The Vande Bharat Express is one of the most famous and high-speed trains in India that has many facilities to offer its passengers. These semi-high-speed trains have been launched by the Indian Railways to offer an international travel experience to the passengers.
Operating on some of the most densely connected routes in the country, the Vande Bharat Express is ideal for anyone who does not want to waste much time on a journey and at the same time desires comfort. In this article, you will get to know about Vande Bharat Express, the costs associated with its travel, probable routes, and schedules in this guide.
Vande Bharat Express Trains: Top Features and Amenities
To enhance passenger comfort, these trains offer several top features and amenities to choose from:
Great Efficiency and Speed: These trains are built to run at an average speed of 160 km/h which allows them to reach their destination in less time as compared to traditional trains. These trains are scheduled to have fewer stoppages which is also a factor supporting its efficiency of being on time.
Comfortable Seats: The train offers its passengers with plush seating that includes a rotating chair in the executive class and a spacious sitting area. Gone are the times when you had to adjust with two other strangers in a row.
Modern Design: On a train journey, the best part is to glare outside the window to enjoy every scenic view in the journey but sometimes you may not get a window seat. So, looks like the problem is solved. These trains are built with big windows that allow passengers to enjoy the scenic view during their journey.
High-Tech Amenities: These trains are built with a touch of modern technology and hence provide amenities like wi-fi connectivity, bio-vacuum toilets, GPS-based passenger information systems, automated doors, and shockproof interiors. These facilities solve a lot of problems we face while riding a traditional train.
Food Options: The trains provide food options to the passengers on board while ensuring that they get quality and hygienic food during their journey. Earlier this was not an option, as we only had to eat what was available in the pantry.
Vande Bharat Express: Popular Trains
The Vande Bharat Express started operating on 15 February 2019 and the first train was between New Delhi-Varanasi flagged off by PM Narendra Modi. Now it has spread its routes to 51 routes and connects major cities and tourist destinations in India.
However, some of the popular Vande Bharat trains are:
New Delhi to Varanasi (Train Number- 22435/22436): This route reduces the maximum travel time from 13 hours to 8 hours. Varanasi is a top tourist destination in India and is now efficiently accessible too.
Mumbai to Gandhinagar (Train Number- 20901/20902): This route of 520 km first inaugurated on 30 September 2022 is now easily covered within 6 hours.
Secunderabad to Tirupati (Train Number- 20701/20702): Tirupati is a top religious destination in India and is visited by pilgrims from worldwide throughout the year. This route of the Vande Bharat reduces the travel time by 3 hours which is a big comfort for the pilgrims.
Chennai to Mysuru (Train Number- 20607/20608): This Express runs between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka connecting the major cities including Bengaluru, Mandya, and Katpadi, making it a convenient route for passengers to travel. The train operates six days a week and covers a distance of 497 km in 6 hours 30 mins.
Puri to Howrah (Train Number- 22869/22870): Inaugurated on 18 May 2023, this train connects two cultural and trade hubs in India. It covers approximately 500 km in just 6 hours.
Vande Bharat Express Trains: Ticket Cost
The cost of a ticket always depends on the route, distance covered, and class of travel. In comparison to a traditional train, the Vande Bharat Express offers a luxury transportation experience and thus demands a high price. For example, the New Delhi to Varanasi Vande Bharat Express (Train Number- 22436/22435) covers a distance of 757 km and charges ₹3,520 for an Executive Class and ₹1,760 for a Chair Car. Let’s take another example, the Mumbai to Gandhinagar Vande Bharat Express (Train Number- 20901/20902) covers a distance of 520 km and charges ₹2,440 for an Executive Class and ₹1,220 for a Chair Car.
Vande Bharat Express: Routes and Schedules
As of August 2024, there are a total of 51 Vande Bharat Express routes are operated across India. Here are some of the main routes covered by the Vande Bharat Express and its schedule:
S. No. | Train Routes | Train Number | Schedule | Distance covered | Travel Time |
1 | New Delhi to Varanasi | 22436/22435 | Except Thu | 757 km | 8 hours |
2 | New Delhi to SMVD Katra | 22439/22440 | Except Tue | 655 km | 8 hours
5 minutes |
3 | Mumbai Central to Gandhinagar Capital | 20901/20902 | Except Wed | 520 km | 6 hours
25 minutes |
4 | MGR Chennai Central to Mysuru | 20607/20608 | Except Wed | 496 km | 6 hours
30 minutes |
5 | Secunderabad to Tirupati | 20701/20702 | Except Tue | 660 km | 8 hours
15 minutes |
6 | Patna to Ranchi | 22349/ 22350 | Except Tue | 440 km | 6 hours |
7 | Bilaspur to Nagpur | 20825/20826 | Except Sat | 412 km | 5 hours
30 minutes |
8 | Hazrat Nizamuddin to Rani Kamlapati | 20171/20172 | Except Sat | 700 km | 7 hours
36 minutes |
9 | Gorakhpur to Prayagraj | 22549/22550 | Except Sat | 500 km | 7 hours
30 minutes |
10 | Puri to Howrah | 22869/ 22870 | Except Thu | 500 km | 6 hours |
Buy a Ticket to Your Comfort!
The Vande Bharat Express has turned out to be one of the best examples of India’s progress in the field of rail transport as it combines speed, comfort, and convenience. Through its contemporary facilities and effective operations, it has revolutionized the means of transport for some of the busiest routes in the country. For both business and leisure travelers, the Vande Bharat Express is a premium service that saves time and is a pleasant journey. With the addition of new routes and growth of the network, this train is destined to become even more important for the railway transport system of India and improve the quality of passengers’ journeys.
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