In an illustrious advancement for Indian Railways, the network has witnessed a significant augmentation with the introduction of 10 new Vande Bharat Express trains, a move that amplifies the fleet to a substantial figure, exceeding 50. This development was spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a pivotal day that saw the expansion of the Vande Bharat service across 45 diverse routes nationwide. This step is reflective of India’s rapid strides in development, particularly in the last decade, hinting at the bright prospects that lie ahead in the realm of infrastructure and connectivity.
The Prime Minister, during the inauguration, underscored the significance of this leap as a testament to the nation’s resolve and vision for the future. He highlighted the dual nature of the initiative; the current inauguration serves the present needs of the country, while the foundation stones laid promise a robust infrastructure for the future. This gesture towards the youth was particularly poignant, as Modi called upon them to play a transformative role in shaping the future landscape of Indian Railways and, by extension, the nation.
As of now, the Vande Bharat Express fleet encompasses 41 active services, knitting together 24 states and 256 districts through an electrified broad gauge network, symbolizing a unified and accessible India.
Noteworthy is the enhancement of six existing routes — Delhi-Katra, Mumbai-Ahmedabad, Delhi-Varanasi, Mysuru-Chennai, Kasaragod–Thiruvananthapuram, and the recently added Visakhapatnam–Secunderabad — each now boasting two Vande Bharat trains. This escalation follows the December 2023 inauguration of six additional trains, which served to enhance connectivity along pivotal routes, thereby knitting closer the fabric of the nation.
The freshly flagged 10 Vande Bharat Express routes delineate an ambitious expansion, covering a wide array of destinations:
- From Lucknow to Dehradun, bridging the heart of Uttar Pradesh with the serene landscapes of Uttarakhand.
- The bustling corridors between Ahmedabad and Mumbai Central are now more accessible, enhancing commerce and connectivity.
- New Jalpaiguri to Patna, linking the northeastern gem with the historical and cultural rich Bihar.
- An intra-state connectivity boost with Patna to Lucknow.
- Khajuraho to Delhi (Nizamuddin), connecting the architectural marvels of Madhya Pradesh with the capital city.
- Puri to Visakhapatnam, enhancing the coastal linkage between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
- From Kalaburagi to Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru, knitting Karnataka closer.
- Ranchi to Varanasi, spanning the cultural heartlands of Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.
- Mysuru to Dr. MGR Central (Chennai), symbolizing a southern corridor of progress.
- And the Secunderabad to Visakhapatnam route, enhancing connectivity in the Telugu heartland.
In a strategic move to further bolster the Vande Bharat network, four existing trains have seen their routes extended, including Gorakhpur-Lucknow to Prayagraj, Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod to Mangaluru, Ahmedabad-Jamnagar to Dwarka, and Ajmer-Delhi Sarai Rohilla to Chandigarh.
The Vande Bharat Express, a beacon of modernity and efficiency introduced in 2019, has continually evolved to offer enhanced travel experiences. Known for its rapid acceleration and deceleration capabilities, the trains boast of features akin to those found in aviation, including ambient lighting, aircraft-style toilets, personal reading lights, automatic doors, sealed gangways, contemporary luggage racks, and European-style seating, to name a few.
Looking forward, Indian Railways is venturing into an exciting phase with the development of a sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express aimed at revolutionizing overnight travel. The prototype, being developed in Bengaluru by BEML, is a testament to the innovative spirit that drives the nation’s railway system forward. Recently, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw showcased the car body of this sleeper version, signaling a new chapter in comfortable and efficient long-distance travel in India.
In summary, the flagging off of the new Vande Bharat trains by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not just an expansion of the railway network but a significant leap towards realizing a more connected, accessible, and advanced India. It reflects the country’s commitment to progress, innovation, and inclusivity, promising a brighter future for its citizens through enhanced connectivity and modern infrastructure.