In a strategic move to transform rail travel, the Indian Railways is set to unleash a wave of innovation and efficiency with the introduction of 60 new Vande Bharat Express trains across 14 states and two Union Territories in 2024. This ambitious plan comes on the heels of the successful launch of 34 Vande Bharat trains in 2023, and it signifies a significant leap forward in the nation’s rail transportation system.
According to multiple officials familiar with the ongoing discussions, the Indian Railways aims to take delivery of nearly 70 trains in 2024, with around 60 of them scheduled for launch on new routes before November 15. The expansion plan is part of the broader production strategy for Vande Bharat trains and rakes.
A senior official involved in the discussions stated, “To ensure the need and long viability of Vande Bharat trains, routes are decided after multiple rounds of discussion and Railway Board approval.” The routes are carefully selected based on discussions and case studies conducted collaboratively by state governments, Indian Railways, and independent consultants.
The Ministry of Railways has directed Chief Passenger Transportation Managers of Zonal Railways to identify viable Origin-Destination (OD) pairs based on demand, considering factors such as tourist destinations, IT hubs, business centers, and state or district headquarters.
Several state governments, including Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, and Kerala, have already approached Indian Railways with potential routes. The ministry is actively considering these proposals. The Railways has received requests from nearly every state and Union Territory to launch a Vande Bharat route.
The government’s launch plans include approximately 18 new routes by June 2024, followed by the introduction of four new routes every fortnight starting in July 2024. The expansion targets both northern and southern states, with specific routes mentioned, such as Mumbai to Shegaon, Pune to Shegaon, Belagavi to Pune, Raipur to Varanasi, and Kolkata to Rourkela.
Gujarat is also expected to see two Vande Bharat Express trains connecting Vadodara city to Pune. Efforts are underway to launch a Vande Bharat train along the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link.
The Indian Railways’ vision extends beyond 2024, with plans to operate 4,500 Vande Bharat trains by 2047, as outlined by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Contracts for 402 Vande Bharat trains have already been awarded, with deliveries scheduled for completion by March 2027.
The Vande Bharat Express trains, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 15, 2019, represent a flagship initiative to promote indigenous manufacturing and modernize railway infrastructure. These semi-high-speed trains boast a distributed traction power system, enabling higher acceleration and deceleration compared to traditional locomotive-hauled trains. With improvements in seating, anti-bacterial systems in air conditioning, and the ability to reach 160 km/h in just 140 seconds, the Vande Bharat Express is set to redefine rail travel in India. The Railways’ commitment to innovation and expansion aligns with the government’s vision of connecting every corner of the country with efficient and modern rail transportation.