 30 minutesFrequency: Six days a weekTrain 94803 operates every day except SundayTrain 94804 operates every day except SaturdayPrimary Maintenance: RNCC (Patna)ROUTE AND STOPPAGESThe Namo Bharat Rapid Rail's service will stop at 7 central stations between Patna Junction and Jaynagar, allowing for greater passenger access throughout the SCHEDULE:1 Madhubani2 Sakri3 Darbhanga4 Samastipur5 Barauni6 Mokama7 BarhTIMETABLETrain 94803 (from Jaynagar to Patna): Departure time is 05:00 hrs, and Arrival time is 10:30 94804 (from Patna to Jaynagar): Departure time is 18:05 hrs, and Arrival time is 23:45 COMPOSITION AND SEATING CAPACITYThe train contains 16 coaches made for a maximum of 2,000 passengers. This configuration guarantees adequate spacing and comfort, considering the increased volume of intercity travel in this part of the region.
News18
22-04-2025
- Business
- News18
Amrit Bharat 2.0, Vande Metro Coming To Bihar This Month In Transport Boost For Poll-Bound State
Last Updated: The economical non-AC Amrit Bharat 2.0 will connect the state with Mumbai, while the fully AC Vande Metro will connect the capital city with Jaynagar Months ahead of assembly polls, Bihar is set to receive a transport boost with the first Amrit Bharat 2.0 train and India's second Vande Metro train launching this month for the state. The economical non-AC Amrit Bharat 2.0 will connect the state with Mumbai, while the fully AC Vande Metro will connect the capital city with Jaynagar. The Amrit Bharat 2.0 train is an upgraded version of the already functional Amrit Bharat. It will operate between Saharsa and Mumbai. The poll-bound state had also received the first version of the Amrit Bharat train when it was launched in 2024. On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the Amrit Bharat train between Saharsa and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Mumbai) along with the Vande Metro, officially called the Namo Bharat train, between Jaynagar and Patna. Amrit Bharat 2.0 In January 2024, the Indian Railways launched two Amrit Bharat trains, including the Darbhanga-Ayodhya-Anand Vihar Terminal train. Another train operates between Malda Town and Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (Bengaluru). So, the Saharsa-Mumbai Amrit Bharat will be the second train for Bihar from the newest series of trains. In January, News18 visited the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, where one coach each of the sleeper and general class of Amrit Bharat 2.0 was kept ready for Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to inspect. The Amrit Bharat train was upgraded with enhanced features for making it more modern, comfortable, and high-tech. In the Railway Budget for FY 2025–26, a plan to introduce 100 new Amrit Bharat trains was announced. Vande Metro After Ahmedabad-Bhuj, the Jaynagar-Patna Vande Metro will be the second Namo Bharat rapid rail service in the country. These trains operate at a speed of 110 km/h, reducing the travel time by half. Speaking to News18, a Railways ministry official said with the launch of this train, common passengers of north Bihar will get a fast, safe, and modern travel experience. 'Namo Bharat connects north Bihar directly to Patna, ensuring better access to education, healthcare, justice, and administrative services. With improved connectivity, local handicrafts, agricultural products, and small entrepreneurs will gain access to larger markets," they said. Both these trains are among the latest trains launched by the Indian Railways and are set to transform the way the state travels. The term of the current Bihar assembly is ending in November 2025 and elections are scheduled to be held around the year-end. First Published:
