India’s Rail Revolution Continues: Six More Vande Bharat Trains Launched By Prime Minister Modi

On Sunday (15 September), Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated six new Vande Bharat Express trains, marking another milestone in India’s expanding rail network.

The six new routes inaugurated include services between Tatanagar-Patna, Brahmapur-Tatanagar, Rourkela-Howrah, Deoghar-Varanasi, Bhagalpur-Howrah, and Gaya-Howrah. These additions are expected to significantly reduce travel time and offer a range of modern amenities that prioritise passenger comfort and safety.

In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) highlighted the growing Vande Bharat fleet. "The Vande Bharat portfolio is ever-expanding with new train services being added for enhanced connectivity," the statement read. It also emphasised the significance of the trains being indigenously designed under the 'Make in India' initiative, stating that the Vande Bharat trains offer cutting-edge features that combine luxury and efficiency, reports Indian Express.

Vande Bharat, India's first indigenously designed and manufactured semi-high-speed train, has been a cornerstone of the country's efforts to modernise its rail infrastructure. The first Vande Bharat train was launched on 15 February 2019. Since then, the fleet has rapidly expanded, with 54 Vande Bharat trains currently operating across various routes in India.

According to the Indian Railways, these trains have already completed approximately 36,000 trips and carried over 3.17 crore passengers. The fleet travelled a distance equivalent to 310.7 rounds of the Earth in the fiscal year 2023-24. The extensive network of these trains covers more than 280 districts across 24 states and Union Territories, highlighting their widespread reach and efficiency.

The newest iteration, Vande Bharat 2.0, boasts several technological upgrades, including faster acceleration, the indigenous 'Kavach' safety system, WiFi, and an anti-virus system. These features make it a state-of-the-art option for travellers, ensuring both speed and safety.

The success of the Vande Bharat Express not only reflects the achievements of the ‘Make in India’ initiative but also sets new global standards for rail travel in terms of speed, safety and service.