Vande Bharat Express trains carries over two crore passengers since their inception

New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News): The Vande Bharat Express trains, hailed as India’s inaugural semi-high-speed rail service, have achieved a significant milestone by transporting over two crore passengers by the end of March 31 this year. Launched by Indian Railways on February 15, 2019, between Delhi and Varanasi, the Vande Bharat Express holds a special place in the country's railway history.

As Indian Railways commemorates its 171st anniversary on April 16, marking the iconic first train journey in 1853 from Mumbai to Thane, the Vande Bharat Express stands as a testament to the modernization and transformation of the railway network. According to a PTI report, officials highlight that the Vande Bharat Express symbolizes the evolution of Indian Railways into a contemporary and efficient system.

Since its inception five years ago, the Vande Bharat Express has expanded its services significantly. Starting with services between Delhi and Varanasi, it now operates 102 train services on 100 different routes, covering 284 districts across 24 states and Union Territories. Railway officials emphasize the vast coverage and accessibility provided by the Vande Bharat Express, reflecting its widespread popularity among passengers.

Quoting a railway official, “The distance covered by Vande Bharat trains in the financial year 2023-24 is equivalent to taking 310 rounds of our planet Earth.” This modern train, equipped with state-of-the-art passenger amenities, operates on distributed-power technology, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey for passengers.

The introduction of the indigenous semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express exemplifies Indian Railways' successful implementation of the 'Make-in-India' initiative. Praised for its comfort and convenience, particularly among the younger demographic, the Vande Bharat Express has witnessed a surge in passenger preference since its inception.

Passenger data underscores the popularity of the train, with over two crore passengers opting to travel on it since February 15, 2019. Officials attribute this popularity to the train's speed, comfortable seating, sound-proof coaches, WiFi services, GPS-based passenger information system, pantry facilities, and expansive transparent windows offering scenic views of the countryside.

Looking ahead, Indian Railways is poised to introduce additional variants of the Vande Bharat Express, including the sleeper version. Railway officials confirm that the sleeper version is in the pipeline and will soon offer a fresh travel experience for passengers on long-distance journeys. Recently, the Railway Minister unveiled the body structure of the sleeper version during a visit to a rail unit in Bengaluru, signaling the imminent expansion of the Vande Bharat Express fleet.

With its remarkable journey and continued evolution, the Vande Bharat Express remains a cornerstone of India's modern railway infrastructure, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of passengers across the country.