India’s first Vande Bharat cargo train has started trial runs in Kota, Rajasthan. The 16-coach prototype will test speed, braking and load capacity over the next month.
Kota: The trial runs began on Wednesday on the Nagda–Kota–Sawai Madhopur section. Officials from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) are supervising the exercise. They will assess the train’s performance under different conditions.
The Vande Bharat cargo train can run at speeds of up to 145 km/h. During the trials, it will test speeds from 120 km/h to its maximum designed speed. The train is expected to carry around 395 tonnes of load in its 16 coaches.
Indian Railways plans to use this train for a superfast parcel service across the country. The idea is to move high-value and time-sensitive goods much faster than current freight trains. Present freight trains usually run at 70–110 km/h.
The Kota division has become a key testing ground for Indian Railways’ advanced train projects. In the past, it has hosted trials for Vande Bharat chair car, Vande Bharat sleeper, double-decker coaches and LHB AC coaches. The smooth track and fewer curves make it ideal for high-speed evaluation.
If the trials go well, the Vande Bharat cargo train could enter regular service within months. The project forms part of the Railways’ broader push to modernise logistics, reduce transit time and improve freight efficiency under initiatives like Gati Shakti.
