Indian Railways is set to launch four new Vande Bharat Express trains, expanding the country’s premium semi-high-speed network to 164 services nationwide.
The Indian Railways (IR) is preparing to launch four additional Vande Bharat Express trains, further strengthening the country’s semi-high-speed rail network. With these additions, the total number of Vande Bharat services operating across India will reach 164.
A senior railway official confirmed the development, stating that “four new Vande Bharat trains have been notified.” The new services will connect key routes in Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, aiming to enhance connectivity and passenger comfort across major regions.
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New Vande Bharat Express routes:
- KSR Bengaluru – Ernakulam
- Firozpur Cantt – Delhi
- Varanasi – Khajuraho
- Lucknow – Saharanpur
These routes are expected to significantly improve intercity travel, offering shorter journey times and enhanced onboard amenities.
According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Vande Bharat Express trains continue to see strong public demand. The overall occupancy during the financial year 2024–25 stood at 102.01%, rising to 105.03% in FY26 (till June 2025) — highlighting the growing popularity of these modern trains.
Key features of the Vande Bharat Express trains:
- Equipped with KAVACH, an indigenously developed train collision avoidance system
- High acceleration, capable of design and operating speeds of 180 kmph and 160 kmph respectively
- Air conditioning systems integrated with UV-C lamp-based disinfection for better hygiene
- Jerk-free semi-permanent couplers and centrally controlled automatic plug doors
- Fully sealed gangways for smoother movement between coaches
- CCTV cameras, emergency alarm push buttons, and talk-back units in every coach
- Improved fire safety, including aerosol-based detection and suppression systems
- Dedicated facilities for Divyangjan (disabled) passengers, including special lavatories in driving coaches
- Driver-guard voice communication system with crash-hardened memory
- Coach condition monitoring system (CCMS) for real-time performance tracking
The Vande Bharat Express represents a major leap in India’s efforts to modernise its railway infrastructure under the Make in India initiative. The continued rollout of new routes reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to providing faster, safer, and more comfortable train travel across the country.
The information is based on official updates from the Ministry of Railways and verified media reports. Train schedules, launch dates, and routes may be subject to change based on operational requirements. Passengers are advised to check official Indian Railways announcements for the latest details.
Published: 03 Nov 2025, 08:14 am IST
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