The Vande Bharat Express is set to expand its routes, with new trains planned for states like Bihar, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, and Bengaluru. This is part of Indian Railways’ efforts to increase rail connectivity in areas gearing up for elections. Currently, the final route decisions are pending approval from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Since the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express in 2019, it has become a symbol of India’s push for modern rail travel. This indigenous semi-high-speed train, launched as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, offers a comfortable and swift travel experience.
The first train launched on February 15, 2019, and traveled the New Delhi-Kanpur-Allahabad-Varanasi route at speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour. Today, there are 102 Vande Bharat services (51 trains) operating nationwide. In the last financial year, over 3.1 million passengers booked tickets for these trains, resulting in an impressive occupancy rate of 96.62%.
The anticipation for the new routes is growing. Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced that Prime Minister Modi will launch the first Vande Bharat Express to Kashmir from Katra on April 19. This train service will initially start from Katra since the Jammu station is under renovation, marking a significant step in enhancing travel to one of India’s most beautiful regions.
As the rollout progresses, the population in these states is eager to see the benefits that faster and more efficient rail travel will bring. User reactions on social media indicate excitement, as people are sharing their hopes for improved connectivity and the economic boost that comes with it. Investing in better rail infrastructure not only improves travel times but also has the potential to boost local economies.
For more in-depth information on the Vande Bharat Express and its societal impacts, you can refer to the Indian Railways’ official reports and updates.