Where is Vande Bharat manufactured?

At the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai — a Production Unit of Indian Railways.

What is unique about Vande Bharat's design?

It is an Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) — traction is distributed across coaches, eliminating the need for a separate locomotive. This allows faster acceleration and lower turnaround times.

What is the operational maximum speed?

Designed for up to 180 km/h, but currently operates at a maximum of 160 km/h on routes where track infrastructure permits.

Infrastructure & TransportMinistry of Railways

Vande Bharat Express

Indigenously designed semi-high-speed Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai. The first train ran on 15 February 2019 (originally Train 18) on the New Delhi–Varanasi route.

Why UPSC tests this

Tested on indigenous design (no separate locomotive — distributed traction), maximum operating speed (160 km/h on most current routes), and recent variants (Vande Bharat Sleeper, Vande Metro).

Latest from PIB

7 on this page

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The Ministry of Railways reported significant progress in FY 2025-26, achieving record freight loading and enhanced passenger services. Key milestones include the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, increased manufacturing of locomotives and LHB coaches, and expanded deployment of the indigenous Kavach safety…
21 Aug 2025Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
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The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment launched an Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) under the SMILE scheme to economically empower transgender persons. Implemented by NIESBUD, this pilot initiative aims to train 1800 individuals across 18 programs nationwide. Additionally, the RBI included the transge…
30 Jun 2025Ministry of Railways has launched the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme f
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This PIB release provides an update on several key Indian Railways initiatives. It details the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme for station development, including its features and the number of stations identified. The release also highlights the universal adoption of zero-discharge Bio-toilets in mainline coaches as of Jun…
10 Aug 2024Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Railways
PM to visit Karnataka on 10th August
The Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for significant urban connectivity projects in Bengaluru. This includes the new Yellow Line of Bangalore Metro Phase-2 and the foundation stone for Phase-3, along with flagging off three new Vande Bharat Express trains. These initiatives aim to enhance region…
6 Jun 2024
PM to visit Jammu and Kashmir on 6th June
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jammu and Kashmir on June 6th, inaugurating and dedicating multiple development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore. Key infrastructure highlights include the world's highest Chenab Rail Bridge, India's first cable-stayed Anji Bridge, and the comprehensive Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramull…
6 Jun 2024Prime Minister's Office (PMO)
Prime Minister outlines vision and key projects worth ₹46,000 crores for enhanced connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir
The Prime Minister announced infrastructure projects worth ₹46,000 crores for Jammu & Kashmir, focusing on enhanced connectivity. Key highlights include the Chenab Rail Bridge as the world's tallest railway bridge, the Anji Bridge as India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, and the USBRL project for all-weather connecti…
1 Mar 2024Ministry of Railways
Hon’ble Union Minister Sri Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurates 'Aditya' Complex at BEML, Bengaluru
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated BEML's 'Aditya' complex in Bengaluru, a new facility for indigenous manufacturing of high-speed rail coaches, specifically B-28 coaches. He highlighted the progress in high-speed rail technology and announced new Vande Bharat services, including a Sleeper Express between Mumb…

Frequently asked

Where is Vande Bharat manufactured?: At the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai — a Production Unit of Indian Railways.
What is unique about Vande Bharat's design?: It is an Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) — traction is distributed across coaches, eliminating the need for a separate locomotive. This allows faster acceleration and lower turnaround times.
What is the operational maximum speed?: Designed for up to 180 km/h, but currently operates at a maximum of 160 km/h on routes where track infrastructure permits.