Vande Bharat Freight Train Begins Trials, Achieves 145 Kmph Speed
High-speed cargo rail project enters testing phase.
Indian Railways has commenced technical trials of the country's first Vande Bharat Freight Electric Multiple Unit (EMU), marking a significant milestone in its efforts to modernise cargo transportation. Developed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, the prototype reached a top speed of 145 kmph on the first day of testing. The month-long trials are being conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) to evaluate the train's safety, performance and operational reliability before its planned commercial rollout.
The Kota–Nagda–Sawai Madhopur section in Rajasthan has been selected for the trials as it is considered one of Indian Railways' most suitable high-speed testing corridors. According to Saurabh Jain, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Kota Division, the prototype rake was transported from ICF Chennai for the technical evaluation. On the opening day, the train operated between Kota and Mahidpur Road at speeds of up to 120 kmph before achieving 135 kmph on the Mahidpur Road–Bhawani Mandi section. During its return journey to Kota, the freight EMU successfully touched a maximum speed of 145 kmph.
Over the coming weeks, the RDSO will carry out a series of detailed tests to assess the train's performance under different operating conditions. These include oscillation trials at speeds of 120, 130, 140 and 145 kmph, emergency braking distance tests, coupler force assessments, curve performance analysis, traction and braking evaluations, jerk analysis, regenerative energy tests and PAPIS assessments. Engineers will also conduct signal and telecommunications interference checks along with other mandatory safety inspections before the train is cleared for commercial operations.
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The Vande Bharat Freight EMU has been designed to transport high-value and time-sensitive cargo at significantly higher speeds than conventional freight trains. It is intended to carry e-commerce shipments, pharmaceuticals, perishable goods and parcel consignments, helping reduce delivery times across the country. The 16-coach prototype consists of two Driving Trailer Coaches (DTC), two Non-Driving Trailer Coaches (NDTC) and 12 parcel coaches. It offers a payload capacity of approximately 397 tonnes and features refrigerated storage, pneumatic retractable roller flooring and propulsion technology derived from the passenger Vande Bharat platform.
If the ongoing trials are completed successfully, Indian Railways plans to introduce the Vande Bharat Freight EMU into commercial service in January 2027. The project is expected to improve logistics efficiency, reduce transit times for premium cargo and strengthen India's freight transportation network. The introduction of a high-speed freight service also aligns with Indian Railways' broader objective of enhancing infrastructure and adopting advanced technology to support the country's growing logistics and supply chain requirements.
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