Archive · 12 Sep 2026
India’s First Vande Bharat Freight EMU Completes 130 Kmph Trial
India tested a new freight train based on Vande Bharat technology.
The train traveled at up to 130 kmph during a special test.
The test ran from Ahmedabad to Mumbai Central on the Western Railway network.
The Research Designs and Standards Organisation used sensors to record how smoothly and safely the train moved.
The train had 50 per cent of its power loading and a 20.32-tonne axle-load bogie.
Special railway staff and technical teams traveled with it.
Security teams protected the expensive testing equipment.
A return test from Mumbai Central to Ahmedabad was planned for the next day.
The results may help determine whether the train can move cargo faster.
India’s first Vande Bharat Freight EMU completed a 130 kmph trial on Western Railway’s network.
The Research Designs and Standards Organisation conducted the Confirmatory Oscillograph Car Run from Ahmedabad to Mumbai Central.
Sensors and a Data Acquisition System recorded stability and performance data during the run.
The rake operated with 50 per cent power loading and a 20.32-tonne axle-load bogie.
A return trial from Mumbai Central to Ahmedabad was scheduled for Sunday, September 13.
- Who
- The Research Designs and Standards Organisation, Western Railway staff, Vande Bharat crew and supporting technical personnel conducted the trial.
- What
- A Vande Bharat Freight EMU completed a 130 kmph Confirmatory Oscillograph Car Run to assess its stability and performance.
- When
- The outbound trial took place on Saturday; the return run was scheduled for Sunday, September 13.
- Where
- The trial covered the Ahmedabad–Vadodara–Mumbai Central section of the Western Railway network.
- Why
- The test was conducted to collect technical data on high-speed freight operations and evaluate the rake’s suitability for faster cargo movement.
- Maximum trial speed
- 130 kmph
- Testing agency
- Research Designs and Standards Organisation
- Trial route
- Ahmedabad–Vadodara–Mumbai Central section
- Power loading
- 50 per cent
- Axle-load bogie
- 20.32 tonnes
- Departure time
- 9 am
- Return trial
- Scheduled from Mumbai Central to Ahmedabad on Sunday, September 13