India has taken a significant step towards modernising its rail freight network, with the country’s first Vande Bharat platform-based Freight Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) successfully completing the first day of technical trials in Rajasthan’s Kota Division.
The high-speed freight prototype reached a top speed of 145 kmph during the trials, marking a key milestone for Indian Railways in its push for faster cargo movement.
Developed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, the 16-coach train is built on the Vande Bharat platform and is aimed at improving efficiency in time-sensitive logistics segments such as e-commerce, parcel services and cold chain.
The trials are being conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) along the Kota–Nagda–Sawai Madhopur corridor, one of Indian Railways’ advanced testing routes.
According to officials, the train departed Kota at 6 am and ran up to Mahidpur Road, initially undergoing non-recorded trials at 120 kmph. It later completed recorded runs at 120 kmph and 135 kmph between Mahidpur Road and Bhawani Mandi. On its return journey, the train achieved a maximum speed of 145 kmph, the highest recorded on the opening day.
The prototype is scheduled to undertake at least two round trips daily as part of a month-long testing programme before being considered for commercial deployment.
The trials will evaluate performance across speeds ranging from 120 kmph to 145 kmph under both loaded and unloaded conditions. Engineers will assess braking efficiency, traction, regenerative energy performance, coupler strength and stability on curves, along with emergency braking distances. Additional tests will cover signalling interference, telecommunications systems, door operations, and safety compliance.
Static inspections will also be conducted on onboard systems such as lighting, CCTV, interior fittings and electrical protection mechanisms.
Designed for high-speed cargo operations, the train has a payload capacity exceeding 397 tonnes with an axle load of over 20 tonnes. The rake comprises two refrigerated driving trailer coaches, two non-driving trailers and 12 parcel coaches.
It features Vande Bharat bogies, advanced propulsion and braking systems, refrigerated storage, forced ventilation and pneumatic retractable roller flooring to streamline loading and unloading.
The train is also equipped with the KAVACH automatic train protection system. In line with enhanced safety standards, doors automatically lock once the train exceeds 5 kmph, and the train cannot move unless all doors are securely closed.
Once operational, the Vande Bharat Freight EMU is expected to significantly improve turnaround times for high-value and time-sensitive cargo, strengthening India’s express logistics and cold chain capabilities.
