Powering the Rails: How Many Units of Electricity Do Trains Like Vande Bharat, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Tejas Use to Travel One Kilometer?

The Growing Interest in Vande Bharat Trains

Since 2014, Indian Railways has undergone a major transformation. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the introduction of the Vande Bharat train has been a key part of modernizing India’s railways. Launched on February 15, 2019, the Vande Bharat train has quickly become popular, with over 50 trains operating across India today.

These trains have made around 40,000 trips, transporting over 4 crore passengers. In just the fiscal year 2023-24, they traveled a distance equivalent to 310.7 times around the Earth. The network now connects over 280 districts in 24 states and Union Territories, showcasing its efficiency and extensive reach.

Vande Bharat’s success has caught the eye of other countries as well. Nations like Chile, Canada, and Malaysia are interested in importing these trains, attracted by their modern features and reliability.

In line with this modernization, Indian Railways has fully transitioned from diesel to electric trains. Electric trains are more economical, needing 20 units of electricity to travel 1 kilometer. For example, in the Ajmer railway division, this standard is a fact.

The cost of electricity for running these trains is Rs 6.50 per unit. Thus, operating one kilometer costs Rs 130 for electric trains. In contrast, diesel engines consume about 3.5 to 4 liters of diesel per kilometer, leading to a fuel cost between Rs 350 and Rs 400. This clear cost advantage makes electric trains a smarter choice for the future.