India Unveils 100th Vande Bharat Trainset in Raebareli

Indian Railways marked a major milestone on May 2, 2026, by unveiling the 100th Vande Bharat trainset at the Modern Coach Factory in Raebareli. This new 16-coach semi-high-speed trainset is equipped with a Siemens propulsion system and will undergo oscillation trials before entering regular service.

Production Across Three Key Factories

The Vande Bharat trainsets are manufactured at three main facilities: the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, and the Modern Coach Factory in Raebareli. Together, these factories produce semi-high-speed trains designed to improve passenger travel across India.

Modern Features Enhance Safety and Comfort

The Raebareli-built trainset includes fully sealed gangways and automatic plug doors to boost passenger comfort and safety. Noise reduction systems are integrated to create a quieter travel environment. It also features the Kavach Automatic Train Protection system, an indigenous technology developed to prevent collisions and enhance operational safety on Indian Railways routes.

Expanding Vande Bharat Services and Variants

The Vande Bharat network continues to grow with new services and train configurations. On the same day as the 100th trainset rollout, the Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express began operations, offering the first direct rail link between these cities. This 20-coach train covers the route in about 4 hours and 50 minutes, running six days a week.

Additionally, sleeper variants of the Vande Bharat trains started commercial operations on January 17, 2026, serving long-distance routes between 800 and 1,200 kilometers. The first sleeper prototype was produced by BEML in September 2024, marking a significant expansion of the trainset’s capabilities.

Growth of the Vande Bharat Programme

Launched in 2018 with just two chair-car trainsets, the Vande Bharat programme has expanded to include both chair-car and sleeper variants, covering a wider range of routes and passenger needs. Reaching the 100th trainset highlights Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet and improve travel efficiency.