Unraveling India’s Bullet Train Ambitions: Insights from the Vande Bharat Architect on What Went Wrong

Indian Railways is facing serious management challenges. Sleeper coaches are overcrowded, often filled with waitlisted passengers, while general coaches resemble cramped cattle wagons. People share their frustrations on social media, with many videos showcasing the chaos. The recent Maha Kumbh 2025 only emphasized these issues, as even those with reserved tickets struggled to board their trains due to overcrowding. This growing dissatisfaction should serve as a wake-up call for officials.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Railway Minister, is under fire for not delivering on key issues. Critics often refer to him as a “reel minister,” highlighting perceived failures, especially following various train accidents. Many are asking him to point out any successful initiatives he’s completed during his time. Experts believe he has not focused enough on safety improvements, including the crucial Kavach system.

While the Indian Railways is highlighting achievements like the Vande Bharat trains, Sudhanshu Mani, the former General Manager of ICF Chennai and the brain behind the Vande Bharat, offered insights on the challenges facing the railway system. Here are some key points from his interview:

Corruption Allegations and Challenges

Mani discussed how despite facing unfounded corruption allegations on the T-18 project, they never found any wrongdoing. However, these accusations caused stress for his team, some of whom faced setbacks in their careers. He believes it’s essential to move on and focus on future improvements.

High-Speed Train Development

Mani feels there’s no shortage of talent in India, as demonstrated by the successful design of the Vande Bharat train. However, he pointed out that while it’s a good train, it’s not world-class yet. He emphasized the need for committed leadership to develop faster trains and improve technology. Progress could be made, but the current leadership seems hesitant due to fear of making bold decisions.

Train Safety and Accident Rates

Regarding train accidents, Mani urges focusing on data. While past years saw hundreds of fatalities, those numbers have dropped significantly, with an average of only about 25-30 deaths annually, excluding major incidents. He argues the rise in media coverage might make it seem like accidents are increasing. The government should publicly acknowledge the drop in accidents and reinforce ongoing safety initiatives, such as implementing the Kavach system effectively.

Addressing the Waiting List

The government aims to end train waiting lists by 2027, but Mani sees no concrete plan in place. The number of unreserved passengers is on the rise, and more non-AC coaches may be needed. Solutions like adding more trains, extending train lengths, and improving routes and speeds will be essential to tackle this issue.

Making AC Travel Affordable

A previous idea was to produce only AC trains to make travel affordable for everyone, similar to the Garib Rath Express. However, the focus shifted to increasing AC coaches instead, leaving non-AC travelers without seats. To enable comfortable travel for the less affluent, the railways should provide low-cost AC seating, balancing the needs of both AC and non-AC passengers.

Staffing and Administration Issues

Mani stressed the importance of having enough safety personnel in the railways. While outsourcing can help with non-safety roles, safety staff like train operators and signal maintainers must be fully staffed. The current hierarchy in railway management creates a disconnect, and adopting a more empathetic approach could improve overall morale and efficiency among employees.

In conclusion, the Indian Railways has many areas needing attention. Addressing crowding, safety, and travel affordability could significantly enhance the passenger experience and ensure a better future for the railway system in India.

Check out this related article: Transforming India: Highlights from ICMAI’s Inspiring Two-Day Symposium on Viksit Bharat 2047

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