Kota: The first Vande Bharat trainset manufactured by the Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, has achieved a maximum speed of 180 kmph during a speed trial conducted on the Kota–Chaumahla–Kota section under the Kota Division of West Central Railway, officials said.

The trial was conducted under the supervision of Dhirendra Kulshreshtha, Director (Testing) at the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) of Indian Railways. Officials said earlier trials at 160 kmph had already been completed successfully, following which the train’s speed was increased and tested at 180 kmph.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Saurabh Jain said the Vande Bharat trainset is equipped with advanced train control and propulsion systems supplied by Alstom Transport India Limited. He described the successful trial as a major step towards further strengthening the capabilities of India’s indigenous semi-high-speed train network.

During the trial, several critical parameters, including traction performance, braking systems, and system integration, were tested to ensure the train remains safe and reliable even at high speeds.

Officials said the operational staff of the Kota Division played a key role in the trial. The team included Loco Pilot Manoj Kumar Meena, Assistant Loco Pilot Chhitar Singh, Chief Loco Inspector Netram Meena, and Traffic Inspector Sushil Jethwani. Technical teams from Alstom and Wabtec also extended technical support during the testing process. DeshGujarat