Centre Planning to Launch Vande Metro Ahead of Elections, Say Sources
In a strategic move ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Centre is reportedly planning to launch the Vande Metro, which is expected to be a significant card for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala. Sources suggest that the Ministry of Railways is making concerted efforts to fast-track the introduction of Vande Metro on at least 10 busy routes in Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad divisions.
The Vande Metro is positioned as an alternative to short-distance Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) services and is anticipated to play a crucial role in the political landscape. Although there is no official notification yet, it is indicated that the Vande Metro may be operational on these routes soon.
As per the Centre’s commitment, Vande Metro, designed for distances between 250 and 300 km with speeds up to 130 km per hour, is expected to hit the tracks by the beginning of the new year. The trains will have 12 fully air-conditioned coaches, with manufacturing already in progress at the Perambur coach factory in Tamil Nadu.
Passenger concerns about potential delays in other trains due to Vande Bharat services have been raised. To address this, authorities are advised to exercise caution to avoid such complaints when Vande Metro is operational.
The routes being considered for Vande Metro include Thiruvananthapuram – Ernakulam, Kollam – Ernakulam, Kollam – Thrissur, Kollam – Tirunelveli, Ernakulam – Kozhikode, Ernakulam – Coimbatore, Kozhikode – Palakkad, Kozhikode – Mangalore, Nilambur – Metupalayam, and Palakkad-Kottayam.
Key Features of Vande Metro:
- ‘Kavach’ system to avoid collision
- Coaches with closed corridors
- Lightweight body and cushioned seats
- Automated door opening on both sides
- Automatic fire alarm, modular toilet
The launch of Vande Metro is anticipated to have significant political implications, and its introduction ahead of elections is seen as a strategic move by the BJP in Kerala.
