Do you know the original name of Vande Bharat Express

The Vande Bharat Express is one of the most recognisable trains in India.

Known for its sleek design, modern amenities, semi-high-speed capabilities and indigenous engineering, it has become a symbol of the country's efforts to modernise rail travel.

But here's a question that often surprises even railway enthusiasts: Do you know what the Vande Bharat Express was originally called? Well, the answer may surprise you!

Here's what Vande Bharat was called earlier

Before it became the Vande Bharat Express, India's flagship semi-high-speed train was known simply as Train 18, a name that reflected the year in which it was developed and unveiled.

Why was it called Train 18?

The train was developed by engineers at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai and was rolled out in 2018. Rather than assigning it a conventional train name immediately, Indian Railways referred to the project as Train 18, linking it to the year of its creation.

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The project was particularly significant because it marked India's first indigenously designed and built semi-high-speed, locomotive-less train under the Make in India initiative.

Unlike traditional trains that require a separate engine, Train 18 featured a self-propelled trainset design, similar to modern high-speed trains used in several countries.

When did Train 18 become Vande Bharat Express?

On January 27, 2019, then Railway Minister Piyush Goyal announced that Train 18 would be renamed Vande Bharat Express. The name was chosen to reflect the train's Indian origins and indigenous development.

A few weeks later, on February 15, 2019, the first Vande Bharat Express was flagged off between New Delhi and Varanasi, ushering in a new era for Indian Railways.

The train quickly attracted attention for its modern features, including automatic doors, onboard infotainment systems, GPS-based passenger information, bio-vacuum toilets and improved passenger comfort.

A train that changed Indian rail travel

When Train 18 was first unveiled, it represented a major shift in how passenger trains were designed and built in India.

The original trainset was completed in just 18 months by Indian engineers and was estimated to be significantly cheaper than importing a similar train from overseas.

The train was designed to operate at speeds of up to 160 kmph and featured faster acceleration and deceleration compared to conventional trains, helping reduce journey times on busy routes.