Second saffron-coloured Vande Bharat express with upgraded facilities set for inauguration today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the second saffron-coloured Vande Bharat train between Varanasi and New Delhi at 2:15 pm on Monday, December 18. This announcement comes alongside multiple enhancements and state-of-the-art features introduced in the train, as per a statement issued by the Northern Railway (NR).

"This is the second saffron-coloured Vande Bharat train which the Railway Ministry is going to launch in the country," stated a source within the Railway Ministry.

Array of upgraded facilities for passengers

The NR, through its press statement, unveiled an image showcasing the striking saffron hue of the train while highlighting the array of upgraded facilities for passengers. The train boasts superior amenities, including onboard Wi-Fi infotainment, a GPS-based passenger information system, luxurious interiors, bio-vacuum toilets equipped with touch-free conveniences, diffused LED lighting, and charging points available beneath every seat. Additionally, individual touch-based reading lights and concealed roller blinds are incorporated for passenger comfort.

Highlighting the train's advancements, the NR stated, “It has a better heat ventilation and air-conditioning system with UV lamps for germ-free supply of air. The intelligent air-conditioning system adjusts the cooling according to the climate conditions/occupancy.”

The inaugural run of the train from Varanasi to New Delhi is scheduled for December 18 at 2:15 pm. During its regular operations, the train will depart from Varanasi at 6:00 am for New Delhi six days a week, excluding Tuesdays. It is slated to arrive in New Delhi at 2:05 pm and depart for Varanasi at 3:00 pm, reaching its final destination station at 11:05 pm.

The first Vande Bharat train, currently operating between New Delhi and Varanasi, commences its journey from Delhi at 6:00 am, reaching its destination at 2:00 pm. It then departs for New Delhi at 3:00 pm, arriving at its destination at 11:00 pm. The train operates six days a week, except on Thursdays.

No politics behind the colour: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, addressing concerns about the colour scheme, emphasised a scientific basis for the choice. "For human eyes, two colours are supposed to be the most visible - yellow and orange," Vaishnaw mentioned in a recent interaction with journalists. He reiterated that the selection of colours for Vande Bharat trains was based on visibility considerations, devoid of any political intent.

Vaishnaw clarified, "There is no politics behind the colour of Vande Bharat trains; it is a 100 percent scientific thought."