NEW DELHI: The government informed Parliament on Wednesday that the number of Vande Bharat trains has been increased to 82, with efforts underway to enhance their speed to 160 kilometres per hour on the New Delhi-Mumbai and New Delhi-Howrah routes.
Responding to questions from 10 MPs about Vande Bharat train services, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, “As of January 31, 2024, 82 Vande Bharat train services are operating across the Indian Railways, connecting states with Broad Gauge (BG) electrified networks.”
He added that the provision of stoppage of train services and the introduction of new services, including Vande Bharat, are ongoing processes, considering factors such as traffic justification, operational feasibility, and resource availability.
Regarding state-wise revenue generated by Vande Bharat trains, Vaishnaw mentioned that such information is not maintained. He also addressed concerns about increasing the speed of Vande Bharat trains, noting that sectional speed on various routes, including the Golden Quadrilateral and other routes, has been raised to 130 kmph. Additionally, efforts are underway to raise the sectional speed to 160 kmph on the existing New Delhi-Mumbai and New Delhi-Howrah routes.
In terms of occupancy, the minister stated, “During the financial year 2022-23, the overall occupancy of Vande Bharat trains was 96.62 percent.”
Responding to questions about other improvements for passenger convenience, Vaishnaw highlighted that the improved version of Vande Bharat trains features enhanced safety measures, faster acceleration, improved ride quality, and passenger amenities such as automatic plug doors, ergonomic seats, comfortable seating with revolving seats in the executive class, and mobile charging sockets for every seat. The trains are also equipped with the Kavach system.
Responding to questions from 10 MPs about Vande Bharat train services, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, “As of January 31, 2024, 82 Vande Bharat train services are operating across the Indian Railways, connecting states with Broad Gauge (BG) electrified networks.”
He added that the provision of stoppage of train services and the introduction of new services, including Vande Bharat, are ongoing processes, considering factors such as traffic justification, operational feasibility, and resource availability.
Regarding state-wise revenue generated by Vande Bharat trains, Vaishnaw mentioned that such information is not maintained. He also addressed concerns about increasing the speed of Vande Bharat trains, noting that sectional speed on various routes, including the Golden Quadrilateral and other routes, has been raised to 130 kmph. Additionally, efforts are underway to raise the sectional speed to 160 kmph on the existing New Delhi-Mumbai and New Delhi-Howrah routes.
In terms of occupancy, the minister stated, “During the financial year 2022-23, the overall occupancy of Vande Bharat trains was 96.62 percent.”
Responding to questions about other improvements for passenger convenience, Vaishnaw highlighted that the improved version of Vande Bharat trains features enhanced safety measures, faster acceleration, improved ride quality, and passenger amenities such as automatic plug doors, ergonomic seats, comfortable seating with revolving seats in the executive class, and mobile charging sockets for every seat. The trains are also equipped with the Kavach system.
