Every new Vande Bharat train launch makes it appear to be a signal achievement of the ruling BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is actually an achievement of the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and railway engineers.
The truth about the train is not widely discussed today. As the following newspaper reports and media articles make clear, VB or Train 18 as it was known at its first launch, was indirectly opposed by the present Union government. Rather than try to facilitate it, many spokes were put in its progress.
The stories below are from The Hindu, The India Forum and EconomicTimes.
Train 18: All about India’s first indigenously-built, engine-less train: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/train-18-all-about-indias-first-indigenously-built-engine-less-train/videoshow/66377803.cms?from=mdr
Train 18 and Before: Indigenous High Technology Research in India https://www.theindiaforum.in/article/train-18-and
Weight issue halted Train 18 construction – Railway Board: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/weight-issue-halted-train18-construction-railway-board/article30228849.ece
Architect of Train 18 shifted to less prominent post: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/architect-of-train18-shifted-to-low-ranking-post/article32627308.ece
Train18 officer not in Railways promotions list: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/train18-officer-not-in-promotion-list/article32589954.ece
Production of Vande Bharat trains comes to a grinding halt: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/production-of-vande-bharat-express-comes-to-a-grinding-halt/article28313228.ece
ICF team of Train 18 comes under vigilance scanner: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/icf-team-of-train18-comes-under-vigilance-scanner/article30121187.ece
CVC drops action against top officials of Train 18 team: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cvc-drops-action-against-top-railways-officials/article32613114.ece
New Vande Bharat trains to be faster, safer: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/new-vande-bharat-trains-to-be-faster-safer/article30375262.ece
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