Selecting Routes for Vande Metro Train

Source-This post on Selecting Routes for Vande Metro Train has been created based on the article “Get the Vande Metro routing right” published in “The Hindu” on 28 June 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3– infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Context– The article discusses the introduction Vande Metro trains in India. The Vande Metro aims to run up to 250 kilometers between major cities and nearby towns. The first Vande Metro prototype, with 12 coaches and amenities like Vande Bharat trains, was produced by the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, Punjab.

What are the challenges with the Vande Bharat trains?

1) Low Passenger Numbers-The Vande Bharat trains have captured the nation’s imagination. However, out of the 51 origin-destination pairings served by 82 Vande Bharat rakes introduced by Indian Railways, at least 10 pairs have very low passenger numbers.

2) Financial Loss-Estimates suggest that Indian Railways has incurred losses of approximately ₹100 crore due to poor patronage on some of the Vande Bharat routes.

3) Lack of Analysis-Indian Railways did not systematically analyze each route to ensure sufficient passenger demand before launching the Vande Bharat trains.

What is the significance of the introduction of Vande Metro Train?

1) Facilities-Vande Metro trains, like Vande Bharat trains, feature a continuous, fully air-conditioned gangway that allows passengers to move freely between coaches and use bio-toilets.

2) Safety-Doors are closed that prevents accidents often seen during boarding and disembarking on other types of trains like EMU and MEMU.

Read More- The Issue of Indian Railway Safety

3) Speed-They can run with maximum design speed of 130 kmph, averaging between 75 kmph and 90 kmph depending on the route. This promises quicker and more comfortable journeys, secure boarding and disembarking, and modern restroom facilities.

4) Convenience- Buses traveling distances up to 250 km are generally not luxurious, and while cars offer faster travel, they are not economically feasible for middle-class passengers. Therefore, the Vande Metro train aims to offer a comfortable and affordable travel experience for passengers in this segment.

What are the financial issues with the introduction of Vande Metro trains?

1) High Energy Cost-Vande Metro trains have higher energy costs compared to non-air-conditioned second-class carriages.

2) High Manufacturing Cost– The prototype Vande Metro coach costs ₹8 crore to manufacture, significantly more than second-class suburban coaches. Due to these higher costs, Indian Railways cannot operate Vande Metro trains at fares comparable to second-class trains currently in service.

3) Fare Disparities and Passenger Preferences– Passengers in second-class pay 45 paisa, 22 paisa, and 18 paisa per kilometer on mail/express, ordinary, and EMU/MEMU trains, respectively. Traveling at a low cost is a behavior many rail travelers adopt. Whether these passengers would switch to more expensive air-conditioned Vande Metro trains is uncertain.

4) Underwhelming Response-The introduction of air-conditioned coaches on certain suburban trains in Mumbai did not meet expectations due to factors such as passengers traveling without valid tickets and a disappointing response from commuters.

What should be the Way forward?

1) Conduct Proper Analysis of Demand Projection-Indian Railways should learn from the mistakes of the Vande Bharat trains when planning the Vande Metro. Conducting a methodical analysis of demand projections for different origin-destination pairs before finalizing routes for Vande Metro trains would be beneficial.

2) Enhancing Utilization through Passenger-Centric Planning– This approach should consider passengers’ willingness and ability to pay. This will lead   to higher patronage and improved utilization of train services.

Question for practice

What is the importance of the Vande Metro Train’s launch? What financial challenges accompany its introduction?