India’s railway sector is witnessing a significant transformation as Indian Railways continues to expand its flagship semi-high-speed service, the Vande Bharat Express. With rising demand for faster, safer, and more comfortable travel, the train service has emerged as a key driver of modern rail mobility across the country.
In FY 2025–26, nearly 3.98 crore passengers travelled on Vande Bharat trains, marking an impressive 34% growth compared to 2.97 crore passengers in FY 2024–25. Since its launch, the service has carried over 9.1 crore passengers across nearly 1 lakh trips, reflecting strong public trust and sustained demand.
Transforming Passenger Experience
Launched in February 2019 on the New Delhi–Varanasi route, Vande Bharat Express is India’s first indigenously designed and manufactured semi-high-speed train, symbolizing innovation under the Make in India initiative.
The service has redefined rail travel by offering:
- Higher speeds and reduced travel time
- Enhanced onboard comfort and modern amenities
- Advanced safety features
- A premium travel experience
High-Demand Routes Driving Growth
Several key routes have witnessed strong passenger traffic, highlighting the train’s growing popularity:
- New Delhi–Varanasi: Over 73 lakh passengers
- New Delhi–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra: Around 56 lakh passengers
- Secunderabad–Visakhapatnam: More than 48 lakh passengers
- Chennai–Mysuru: Over 36 lakh passengers
These routes have not only improved connectivity but also significantly boosted:
- Tourism
- Pilgrimage travel
- Regional economic activity
Sleeper Variant Sees Exceptional Response
To further enhance long-distance travel, Indian Railways introduced the Vande Bharat Sleeper service in January 2026.
In just the first three months:
- 1.21 lakh passengers travelled
- 119 trips were operated
- Occupancy exceeded 100%, indicating overwhelming demand
This strong response reflects increasing passenger confidence in premium overnight rail travel.
Advancing India’s Rail Modernization Vision
The success of Vande Bharat Express underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to:
- Passenger-centric innovation
- Indigenous manufacturing
- Modern infrastructure development
With continuous expansion connecting metros, heritage cities, and emerging economic hubs, the Vande Bharat network is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of rail travel in India.
