Indian Railways’ new Vande Bharat train has completed a high-speed trial at 180 kmph on the Mathura-Nagda section. The 16-coach Vande Bharat Chair Car trainset has been manufactured at the Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala, Punjab.

According to the Ministry of Railways, the trial took place on October 8, 2026, under the supervision of the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS). The inspection assessed the train’s high-speed performance, operational efficiency and safety parameters. The newly manufactured trainset is equipped with an advanced propulsion system designed to support its operations.

Trial speed not the same as service speed

Completing a trial at 180 kmph does not automatically mean the train will operate at that speed during regular passenger services. Its permitted operating speed will depend on the applicable safety clearances and operational requirements.

The trainset has a design and operating speed of 180/160 kmph respectively. It is fitted with the KAVACH safety system, jerk-free semi-permanent couplers, centrally controlled automatic plug doors, fully sealed wider gangways, emergency alarm push buttons and talk-back units on all coaches.

RCF Kapurthala records highest-ever output

In the financial year 2025-26, RCF Kapurthala achieved its highest-ever annual production of 2,383 coaches. It produces coaches for modern trainsets, including Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains, and also exports railway coaches to several countries in Asia and Africa.

The Vande Bharat Chair Car rake features ergonomically designed reclining seats with ample legroom, large panoramic windows for better views and natural lighting, and fully air-conditioned coaches. It also has automatic sliding doors, bio-vacuum toilets and a smooth suspension system that reduces jerks and vibrations.

Other features include improved fire safety with an aerosol-based fire detection and suppression system in electrical cabinets and lavatories, driver-guard communication with voice recording and crash-hardened memory, air conditioning units with an indigenously developed UV-C lamp-based disinfection system, CCTVs in all coaches, a special lavatory for Divyangjan passengers in the driving coaches at each end, and a coach condition monitoring system display with remote monitoring.