Editor, Goemkarponn
AERIAL VIEW
So now, the question is, will the Vande Bharat take the original speed of 180 km per hour, especially during monsoons when the speed of the trains is restricted due to landslides and minor accidents?
It is a common phenomenon of trees collapsing and boulders coming on the tracks, and they have been responsible for several accidents and derailments. Do not forget the frequent flooding of tracks on the Konkan Railway route.
At such a time, when the need of the hour is to improve the safety of the Konkan railway route, the Vande Bharat introductions seem to be meaningless.
What is the use of this high-speed train when it cannot take the speed itself?
Government and Railways claim that Vande Bharat will take 7 hours to reach Mumbai from Goa which means the train will have to run at a speed of 100 kmph to cover a distance of approximately 700 km.
SURAJ NANDREKAR
Editor, Goemkarponn
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Modi on Tuesday launched the Vande Bharat Express train from Goa to Mumbai.
The State of the Art Made in India train is a game changer for the Indian Railways. Many people congratulate the government for the facilities it provides to the passengers, including meals, push-back seats, air-conditioning etc.
CSMT-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express will have 8 coaches. The train has sliding doors to open on platforms, comfortable chairs, and big TV screens for entertainment. The train is also fitted with Kavach anti-crash device. The train also has a pantry car that serves meals and refreshments to passengers.
The train has caught many eyes due to its high speed, which is 180 km per hour and is labelled a semi-bullet train.
However, knowing the hilly terrain and the frequent mishaps on the Konkan Railway route, one may feel whether this train is worth it for Goa.
Goa already has trains like Karmali – Mumbai LTT AC SF Express, Goa Sampark Kranti, Tejas Express, Madgaon – Mumbai LTT Express, Madgaon – Mumbai LTT Express and several other trains which go to or come from Kerala.
Janshatbdi also has a Vistadoe coach, which gives a 360-degree view of the scenic Konkan belt.
So now, the question is, will the Vande Bharat take the original speed of 180 km per hour, especially during monsoons when the speed of the trains is restricted due to landslides and minor accidents?
It is a common phenomenon of trees collapsing and boulders coming on the tracks, and they have been responsible for several accidents and derailments. Do not forget the frequent flooding of tracks on the Konkan Railway route.
At such a time, when the need of the hour is to improve the safety of the Konkan railway route, the Vande Bharat introductions seem to be meaningless.
What is the use of this high-speed train when it cannot take the speed itself?
Government and Railways claim that Vande Bharat will take 7 hours to reach Mumbai from Goa which means the train will have to run at a speed of 100 kmph to cover a distance of approximately 700 km.
We must remember that the train will start at CSTM and stop at Dadar, Thane, Panvel, Khed, Ratnagiri, Kankavali, and Thivim before the final destination at Madgaon. So the speed needs to be around 110 at least to cover the distance in 7 hours.
Expensive Ticket Price
The fare for an AC chair from CSMT to Madgaon will be Rs 1815 (inclusive of Rs 379 catering charges), while an Executive chair car ticket will cost Rs 3360. (inclusive of Rs 434 catering charges).
The fare for an AC chair from Madgaon to CSMT will be Rs 1970 (inclusive of Rs 530 catering charges), while an Executive chair car ticket will cost Rs 3535. (inclusive of Rs 613 catering charges).
Mumbai-Goa Vande Bharat Express Timings As per the IRCTC schedule, the Vande Bharat Express starting from CSMT will depart at 05:25 and reach Madgaon station at 15:30. During the return journey, the Vande Bharat Express starting from Madgaon will depart at 12:20 and reach CSMT at 22:25.
So, in short, while the train seems to be good and has won accolades all over, the question remains whether the train is worth it for a route like Goa?
