Indian Railways to Flag Off 4 New Vande Bharat Trains Soon
In a major boost to India’s rail network, Indian Railways is gearing up to launch four new Vande Bharat Express trains in the coming weeks. These state-of-the-art semi-high-speed trains, renowned for their modern amenities and efficiency, will connect key cities, slashing travel time and elevating passenger comfort. Here’s a detailed look at the new routes, schedules, and why these trains are a game-changer.
Vande Bharat Express: Expanding India’s Semi-High-Speed Network
The Vande Bharat Express is a flagship initiative under India’s push for modern, self-reliant rail infrastructure. With these four additions, the fleet will exceed 25 operational trains, significantly enhancing intercity connectivity.
New Vande Bharat Routes, Timings, and Key Stops
The new routes target high-demand corridors, offering faster and smoother journeys:
1. Bengaluru – Vijayawada Vande Bharat Express
- Route: KSR Bengaluru → Krishnarajapuram → Bangarapet → Jolarpettai → Katpadi → Renigunta → Nellore → Ongole → Vijayawada
- Travel Time: ~8 hours (vs. 10+ hours on regular trains)
- Frequency: 6 days/week (except Sunday)
- Benefits: Faster travel for business and leisure between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
2. Patna – Ranchi Vande Bharat Express
- Route: Patna → Gaya → Koderma → Hazaribagh → Barkakana → Ranchi
- Travel Time: ~5.5 hours (vs. 7–8 hours currently)
- Frequency: Daily
- Benefits: Strengthens connectivity between Bihar and Jharkhand, ideal for students and professionals.
3. Ahmedabad – Jaipur Vande Bharat Express
- Route: Ahmedabad → Gandhinagar → Mahesana → Abu Road → Ajmer → Jaipur
- Travel Time: ~6 hours (vs. 8–9 hours)
- Frequency: 6 days/week (except Wednesday)
- Benefits: Boosts tourism and trade between Gujarat and Rajasthan.
4. Chennai – Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express
- Route: Chennai Egmore → Katpadi → Salem → Erode → Coimbatore → Palakkad → Thrissur → Ernakulam → Kottayam → Kollam → Thiruvananthapuram → Mangaluru
- Travel Time: ~12 hours (faster than current options)
- Frequency: 4 days/week (initially)
- Benefits: Scenic and efficient travel across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
Why Vande Bharat Trains Are a Travel Revolution
- Speed: Up to 160 km/h on upgraded tracks.
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, GPS info systems, automatic doors, ergonomic seats, and LED lighting.
- Eco-Friendly: Energy-saving regenerative braking.
- Punctuality: Fewer stops and optimized routes ensure on-time arrivals.
Impact on Indian Railways and Passengers
These trains align with Indian Railways’ goals to:
– Reduce air travel dependency for mid-range distances.
– Advance the ‘Make in India’ initiative (95% domestic components).
– Expand semi-high-speed networks to underserved routes.
Future Plans: 75 Vande Bharat Trains by 2023
Indian Railways aims to operationalize 75 Vande Bharat trains by August 2023, commemorating India’s 75 years of independence. Focus areas include last-mile connectivity and affordability.
Conclusion
The new Vande Bharat trains symbolize India’s rail modernization, merging speed, comfort, and sustainability. Stay tuned to NextMinuteNews for launch updates and booking details!
