Vande Bharat at 7: The Journey of India’s Flagship Semi High-Speed Train

 

Vande Bharat Express train at a modern Indian railway station platform showcasing its sleek white and blue design.


India’s railways have long been the lifeline of the nation, but the arrival of the Vande Bharat Express marked a defining shift toward modern, technology-driven travel. Completing seven years of service, the train has evolved from a bold experiment into a nationwide symbol of efficiency, comfort, and indigenous engineering.

Launched on February 15, 2019, the first Vande Bharat Express was flagged off by Narendra Modi on the New Delhi–Kanpur–Allahabad–Varanasi route, connecting the capital to one of India’s spiritual hubs. What began as a single route has now expanded into a fast-growing network serving multiple regions across the country.

A Proud ‘Make in India’ Milestone



One of the defining features of Vande Bharat is its indigenous design and manufacturing. The train was conceptualized and built under the government’s Make in India initiative, reinforcing India’s growing capabilities in advanced rail technology.

The manufacturing responsibility lies with the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, one of the oldest and most productive rail coach manufacturing units in Asia. Unlike earlier high-speed trains that relied heavily on imports, Vande Bharat represents homegrown engineering—from propulsion systems to passenger amenities.

This indigenous backbone has significantly reduced dependency on foreign suppliers while boosting domestic manufacturing expertise.

Expanding Footprint Across India

From a single route in 2019, Vande Bharat services have expanded rapidly. As per official data, 164 Vande Bharat Chair Car trains and 2 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are currently operational. Overall, 68 Vande Bharat train services are running across India, connecting major cities and boosting regional connectivity.

A major expansion phase came on September 24, 2023, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off nine new Vande Bharat trains in one day. These routes included:

  • Udaipur – Jaipur

  • Tirunelveli – Madurai – Chennai

  • Hyderabad – Bengaluru

  • Vijayawada – Chennai (via Renigunta)

  • Patna – Howrah

  • Kasaragod – Thiruvananthapuram

  • Rourkela – Bhubaneswar – Puri

  • Ranchi – Howrah

  • Jamnagar – Ahmedabad

This large-scale rollout demonstrated the government’s focus on distributing semi high-speed connectivity beyond metro cities, reaching diverse regions across north, south, east, and west India.

Vande Bharat 2.0: The Technological Leap

In 2022, Indian Railways introduced a more advanced version—Vande Bharat 2.0. The first of these upgraded trains was flagged off on September 30, 2022, between Gandhinagar and Mumbai.

The new-generation trains offer improved acceleration, enhanced suspension systems for smoother rides, automatic doors, GPS-based passenger information systems, and energy-efficient features. Safety has been a major focus area, with the integration of KAVACH, India’s indigenous Train Collision Avoidance System.

The upgrades have not only reduced travel time significantly on key routes but also improved operational efficiency. With better aerodynamics and modern braking systems, the train represents a substantial leap in India’s railway modernization journey.

The Sleeper Edition: A New Chapter

Recently, Indian Railways launched the sleeper version of Vande Bharat, expanding its appeal beyond daytime intercity travel. The Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are equipped with modern coaches, enhanced passenger amenities, and advanced safety features.

This addition marks a strategic move to compete with premium long-distance trains while offering faster overnight travel options. With improved interiors, better insulation, and upgraded berth designs, the sleeper version is expected to redefine overnight train journeys in India.

Budget Push and Future Ambitions

The ambition for Vande Bharat extends far beyond its current footprint. In the Union Budget 2022–23, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans to develop and manufacture 400 new-generation Vande Bharat trains over three years.

This announcement signaled not just expansion, but a long-term transformation strategy for Indian Railways. The aim is clear: replace aging rolling stock, improve punctuality, reduce travel time, and offer airline-like comfort at affordable fares.

More Than a Train: A Symbol of New-Age India

Over the past seven years, Vande Bharat has come to symbolize more than speed. It represents technological confidence, infrastructure growth, and a shift toward passenger-centric services. With modern interiors, bio-vacuum toilets, infotainment systems, improved lighting, and comfortable seating, the train offers a markedly different experience compared to conventional express services.

Its sleek design and white-blue exterior have also made it instantly recognizable—turning it into a visual emblem of India’s modernization drive.

As it completes seven years, Vande Bharat stands as a milestone in India’s rail evolution. From a single flagship route to a nationwide network with sleeper variants and upgraded versions, the journey reflects a broader transformation underway in Indian transportation.

With ambitious targets ahead and continued technological enhancements, Vande Bharat is not just celebrating an anniversary—it is charting the future of rail travel in India.

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