In a move set to enhance rail travel experience and regional connectivity, Indian Railways (IR) is gearing up to launch three new Vande Bharat Express trains, amounting to six new services. These semi-high-speed trains are expected to be officially flagged off on August 10, 2025.
Currently, 144 Vande Bharat Express train services are operational across India, showcasing consistent popularity and high passenger occupancy.
New Vande Bharat Train Routes
According to a senior railway official, the new services will run on the following routes:
- Bengaluru – Belagavi
- Belagavi – Bengaluru
- Ajni – Pune
- Pune – Ajni
- Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra – Amritsar
- Amritsar – Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra
These routes have been carefully selected to improve intercity connectivity and cater to regions with growing rail traffic demand.
Passenger Occupancy and Performance
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha that the Vande Bharat Express continues to receive overwhelming response. The overall occupancy rate for these trains stood at 102.01% in FY 2024–25, and 105.03% till June in the current fiscal (FY 2025–26). This demonstrates the public’s trust and growing preference for faster, comfortable rail options.
Features of Vande Bharat Express Trains
These modern trains are equipped with:
- KAVACH – Automatic Train Protection System
- Operating speed of 160 kmph, with design speed of 180 kmph
- UV-C lamp-based air disinfection
- CCTV cameras, Emergency Alarms & Talk Back Units in all coaches
- Crash-hardened memory system, Voice-recorded Driver-Guard communication
- Automatic Plug Doors, Wider sealed gangways
- Aerosol fire detection and suppression systems
- Divyangjan-friendly lavatories in end coaches
- Coach Condition Monitoring System (CCMS) with remote diagnostics
Vande Bharat trains are currently available in three configurations – 8, 16, and 20 coaches, with Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC) classes.
The launch of these new routes continues Indian Railways’ mission to modernize travel and meet the rising expectations of passengers nationwide.
