The much-celebrated Vande Bharat Express, a semi-high-speed, electric multiple unit train, was meant to cut down travel time drastically, besides being energy efficient. However, a spate of accidents, including one near the Atul Railway Station in Valsad at 8:17 AM today, makes us wonder whether the much-publicised engineering marvel is ready to lead the new age of bullet trains.
The Vibes of India understands that the train rammed into a cow, which damaged the lower section of its front end, BCU (Brake Control Module) cover, coupler cover and water system. The train, which was on a journey from Mumbai Central to Gandhinagar, stopped for 30 minutes after the collision, but no casualties were reported.
This is the third time the Vande Bharat Express met with an accident, following two mishaps in the first week of October.
Previously, a Mumbai-Gandhinagar Vande Bharat Express hit a herd of buffaloes in the Punitnagar area near Vatva railway station. Four buffaloes were reportedly killed.
The following day, another Vande Bharat Express train collided with a cow in the Kheda district. The cow died, but no human casualty was reported.
While Vande Bharat Express’s classy features such as reclining seats, automatic fire sensors, Wifi facilities, three-hour battery backup and GPS systems have great marketing appeal, it’s passenger safety that will eventually win consumers’ confidence.
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