Centre planning to launch Vande Metro ahead of elections, say sources

KOCHI: Vande Metro is likely to become a trump card for the BJP, which is trying to open its account in the state in the Lok Sabha elections. The Ministry of Railways is trying hard to get the Vande Metro on track as soon as possible. It is indicated that Vande Metro is likely to be introduced in at least 10 busy routes in Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad divisions soon. A railway spokesperson told 'Kerala Kaumudi' that no notification has been received in this regard at present.

The Centre had promised that Vande Metro, an alternative to the short-distance MEMU services, would be on track by the beginning of the new year. Railways may not directly run Vande Metro. Distance limit: 250 – 300 km. Speed ​​up to 130 km per hour. There will be 12 fully air-conditioned coaches in a Vande Metro train. The first rake will roll out of the Perambur coach factory in Tamil Nadu within weeks. The manufacturing of Vande Bharat sleeper coaches, which should be introduced by March, is also in progress here.

Passengers will be allowed to travel by standing in chair cars. A coach can accommodate 100 people sitting and 200 people standing. The one thing that is worrying the authorities is the rising complaints from passengers that other trains are being deliberately delayed to make way for Vande Bharat. When the Vande Metro comes along, extreme caution will be required to avoid such complaints.

Routes being considered for Vande Metro

Thiruvananthapuram – Ernakulam, Kollam – Ernakulam, Kollam – Thrissur, Kollam – Tirunelveli, Ernakulam – Kozhikode, Ernakulam – Coimbatore, Kozhikode – Palakkad, Kozhikode – Mangalore, Nilambur – Metupalayam and Palakkad-Kottayam.

Key Features

1. 'Kavach' system to avoid collision

2. Coaches with closed corridors

3. Lightweight body and cushioned seats

4. Automated door opening on both sides

5. Automatic fire alarm, modular toilet