The Indian Railways, in its continuous efforts to enhance the nation’s rail network, is gearing up to introduce nine new semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express trains on various routes. These modern and efficient trains have already gained immense popularity among passengers. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai is currently working on the development of the train sets for these nine Vande Bharat Express services. While five tentative routes have been assigned for these trains, the remaining routes in the Southern Railways are yet to be finalized.
Vande Bharat Express: A Game Changer
- Vande Bharat Express, India’s premier semi-high-speed train, has been a significant success story in the country’s railway network.
- These trains are equipped with world-class passenger amenities, offering commuters a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
- Presently, there are 25 Vande Bharat Express trains operating across 50 routes, with a presence in multiple railway zones.
Expanding the Vande Bharat Network
- The expansion plan includes launching nine new Vande Bharat Express trains, with the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) Chennai playing a pivotal role in their development.
- Five tentative routes for the new Vande Bharat trains have been identified, catering to regions in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and more.
- The Ministry of Railways is expected to conduct a significant launch event to introduce these trains to the public.
Tentative Vande Bharat Express Routes
- Indore – Jaipur Vande Bharat Express
- Jaipur-Udaipur Vande Bharat Express
- Puri – Rourkela Vande Bharat Express
- Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat Express
- Jaipur-Chandigarh Vande Bharat Express
Ongoing Developments
- The trial run of Odisha’s second Puri-Rourkela Vande Bharat Express has commenced, aiming to connect coastal and western Odisha regions.
- The first Vande Bharat Express from Puri to Howrah was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May.
- The expansion of the Vande Bharat network is a testament to its growing popularity and success.
Passengers Flock to Vande Bharat Trains
- Central Railways reports a significant surge in passengers traveling on Vande Bharat trains from August 15 to September 8, with a total of 1.22 lakh passengers.
- During this period, Indian Railways generated a total revenue of 10.72 crores, reflecting the high demand for these services.
- Occupancy rates for various Vande Bharat Express trains highlight their popularity among travelers.
Occupancy Rates for Vande Bharat Express Trains
- Bilaspur-Nagpur Express: 122.56%
- GOA Madgaon-CSMT Express: 75.50%
- Nagpur-Bilaspur Express: 106.40%
- CSMT Shirdi Express: 81.33%
- Shirdi-CSMT Express: 81.88%
- CSMT Solapur Express: 93.71%
- Solapur CSMT Express: 105.09%
- Madgaon Express: 92.05%
The Indian Railways continues its mission to revolutionize train travel in India with the expansion of the Vande Bharat Express network. The introduction of nine new semi-high-speed trains on various routes will provide passengers with even more efficient and comfortable travel options. These trains have already garnered significant passenger interest, as evidenced by high occupancy rates and increased revenue. As the network expands, more regions of the country will benefit from the convenience and speed of Vande Bharat Express trains, further bolstering India’s rail infrastructure.
