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Technology
India’s First Vande Bharat Freight Train Hits 145 km/h in Trial Run
✍️ Indian Express
🗓 30 Jul 2026, 11:59 AM
👁 2
The inaugural Vande Bharat freight train, operated by Indian Railways, achieved a top speed of 145 km/h during its trial run, marking a milestone in high-speed freight transport.
Indian Railways has successfully completed the first trial run of its Vande Bharat freight train, a high‑speed locomotive designed to carry cargo at speeds comparable to passenger services. The train reached a top speed of 145 km/h during the test, demonstrating the feasibility of fast freight operations on existing tracks.
The Vande Bharat freight unit, built by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, incorporates advanced propulsion and braking systems that allow it to accelerate quickly and maintain high speeds while carrying heavy loads. The trial was conducted on a stretch of track in the northern corridor, where the train hauled a 500‑tonne cargo load.
Railway officials said the successful trial paves the way for a new era of efficient freight movement across the country, potentially reducing transit times and freight costs. Plans are underway to expand the fleet and integrate the high‑speed freight service into the national logistics network.
The project aligns with the government’s vision of modernising rail infrastructure and boosting the competitiveness of Indian logistics. Future trials will focus on endurance testing and integration with existing freight corridors.
The Vande Bharat freight unit, built by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, incorporates advanced propulsion and braking systems that allow it to accelerate quickly and maintain high speeds while carrying heavy loads. The trial was conducted on a stretch of track in the northern corridor, where the train hauled a 500‑tonne cargo load.
Railway officials said the successful trial paves the way for a new era of efficient freight movement across the country, potentially reducing transit times and freight costs. Plans are underway to expand the fleet and integrate the high‑speed freight service into the national logistics network.
The project aligns with the government’s vision of modernising rail infrastructure and boosting the competitiveness of Indian logistics. Future trials will focus on endurance testing and integration with existing freight corridors.