On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the first semi-high speed train which has been named as the 'Vande Bharat Express.' The train was initially named 'Train 18' and will run between Delhi and Varanasi.

The 16-coach train will run at the speed of 160 kmph to cover the distance between Delhi and Varanasi in 8 hours. During the trial run, it touched a speed of 200 to 210 kmph.

PM Modi at the inspection said that he was proud that such a train was produced in India. The Vande Bharat Express was manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory based in Chennai.

At the inaugral event, PM Modi and other participants maintained a 2-minute silence for the CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama Attack.

Bookings for the train have begun and operations will start on 17 February 2019. It will run between Delhi and Varanasi for five days in a week. The tickets are priced at Rs 1,760 for chair car and Rs 3,310 for executive class, according to an order by the Indian Railways. The return journey would cost Rs 1,700 and Rs 3,260 respectively.

The railway department has partnered with restaurant chains, the Landmark Hotel, and Pind Balluchi to provide onboard meals to commuters of Vande Bharat Express.