INDIA: India’s first Vande Bharat-based freight train reached 145 km/h on the very first day of its trial run — a speed few of the country’s own passenger expresses can match, let alone conventional freight, which typically tops out at 60-70 km/h.

India’s first Vande Bharat-based freight electric multiple unit during trial runs
India’s first Vande Bharat Freight EMU during trials in Kota Division. Illustrative photo. Photo: West Central Railway.

The 16-coach prototype, built as a Freight Electric Multiple Unit (FEMU) by Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory, began month-long trials in the Kota Division of West Central Railway in late July, according to News9live. Unlike conventional freight trains that rely on a separate locomotive, the FEMU distributes traction motors under each coach, the same self-propelled design used on Vande Bharat passenger trains.

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What the train can carry, and how the tests work

The prototype has a total payload capacity of 395 tonnes, with 14 of its 16 wagons rated at 25 tonnes each and two driver-trailer wagons rated at 20 tonnes, according to Swarajya. The Research Designs and Standards Organisation is running progressive speed trials at 120, 130, 135 and 145 km/h on the Delhi–Mumbai corridor between Kota, Nagda and Sawai Madhopur, with at least two round trips operated daily; testing also covers emergency braking distance, coupler force, curve handling and electrical safety. The train’s designed maximum operational speed is 160 km/h, though regular service is expected to run at 80-90 km/h on average — still well above the 60-70 km/h typical of conventional freight.

Built for e-commerce and perishables, not bulk cargo

Officials say the train is intended for time-sensitive cargo such as e-commerce parcels, pharmaceuticals and perishables rather than the bulk commodities that dominate Indian freight rail today. The announcement does not specify a commercial launch date; Indian Railways says commercial operations are expected to begin once the trial phase concludes and safety clearances are issued.

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