Vande Bharat is a new-generation train experience

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Some say it's an airplane-like setup, while others say it's a new-gen version of Jan Shatabdi. The maiden passengers of the Vandebharat train marveled at its modern facilities. The vloggers who videographed everything said that it was outstanding. Vande Bharat is unlike any train experience ever seen. A signature of modernity in every nook and cranny, just like the interior of an airplane.

There was a rush to see the executive coaches. After sitting on the 180-degree rotating seat in the train, people tried to rotate it but failed. The seat rotates only by pressing the lever at the bottom and both seats can rotate at the same time. It is a reclining seat that can be tilted back. Footrest to elevate legs and with more leg space. The food tray on the handle of the seat can be folded after use.

There are seat numbers in Braille on the sides for the visually impaired. Large glass window to enjoy the outside views and beautiful luggage box. Seats in ordinary coaches are also pushback. All the passengers need to do is press the push switch on the handle. Touch-on and off spotlights above all seats can be adjusted for passenger comfort.

LED display indicating coach number and station in all coaches. LED TVs at both ends of the coach show the location and speed of the train. Messages in Hindi, English and Malayalam and speaker for announcements. Free Wi-Fi. 'Emergency Talk Back Unit (ETBU)' for passengers to talk to the loco pilot or train manager in case of emergency.

The doors are controlled by the loco pilot, so you can't jump in once the train departs. Automatic door to move from one coach to the next. A security camera in every compartment and push button instead of a conventional emergency chain. Charging points under the seat and USB cable can also be connected. Better toilets and waste disposal system.

Hot and cold food items can be stored in every coach. The staff will deliver the food.

• 16 coaches.
• Two are executive class.
• Total 1024 chair car seats.
• Total 104 seats in executive coaches. 52 seats in each coach.
• Executive seat is red in colour.
• Chaircar seat is blue in colour.
• Two seats each on both sides of the executive.
• Three seats on the left and two seats on the right in the chaircar.