In the interim budget for FY25, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that 40,000 normal rail bogies will be converted to Vande Bharat standards, enhancing the safety, convenience, and comfort of passengers. Vande Bharat bogies are lighter, faster, and more energy-efficient than normal bogies, and can achieve speeds of up to 180 kmph.
They are also equipped with modern features such as automatic doors, CCTV cameras, Wi-Fi, and fire detection systems. The conversion of bogies will be done in a phased manner, with the aim of completing the process by Budget 2025.
This ambitious plan reflects the government’s vision of transforming the Indian railway system into a world-class network.
