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MCF Rae Bareli rolls out first Vande Bharat trainset
On May 2, 2026, the Modern Coach Factory in Rae Bareli rolled out its first 16-car Vande Bharat trainset. The trainset will undergo testing and oscillation trials, and includes a Siemens propulsion system, Kavach protection, and several safety and accessibility features. This rollout adds to India's Vande Bharat programme, which began in 2018 with two trainsets.
Why It Matters
This milestone expands domestic manufacturing of semi-high-speed trains and supports the ongoing modernization of India's railway network.
Timeline
2 Events
MCF Rae Bareli rolls out its first Vande Bharat trainset
May 2, 2026
The Modern Coach Factory (MCF) Rae Bareli rolled out its first 16-car Vande Bharat chair car rake. The trainset has been sent for testing and field trials and will undergo oscillation trials before clearance for passenger services. It features a Siemens propulsion system, planned to be part of the train's operation, and retains standard Vande Bharat attributes such as speed, energy efficiency, and passenger comfort, along with reliability and safety upgrades. Key features include comfortable seating, jerk-free travel, fully sealed gangways, automatic plug doors, and indigenous Kavach automatic train protection. It also includes advanced fire detection with aerosol-based suppression and flood protection for critical under-slung equipment. Interior finishing was done using vacuum infusion technology, and the rake includes Divyangjan-friendly ramps, reserved spaces and accessibility facilities.
Vande Bharat programme began in 2018 with two trainsets
2018
The Vande Bharat (Semi-High Speed) train programme began in 2018 with an initial allocation of two trainsets, marking the start of India’s modernisation effort for semi-high-speed trains.