India's fastest train breaks down on first trip

Power in all compartments was lost after the drivers noticed smoke emanating from the last four coaches

PM Narendra Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express on Friday. PHOTO: REUTERS

A day after it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's fastest train broke down after developing a fault on Saturday.

The train came to a halt when brakes in a carriage reportedly jammed during its first outing as the Indian-built semi high-speed Vande Bharat Express was making its way back to the capital Delhi from the city of Varanasi.

A railways spokesperson speaking to Indian media personnel gave the reason for the break down as a possible collision with cattle on the line.

During trials, the Vande Bharat Express reached a speed of 180km/hr (110mph).


Power in all compartments was lost after the drivers noticed smoke emanating from the last four coaches, soon after the brakes failed.

The passengers, which mostly included railway officials and journalists, were forced to take a different train back to Delhi.

According to media reports, there were no signs of damage on the front of the train.

The latest high-speed locomotive is scheduled to start its commercial operations from Sunday.

This article was originally published on BBC.
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