A two-week specialised training programme focusing on the safety of Vande Bharat trains and high-voltage electrical systems began on Monday at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna, officials said.
The programme is being jointly organised by the Indian Railway Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (IRIMEE), Jamalpur, and IIT Patna, to create a skilled, technically competent and safety-oriented workforce to meet the future needs of Indian Railways. Railway officials said the initiative assumes added significance as the Railway Ministry has set a target of operating 800 pairs of Vande Bharat trains by 2030.
The training places special emphasis on modern trainsets such as Vande Bharat and Namo Bharat (Rapid Rail), which are equipped with advanced propulsion and auxiliary systems, computerised braking mechanisms and a high degree of automation. Participants will receive detailed theoretical and practical exposure to high-voltage electrical systems, safety protocols, risk management and international best practices in train operation and maintenance.
Officials said the primary objective of the programme is to ensure the safe, reliable and efficient operation of next-generation trains across the country.
The workshop, being held at the IIT Patna campus, will continue until February 20. It was inaugurated on Monday by IIT Patna Director Prof TN Singh and IRIMEE Jamalpur Director General Animesh Kumar Sinha by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
Senior academicians and railway officials, including Dr Anoop Keshari, Associate Dean (Research and Development), IIT Patna; Prof Siddharth Shankar, Professor (Trainset), IRIMEE; Dr Praveen Kumar, CEO, FIST, IIT Patna; Dr Mahesh Kumar H Kolekar, Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering; and Prof Prem Prakash, Dean & SP, RST, IRIMEE, were present at the inauguration.
