India's Vande Bharat Freight EMU begins high‑speed trials in Kota

India’s first Vande Bharat Freight Electric Multiple Unit, a 16‑coach train built by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, entered a month‑long technical trial on the Kota‑Nagda‑Sawai Madhopur corridor. The prototype, operated by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation, reached a recorded speed of 145 km/h on its inaugural run and will be tested at progressive speeds of 120, 130, 135 and 145 km/h under both empty and loaded conditions.

The trials assess braking, traction, regenerative energy performance, ride quality and safety systems. With a payload capacity of 395 tonnes – 12 parcel coaches, two refrigerated vans and two trailer coaches – the train is designed to speed up e‑commerce, pharmaceutical and temperature‑sensitive freight, aiming for an average operating speed of 80‑90 km/h, substantially higher than the 60‑70 km/h of existing cargo services.