Solapur-CSMT Mumbai Vande Bharat Express completes three years

The SolapurndashChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus CSMT Mumbai Vande Bharat Express has completed three years of service marking a major milestone in modern rail connectivity and passenger convenienceSince its inauguration on February 9 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi the train has carried over 23 lakh passengers with an impressive occupancy rate of 10227 per cent according to the Solapur Division of Central RailwayThe 455km service operated as Train Nos 2222622225 connects Solapur known for its textiles and martyrs with Mumbai Indiarsquos commercial capitalIt reduces travel time to just 6 hours 30 minutes compared to nearly 8 hours by conventional superfast trains saving passengers approximately 1 hour 30 minutesEnhancing tourism across MaharashtraThe train has strengthened economic social tourism and religious ties by linking major pilgrimage destinations including Siddheshwar Temple Solapur Akkalkot Tuljapur Pandharpur and Alandi near PuneIts popularity among daily commuters students business travellers tourists and pilgrims has led to an expansion from a 16coach to a 20coach rake in August 2025 offering a total seating capacity of 1440 passengers Solapur Division of Central Railway saidThe Vande Bharat Express uses modern pushandpull technology to efficiently navigate the challenging Bhor Ghat section KarjatndashLonavalaKhandala with the steepest gradient of 1 in 37 twice in the same day without banker locomotivesMumbai suburban rail travel set for mega transformation with 238 AC Vande Metro trainsMumbairsquos suburban railway network the lifeline for millions of daily commuters is poised for a major transformation with the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd MRVC initiating a competitive bidding process for 238 stateoftheart Vande Metro AirConditioned electric multiple unit EMU trainsets The new fleet will include 2856 nextgeneration coaches under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project MUTP Phase3 and 3AUnlike conventional train procurements the project comes with a 35year comprehensive maintenance framework signalling a longterm commitment to passenger safety comfort and operational reliability MRVC in a press release issued on Saturday said the move aims to ensure sustained benefits for millions of Mumbaikars for decadesThe Vande Metro coaches are designed to redefine suburban travelWalkthrough trains with wider intercar gangways will allow better crowd distribution while roofmounted and underslung equipment will maximise usable standing and seating space Ergonomic modular cushioned seating will include dedicated spaces for persons with disabilities and wheelchair users and larger windows will enhance visibility of stations and surroundingsPassenger health and comfort are a priority Advanced HVAC systems with highefficiency filtration will reduce viruses and bacteria while automatic air regulation will adapt to passenger load Safety features include automatic sliding doors with obstacle detection smoke and fire alarms CCTV Passenger Emergency Alarm PEA Emergency Talk Back ETB systems and external sidewall cameras for monitoring boarding and deboarding Highvisibility LED displays will indicate destination rake length and Fast or Slow service