Vande Bharat Express is a medium to long-distance superfast express service operated by Indian Railways. It is a reserved, air-conditioned chair car service connecting cities that are less than 800 km (500 mi) apart or take less than ten hours to travel with existing services and a planned reserved, air-conditioned sleeper service connecting cities that are 800 km (500 mi) to 1,200 km (750 mi) apart. The train was a part of the 'Make in India' initiative by the government and entered commercial service on 15 February 2019.

Vande Bharat Express
Vande Bharat Express trains in different liveries
Overview
Service typeInter-city semi-high-speed rail
StatusActive
PredecessorShatabdi Express
First service15 February 2019; 5 years ago (2019-02-15)
Websiteindianrail.gov.in
Route
Line(s) used66
On-board services
Class(es)AC Chair Car (CC)
AC Executive Class (EC)
Seating arrangements
  • Airline style
  • Rotatable seats (EC)
Catering facilitiesOn-board catering
Observation facilitiesWide windows
Entertainment facilities
Baggage facilitiesOverhead racks
Other facilities
Technical
Rolling stockVande Bharat (trainset) (chair car)
Vande bharat (sleeper trainset) (sleeper)
Track gauge1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) broad gauge
Electrification25 kV 50 Hz AC Overhead line
Operating speed160 km/h (99 mph) (maximum)
83 km/h (52 mph)[1][2] (average)
Average length384 m (1,260 ft) (16 coaches)
192 m (630 ft) (8 coaches)
480 m (1,570 ft) (20 coaches)

The chair car trainsets are self-propelling Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) with eight, sixteen or twenty coaches. The trainset was designed and manufactured by Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. Introduced in 2018, the trainsets achieved semi-high speeds of 183 km/h (114 mph) on trials, and crossed target trial speed of 180 km/h (110 mph) on trials, but the maximum operational speed is 160 km/h (99 mph) which is achieved by the Rani Kamalapati (Habibganj)–Hazrat Nizamuddin Vande Bharat Express and Hazrat Nizamuddin-Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express on the TughlakabadAgra section. The sleeper trainsets are EMUs with sixteen coaches.

History

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Efforts to increase speed (1960–2016)

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In 1960, the Railway Board of India commissioned a study to increase the speed of its trains, which was restricted to 96 km/h (60 mph) on the existent broad gauge lines.[3] A target of 160 km/h (99 mph) with an intermediate stage of 120 km/h (75 mph) was set for passenger trains. Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) started work on the same and using the coaches were manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) at Madras and hauled by diesel locomotives, Rajdhani Express capable of reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph) were introduced in 1969.[4][5] With the introduction of WAP-1 electric locomotives, Shatabdi Express introduced in 1988, were capable of running at a maximum speed of 130 km/h (81 mph).[6][7][8]

 
Talgo train at New Delhi railway station during trials in 2016

From the late 1990s, the ICF coaches were replaced by safer and newer LHB coaches designed by Linke-Hofmann-Busch of Germany.[9][10] In December 2009, the Ministry of Railways of Government of India envisaged the implementation of high-speed rail projects to provide services at 250–350 km/h (160–220 mph) with the upgradation of existing tracks, construction of new lines and introduction of high speed trainsets.[11][12] In 2014, proposals were made to introduce semi-high-speed 160–200 km/h (99–124 mph) services between major cities.[13] In 2016, Gatimaan Express was inaugurated which achieved speeds of 160 km/h (99 mph) between Delhi and Agra.[14]

In June 2016, Indian Railways sought Requests For Qualification (RFQ) to jointly manufacture five thousand Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) sets with interested international and domestic parties.[15] In 2015, Talgo conducted trial runs on the Mumbai–Delhi line, completing the journey in ten hours, almost six hours quicker than the existing fastest train with an average speed of 117.5 km/h (73.0 mph). There were significant issues such as the adaptation of rakes, maintenance, higher costs and robustness.[16] Indian Railways could not reach a direct agreement and the deal never materialised.[17]

Making an indigenous trainset (2016–19)

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After foreign proposals for introducing semi-high-speed trains were unsuccessful, the Make in India campaign fuelled the cause for developing the next generation EMU semi-high-speed trainsets locally. ICF worked on an indigenous design, which was constructed at the Integral Coach Factory.[18] These trainsets known as Train 18 initially, were introduced in 2018 and reached speeds of up to 183 km/h (114 mph) in trials.[19] These trainsets were later renamed to Vande Bharat.[20]

Introduction and further (2019–present)

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Inauguration of the first Vande Bharat Express to Varanasi at the New Delhi railway station

On 15 February 2019, the first Vande Bharat Express between New Delhi and Varanasi was flagged off at the New Delhi railway station by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.[21][22] The train covered a distance of 759 km (472 mi) in 8 hours at an average speed of 95 km/h (59 mph) and reduced the existing travel time along the route by 15%.[23] In October 2019, the second service was launched between New Delhi and Katra.[24]

After the inauguration of the first two services, Indian Railways stopped production of new train-sets owing to internal issues.[25] In 2019, Indian Railways resumed tenders for the production of new sets with more time provided to come up with the cheapest bid for the upgrades required.[26] The second generation trainsets entered service on 30 September 2022.[27] Since Vande Bharat trains provide fast service across short-distances, similar to the Shatabdi Express, the trains will eventually replace the existing Shatabdis.[28] In December 2023, the Government announced a target to have 4,500 Vande Bharat trains by 2047.[29]

Sleeper version (2023-present)

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As of 2023, ICF was developing a long-distance version of the Vande Bharat trainset with sleeper cars.[28] The first prototype was rolled out by BEML in September 2024.[30] The first trainset was expected to be ready for testing by 20 September and enter commercial service by December 2024.[31][32]

Rolling stock

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The trainset is capable of reaching speeds of up to 180 km/h (110 mph) but limited operationally to lower speeds

Vande Bharat Express uses Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trainsets manufactured by Integral Coach Factory in Chennai.[33] The trainsets have eight, sixteen or twenty chair cars.[34] A standard sixteen car rake consists of two Driving Trailer Coaches, one each on every end along with two non-driver trailer coaches, four trailer coaches with pantographs and eight motor coaches.[35] A second generation sixteen car trainset weighs 392 tonnes and costs 115 crore (US$14 million).[36][37] The chassis of a coach is 23 m (75 ft) long, and is made of stainless steel.[38]

During its trial runs, the trainsets had clocked speeds of up to 183 km/h (114 mph) with an acceleration of 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 52 seconds.[19][39] The operational speed is limited due to track restrictions, halts and traffic congestion. The maximum operational speed of 160 km/h (99 mph) is achieved by the Rani Kamalapati (Habibganj)–Hazrat Nizamuddin Vande Bharat Express and Hazrat Nizamuddin-Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express on the 174 km (108 mi) TughlakabadAgra section.[40]

Facilities

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AC Executive Class (EC)
AC Chair Car (CC)

The train has two classes of accommodation with the AC Executive Class being the premium class and the AC chair being the other. The executive class coach can seat 52 passengers and is equipped with rotating seats in a 2x2 configuration.[41] The chair car coaches can seat 78 passengers per coach (44 in first and last coaches) and are equipped with retractable seats in 2x3 configuration.[42] The coaches are fully air conditioned and equipped with electric outlets, reading lights, CCTV cameras, automatic doors, bio-vacuum toilets, Sensor-based water taps and Passenger information system.[43] The coaches have wider windows with roller blinds and overhead racks for luggage.[44] The service offers onboard catering with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal options included in the fare as standard.[45][46]

Services

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The first service was introduced in February 2019. By December 2023, about 35 trains were operational.[47] As of December 2024, 66 Vande Bharat trains are in service, which includes 17 sixteen-car services, 4 twenty-car services and 45 eight-car services.[48]

Service Zone Cars Distance Travel time Speed Inaugural run
Maximum[a] Average
New Delhi–Varanasi NR 20 759 km (472 mi) 8h 00m 130 km/h (81 mph) 95 km/h (59 mph) 15 February 2019
New Delhi–SMVD Katra NR 16 655 km (407 mi) 8h 05m 130 km/h (81 mph) 81 km/h (50 mph) 3 October 2019
Mumbai Central–Gandhinagar Capital WR 16 522 km (324 mi) 6h 25m 130 km/h (81 mph) 81 km/h (50 mph) 30 September 2022
New Delhi–Amb Andaura NR 16 412 km (256 mi) 5h 15m 130 km/h (81 mph) 79 km/h (49 mph) 13 October 2022
Chennai Central–Mysuru SR 16 496 km (308 mi) 6h 30m 130 km/h (81 mph) 76 km/h (47 mph) 11 November 2022
Bilaspur–Nagpur SECR 8 412 km (256 mi) 5h 30m 130 km/h (81 mph) 75 km/h (47 mph) 11 December 2022
Howrah–New Jalpaiguri ER 16 566 km (352 mi) 7h 30m 130 km/h (81 mph) 75 km/h (47 mph) 30 December 2022
Visakhapatnam–Secunderabad ECoR 16 698 km (434 mi) 8h 30m 130 km/h (81 mph) 82 km/h (51 mph) 15 January 2023
Mumbai CSMT–Solapur CR 16 454 km (282 mi) 6h 35m 130 km/h (81 mph) 69 km/h (43 mph) 10 February 2023
Mumbai CSMT–Sainagar Shirdi CR 16 343 km (213 mi) 5h 10m 130 km/h (81 mph) 66 km/h (41 mph)
Rani Kamalapati (Habibganj)–Hazrat Nizamuddin WCR 16 702 km (436 mi) 7h 36m 160 km/h (99 mph) 92 km/h (57 mph) 1 April 2023
Secunderabad–Tirupati SCR 16 662 km (411 mi) 8h 19m 130 km/h (81 mph) 80 km/h (50 mph) 8 April 2023
Chennai Central–Coimbatore SR 8 495 km (308 mi) 6h 00m 130 km/h (81 mph) 82 km/h (51 mph)
Ajmer–Chandigarh NWR 20 678 km (421 mi) 8h 25m 130 km/h (81 mph) 81 km/h (50 mph) 12 April 2023
Kasaragod–Thiruvananthapuram SR 16 586 km (364 mi) 8h 10m 110 km/h (68 mph) 72 km/h (45 mph) 25 April 2023
Howrah–Puri SER 16 500 km (310 mi) 6h 25m 130 km/h (81 mph) 78 km/h (48 mph) 18 May 2023
Dehradun–Anand Vihar Terminal NR 8 302 km (188 mi) 4h 45m 110 km/h (68 mph) 64 km/h (40 mph) 25 May 2023
New Jalpaiguri–Guwahati NFR 8 407 km (253 mi) 5h 30m 110 km/h (68 mph) 74 km/h (46 mph) 29 May 2023
Mumbai CSMT–Madgaon CR 8 580 km (360 mi) 7h 45m 120 km/h (75 mph) 75 km/h (47 mph) 27 June 2023
Patna–Ranchi ECR 8 380 km (240 mi) 6h 00m 130 km/h (81 mph) 63 km/h (39 mph)
KSR Bengaluru–Dharwad SWR 8 490 km (300 mi) 6h 25m 110 km/h (68 mph) 76 km/h (47 mph)
Rani Kamalapati (Habibganj)–Rewa WCR 8 568 km (353 mi) 8h 00m 110 km/h (68 mph) 71 km/h (44 mph)
Indore–Nagpur WR 8 636 km (395 mi) 8h 20m 110 km/h (68 mph) 76 km/h (47 mph)
Jodhpur–Sabarmati (Ahmedabad) NWR 8 449 km (279 mi) 6h 00m 130 km/h (81 mph) 75 km/h (47 mph) 7 July 2023
Gorakhpur–Prayagraj NER 8 497 km (309 mi) 7h 30m 110 km/h (68 mph) 66 km/h (41 mph)
Udaipur–Jaipur NWR 8 435 km (270 mi) 6h 20m 130 km/h (81 mph) 69 km/h (43 mph) 24 September 2023[49]
Chennai Central–Vijayawada SR 8 514 km (319 mi) 6h 40m 130 km/h (81 mph) 77 km/h (48 mph)
Chennai Egmore–Tirunelveli SR 8 650 km (400 mi) 7h 50m 110 km/h (68 mph) 83 km/h (52 mph)
Kacheguda–Yesvantpur SCR 8 612 km (380 mi) 8h 15m 110 km/h (68 mph) 74 km/h (46 mph)
Patna–Howrah ECR 8 532 km (331 mi) 6h 35m 130 km/h (81 mph) 81 km/h (50 mph)
Ranchi–Howrah SER 8 458 km (285 mi) 7h 10m 130 km/h (81 mph) 64 km/h (40 mph)
Puri–Rourkela ECoR 8 506 km (314 mi) 7h 45m 130 km/h (81 mph) 65 km/h (40 mph)
Mangaluru Central–Thiruvananthapuram SR 8 620 km (390 mi) 8h 40m 110 km/h (68 mph) 72 km/h (45 mph)
Ahmedabad–Okha WR 8 499 km (310 mi) 6h 30m 110 km/h (68 mph) 77 km/h (48 mph)
Varanasi–New Delhi NR 20 759 km (472 mi) 8h 05m 130 km/h (81 mph) 94 km/h (58 mph) 18 December 2023[50]
Anand Vihar Terminal–Ayodhya Cantt. NR 8 628 km (390 mi) 8h 20m 130 km/h (81 mph) 75 km/h (47 mph) 30 December 2023[51]
SMVD Katra–New Delhi NR 16 655 km (407 mi) 8h 10m 130 km/h (81 mph) 80 km/h (50 mph)
Amritsar–Delhi Junction NR 8 447 km (278 mi) 5h 30m 130 km/h (81 mph) 81 km/h (50 mph)
Coimbatore–Bengaluru Cantt. SR 8 374 km (232 mi) 6h 25m 110 km/h (68 mph) 58 km/h (36 mph)
Mangaluru Central–Madgaon SR 8 319 km (198 mi) 5h 30m 120 km/h (75 mph) 58 km/h (36 mph)
Jalna–Mumbai CSMT SCR 8 435 km (270 mi) 6h 50m 110 km/h (68 mph) 64 km/h (40 mph)
Kalaburagi–SMVT Bengaluru CR 8 548 km (341 mi) 8h 45m 130 km/h (81 mph) 63 km/h (39 mph) 12 March 2024[52][53]
New Jalpaiguri–Patna NFR 8 473 km (294 mi) 6h 55m 130 km/h (81 mph) 68 km/h (42 mph)
Lucknow–Dehradun NER 8 545 km (339 mi) 8h 20m 110 km/h (68 mph) 65 km/h (40 mph)
Ahmedabad–Mumbai Central WR 16 493 km (306 mi) 5h 25m 130 km/h (81 mph) 91 km/h (57 mph)
Mysuru–Chennai Central SWR 8 497 km (309 mi) 6h 25m 130 km/h (81 mph) 77 km/h (48 mph)
Hazrat Nizamuddin–Khajuraho NR 8 660 km (410 mi) 8h 20m 160 km/h (99 mph) 79 km/h (49 mph)
Secunderabad–Visakhapatnam SCR 8 698 km (434 mi) 8h 45m 130 km/h (81 mph) 80 km/h (50 mph)
Ranchi–Varanasi SER 8 539 km (335 mi) 7h 50m 110 km/h (68 mph) 69 km/h (43 mph)
Bhubaneswar–Visakhapatnam ECoR 8 444 km (276 mi) 5h 45m 130 km/h (81 mph) 77 km/h (48 mph)
Patna–Gomti Nagar (Lucknow) ECR 8 545 km (339 mi) 8h 25m 130 km/h (81 mph) 65 km/h (40 mph)
Chennai Egmore–Nagercoil SR 16 724 km (450 mi) 8h 50m 110 km/h (68 mph) 82 km/h (51 mph) 31 August 2024[54]
Madurai–Bengaluru Cantt. SR 8 573 km (356 mi) 7h 45m 110 km/h (68 mph) 74 km/h (46 mph)
Meerut–Lucknow Charbagh NR 8 459 km (285 mi) 7h 10m 110 km/h (68 mph) 64 km/h (40 mph)
Udaipur–Agra Cantt. NWR 8 610 km (380 mi) 8h 45m 130 km/h (81 mph) 70 km/h (43 mph) 2 September 2024[55]
Tatanagar–Patna SER 8 451 km (280 mi) 7h 15m 130 km/h (81 mph) 62 km/h (39 mph) 15 September 2024[56]
Tatanagar–Brahmapur SER 8 587 km (365 mi) 9h 05m 130 km/h (81 mph) 65 km/h (40 mph)
Howrah–Rourkela SER 8 412 km (256 mi) 5h 50m 130 km/h (81 mph) 71 km/h (44 mph)
Howrah–Gaya ER 16 459 km (285 mi) 5h 40m 130 km/h (81 mph) 81 km/h (50 mph)
Howrah–Bhagalpur ER 8 386 km (240 mi) 6h 20m 130 km/h (81 mph) 61 km/h (38 mph)
Varanasi–Deoghar NR 8 456 km (283 mi) 7h 20m 130 km/h (81 mph) 62 km/h (39 mph)
SSS Hubballi–Pune SWR 8 559 km (347 mi) 8h 30m 110 km/h (68 mph) 66 km/h (41 mph) 16 September 2024
SCSMT Kolhapur–Pune CR 8 326 km (203 mi) 5h 15m 110 km/h (68 mph) 62 km/h (39 mph)
Agra Cantt.–Banaras NCR 8 573 km (356 mi) 7h 00m 130 km/h (81 mph) 82 km/h (51 mph)
Nagpur–Secunderabad CR 20 575 km (357 mi) 7h 15m 130 km/h (81 mph) 79 km/h (49 mph)
Durg–Visakhapatnam SECR 16 567 km (352 mi) 8h 00m 130 km/h (81 mph) 71 km/h (44 mph)

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Maximum permissible speed over different sections as approved by the Commissioner of Railway Safety

References

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  52. ^ "PM Modi flags off 10 new Vande Bharat Express trains today, four existing routes extended – Check full routes, new destinations and more". The Financial Express. 12 March 2024. Archived from the original on 4 September 2024. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
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  55. ^ "Agra Gets Its Third Vande Bharat Train: Check Ticket Price, Stoppages And Other Details Here". India.com. 2 September 2024. Archived from the original on 2 September 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  56. ^ Athrady, Ajith. "PM Modi flags off six Vande Bharat Express trains in poll-bound Jharkhand". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
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