The Vande Bharat Express, celebrated for its technological prowess, is grappling with an unexpected challenge as 70% of its seats on the Indore-Bhopal route remain unoccupied. The train’s underperformance has raised questions about its practical viability compared to more economical alternatives.
The Underutilized Route: Indore to Bhopal
Sudhanshu Mani, the mind behind the Vande Bharat Train, voiced concerns during his visit to Indore, citing the anticipated underperformance of the Indore-Bhopal route. He emphasized the political motivations behind the decision to operate the train on this specific route, questioning the logic of choosing a pricier train journey when a bus can cover the same distance in nearly the same time at half the cost.
Government’s Dilemma: Reducing Ticket Prices
Mani cautioned against reducing ticket prices at this stage, citing potential significant losses for the government. He stressed the importance of thorough surveys to identify viable routes, a step he feels was overlooked in this case.
Ambitious Expansion Plans
Despite the current challenges, there are ambitious plans to introduce 500 Vande Bharat trains across India over the next five years. These trains, known for their advanced technology and modern amenities, are expected to be deployed on routes with substantial passenger demand.
The Future: Sleeper Version and Phasing Out Rajdhani Trains
Indian Railways plans to gradually replace all Rajdhani trains with Vande Bharat sleeper trains, accompanied by upgrades to railway stations nationwide.
Success Story: Extension to Nagpur
While facing hurdles on the Indore-Bhopal route, the Vande Bharat Train has found success with its extended route to Nagpur, consistently operating at full capacity.
Vande Bharat Express: Indore-Bhopal-Nagpur Details
- Train Number: 20911
- Operation Days: Six days a week from Indore Junction (INDB) to Nagpur Junction (NGP).
- Journey Time: Leaves Indore at 6:30 AM, reaching Nagpur at 2:30 PM, covering 635 kilometers in approximately 8 hours and 20 minutes.
- Stops: Includes four station stoppages.
- Fares: AC Chair Car – ₹810, Executive Chair Car – ₹1510. In comparison, a chartered bus from Indore to Bhopal costs around ₹450.
- Timetable: Departs Indore at 6:30 AM, arrives at Ujjain at 7:15 AM, departs Ujjain at 7:20 AM, reaches the final destination, Nagpur, at 2:30 PM.
