The Vande Bharat Express, India’s flagship semi-high speed train service, has seen a substantial increase in its operational fleet, now boasting a total of 82 trains. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared this information during a recent parliamentary session, shedding light on the ongoing efforts to elevate the speed of these trains to 160 kmph on key routes, including New Delhi-Mumbai and New Delhi-Howrah.
The primary focus of the enhancements is on improving sectional speed, addressing concerns related to both speed enhancement and occupancy. Minister Vaishnaw stated, “The railways are actively working to enhance the speed of Vande Bharat trains, and during the financial year 2022-23, the overall occupancy was an impressive 96.62 percent.”
Members of Parliament also sought information about additional changes aimed at improving passenger convenience in the Vande Bharat trains. In response, the minister highlighted several upgrades incorporated into the improved Vande Bharat trains, such as advanced safety measures, faster acceleration, enhanced passenger amenities, and the integration of the KAVACH system for heightened security.
However, when questioned about state-wise revenue data for these trains, Minister Vaishnaw clarified that such information is not currently tracked. The emphasis remains on ensuring the efficiency, safety, and satisfaction of passengers as the Vande Bharat Express continues to evolve as a key component of India’s railway network.
