India’s Vande Bharat Express network has expanded rapidly since the launch of the country’s first semi-high-speed train in 2019. As of today, 82 Vande Bharat Express trains are operational across the country.
The first Vande Bharat Express was launched on February 15, 2019. The inaugural service connected New Delhi with Varanasi and marked a major step in India’s efforts to develop faster and more modern passenger rail services.
Since then, the network has grown across several regions. Vande Bharat trains now connect major cities and important travel destinations across the country, offering faster journey times and modern passenger facilities.
Alongside the chair car services, India has also introduced the Vande Bharat Sleeper. At present, one Vande Bharat Sleeper service is operational. It runs between Howrah and Kamakhya, providing an overnight travel option on the route.
The expansion of the Vande Bharat network reflects the Indian Railways’ wider focus on improving passenger services and reducing travel times. The trains are designed for semi-high-speed operations and feature modern interiors, improved seating and passenger amenities.
The growth from one train in 2019 to 82 operational services highlights the rapid expansion of the Vande Bharat programme. The trains have become a prominent part of India’s modern railway network.
The introduction of the sleeper service has also expanded the scope of the Vande Bharat platform. While the original trains were designed mainly for daytime journeys, sleeper services are intended to provide a faster overnight travel experience.
Indian Railways continues to expand and upgrade its network as demand for faster intercity travel grows. More routes and train services are expected to be added as railway infrastructure and rolling stock capacity increase.
The Vande Bharat programme has therefore moved from a single New Delhi–Varanasi service to a nationwide network of 82 operational chair car trains and one sleeper service.