Vande Bharat Express Network Expands in 2024: New Routes Unveiled. Vande Bharat Express Train Boost! New Routes, Faster Travel Across India.
Indian Railways is soon to expand its Vande Bharat Express services across multiple routes nationwide. Presently, the country operates 34 Vande Bharat trains that traverse states equipped with a Broad Gauge (B.G.) electrified network.
The Vande Bharat Express, a domestically manufactured, semi-high speed, and self-driven train set, boasts cutting-edge passenger amenities, promising travelers a faster, more comfortable, and more convenient journey.
Here’s a glimpse of the upcoming Vande Bharat Express trains set to revolutionize travel:
Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express: The Railways has designated the Vande Bharat Express for the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) in Jammu & Kashmir. This eight-car electric train marks the Union Territories’ inaugural allotment of such a train. Successful trials covering a 15 km stretch between Banihal and Khari railways stations in the Ramban district by the Northern Railway indicate progress. Once the Kashmir Valley integrates into the Indian railway network, the Jammu to Srinagar journey is anticipated to shrink to 3.5 hours, ensuring enhanced comfort and speed for passengers.
Secunderabad-Pune Vande Bharat Train: The South Central Railway (SCR) is gearing up to launch a semi-high-speed train between Telangana’s Secunderabad and Maharashtra’s Pune. Reports suggest this train will replace the current Shatabdi Express on this route, promising reduced travel time compared to the existing 8 hours and 25 minutes of the Shatabdi Express. Stops are yet to be finalized.
Bengaluru-Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express: Responding to public demand, the Railways is considering introducing a Vande Bharat Express connecting Karnataka’s Bengaluru to Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore. This potential route aims to serve commuters frequently traveling between these two cities. An official announcement regarding this service is anticipated shortly.
Varanasi Delhi Vande Bharat Express: Sources hint at Prime Minister Modi inaugurating the second Vande Bharat Express on the Delhi-Varanasi route on December 18th. Due to soaring passenger demand, the commencement of this train is eagerly awaited. The existing Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express operates from Delhi at 6 am, reaching Varanasi by around 2 pm. The return journey begins from Varanasi at 3 pm, arriving in Delhi by 11 pm. The introduction of the second train on this route is expected to enhance connectivity during the latter part of the day.
Also, reports indicate a potential expansion of Vande Bharat trains on several other routes including Mumbai-Jalna, Pune-Vadodara, Tatanagar-Varanasi, Patna-Jalpaiguri, Madgaon-Mangalore, Delhi-Amritsar, Indore-Surat, Mumbai-Kolhapur, and Patna-New Jalpaiguri. These expansions signify a significant leap in Indian Railways’ efforts to modernize travel and enhance connectivity across the country.
