The Vande Bharat Express, India’s first semi-high-speed train, has revolutionized rail travel with its state-of-the-art features, reduced travel time, and premium comfort. Launched in 2019, it has expanded to cover key routes across the country, offering passengers a faster and more efficient travel option. Designed for speeds up to 180 km/h, this modern train service is a major step toward transforming India’s railway infrastructure.
With an increasing number of routes being introduced, the Vande Bharat Express aims to enhance connectivity across various regions, catering to both daily commuters and long-distance travelers. Below is a comprehensive guide covering both existing and upcoming routes, along with essential details about ticket pricing, onboard facilities, and plans.
Existing Vande Bharat Express Routes (As of 2024)
Northern India
1. New Delhi – Varanasi (First Vande Bharat route)
- Distance: 759 km
- Duration: ~8 hours
- Major Stops: Kanpur, Prayagraj
2. New Delhi – Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra
- Distance: 655 km
- Duration: ~8 hours
- Major Stops: Ambala, Ludhiana, Jammu Tawi
3. New Delhi – Dehradun
- Distance: 302 km
- Duration: ~4.5 hours
- Major Stops: Haridwar
4. New Delhi – Bhopal (Rani Kamalapati)
- Distance: 709 km
- Duration: ~7.5 hours
- Major Stops: Agra, Jhansi
Western India
1. Mumbai – Ahmedabad
- Distance: 522 km
- Duration: ~6 hours
- Major Stops: Vadodara, Surat
2. Mumbai – Goa (Madgaon)
- Distance: 586 km
- Duration: ~7.5 hours
- Major Stops: Panvel, Ratnagiri
3. Mumbai – Shirdi (Sainagar Shirdi)
- Distance: 343 km
- Duration: ~5.5 hours
- Major Stops: Nashik
Southern India
1. Chennai – Mysuru
- Distance: 497 km
- Duration: ~6.5 hours
- Major Stops: Bengaluru
2. Chennai – Coimbatore
- Distance: 495 km
- Duration: ~5.5 hours
- Major Stops: Salem, Erode
3. Secunderabad – Visakhapatnam
- Distance: 699 km
- Duration: ~8 hours
- Major Stops: Vijayawada, Rajahmundry
Eastern & Central India
1. Howrah – New Jalpaiguri
- Distance: 561 km
- Duration: ~7.5 hours
- Major Stops: Malda Town
2. Patna – Ranchi
- Distance: 378 km
- Duration: ~6 hours
- Major Stops: Gaya, Koderma
3. Bilaspur – Nagpur
- Distance: 412 km
- Duration: ~5.5 hours
- Major Stops: Raipur, Durg
Upcoming Vande Bharat Routes (Planned in 2024-25)
As of January 2025, Indian Railways runs 136 Vande Bharat Express trains that link different cities and areas across the country. A new train service will start in February 2025, connecting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) to Srinagar.
Some of the planned new routes include:
- Mumbai – Indore
- Delhi – Jaipur – Udaipur
- Bengaluru – Hyderabad
- Guwahati – Dibrugarh
- Lucknow – Gorakhpur
- Ahmedabad – Udaipur
These new routes are expected to reduce travel time significantly and provide a high-speed alternative for passengers. With continued investments and developments, the Vande Bharat Express is set to redefine railway travel in India. Stay tuned for further updates!
Basic Pricing, Classes, and Onboard Facilities
Vande Bharat Express offers two primary classes: Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC). Ticket prices vary depending on the route, but in general:
- Chair Car: ₹900 – ₹1,700 (approx.)
- Executive Chair Car: ₹1,800 – ₹3,200 (approx.)
Food & Catering
The ticket price includes a meal service curated by IRCTC, offering vegetarian and non-vegetarian options based on the travel time. Snacks and beverages are also provided on board.
Key Features of Vande Bharat Express
- Fully air-conditioned coaches with reclining seats
- Automatic sliding doors and bio-vacuum toilets
- GPS-based information system and WiFi connectivity
- Energy-efficient lighting and regenerative braking system
- Enhanced safety features, including Kavach (Train Collision Avoidance System)
In Talks: Future Expansion & Developments
Indian Railways is planning to introduce Sleeper Vande Bharat Express for overnight journeys, expected to be rolled out by 2025. Additionally, new production units are being set up to manufacture more trains faster, ensuring greater connectivity to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Summing Up
Vande Bharat Express has significantly improved railway travel in India, providing faster, safer, and more comfortable journeys. With new routes being introduced and future developments in progress, this train service is set to become the backbone of India’s high-speed rail network. Whether you are a daily commuter or a leisure traveler, Vande Bharat Express is a game-changer in the Indian railway system.
