India’s railway network is one of the largest and busiest in the world. Indian Railways have always been crucial in connecting villages, towns, and cities throughout the country. To make travel faster and more comfortable, Indian Railways has introduced several modern trains over the years. One of the most exciting and modern trains is the Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18.
In this guide, we will talk about everything you need to know about the Vande Bharat Express. We will cover the train’s routes, speed, features, ticket booking process, and more. Whether you are planning a trip or just curious about this modern marvel, this guide will provide you with all the information you need.
What is the Vande Bharat Express?
The Vande Bharat Express is a semi-high-speed train that was designed and built by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. The train was made in India as part of the Make in India initiative. It is a big leap forward for Indian Railways, offering better speed, comfort, and technology compared to older trains.
The Vande Bharat Express is different from regular trains because it has modern features, high-speed capability, and a design that focuses on passenger comfort. It is one of the fastest trains in India, with a maximum speed of 180 km/h (112 mph). Compared to conventional trains, which typically travel at speeds of between 50 and 70 kilometers per hour, this permits passengers to travel far more quickly over long distances. Apart from its speed, the Vande Bharat Express has advanced features that make it stand out. For example, the train is equipped with automatic doors, comfortable seating, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and CCTV cameras for safety. Because of these features, the train is safe, convenient, and comfortable for all passengers.
Vande Bharat Express Train List
The Vande Bharat Express runs on several key routes across India, connecting major cities and improving travel time. Below is a list of some of the most important Vande Bharat Express routes:
New Delhi to Varanasi
- Route: New Delhi → Ghaziabad → Aligarh → Kanpur → Lucknow → Varanasi
- Distance: 760 km
- Journey Time: Approximately 8 hours
- The 15th of February, 2019, is the launch date. The Vande Bharat Express was first introduced on the New Delhi to Varanasi route. It connects the national capital to Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in India. The Vande Bharat Express completes the journey in just 8 hours, whereas regular trains take over 12 hours, so this route helps travelers save a lot of time.
New Delhi to Katra (Train No. 22439)
- Route: New Delhi → Ghaziabad → Meerut → Roorkee → Jammu → Katra
- Distance: 650 km
- Journey Time: Approximately 8 hours
- Launch Date: October 3, 2019
- The New Delhi to Katra route is popular for pilgrims traveling to the Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra. This route offers a comfortable and fast way to reach the destination.
Mumbai to Gandhinagar (Train No. 20901)
- Route: Mumbai → Surat → Bharuch → Vadodara → Ahmedabad → Gandhinagar
- Distance: 520 km
- Journey Time: Around 6 hours
- Launch Date: 2020
- This Vande Bharat route connects Mumbai, the financial capital of India, to Gandhinagar, a city in Gujarat. The train offers high-speed travel with comfort.
Chennai to Coimbatore (Train No. 20601)
- Route: Chennai → Villupuram → Salem → Erode → Coimbatore
- Distance: 500 km
- Journey Time: Around 5 hours
- Launch Date: 2022
- This route connects the vibrant city of Chennai with the industrial hub of Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. The Vande Bharat Express on this route has reduced travel time and made the journey more comfortable.
Bhopal to Jabalpur (Train No. 22163)
- Route: Bhopal → Narsinghpur → Jabalpur
- Distance: 300 km
- Journey Time: Around 4 hours
- Launch Date: 2023
- The Bhopal to Jabalpur route connects two important cities in Madhya Pradesh, offering passengers a quicker and more convenient way to travel.
Vande Bharat Express Speed and Features
- Speed
- The speed of the Vande Bharat Express is one of its standout features. With a top speed of 180 km/h, it is much faster than regular trains.
- This allows passengers to reach their destinations faster, saving valuable time.
- For example, the journey from New Delhi to Varanasi, which takes about 12 hours on a regular train, only takes 8 hours on the Vande Bharat Express.
- Comfortable Seating
- The train’s interior is designed for comfort. The seats are ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue and provide ample legroom.
- The train offers both executive and chair cars, giving passengers the option to choose according to their preference.
- The seats in the “executive class” are especially soft and comfortable because they are wider.
- Climate control
- The Vande Bharat Express is fully air-conditioned, ensuring that passengers remain cool and comfortable during their journey.
- This is particularly beneficial during India’s hot summers, as passengers can enjoy a pleasant ride regardless of the weather outside.
- Wi-Fi
- Another fantastic feature is free Wi-Fi. Passengers can use this to stay connected with friends and family, watch videos, or even work on the go.
- This is an excellent feature for people who need to stay productive or entertained during their trip.
- Automatic Doors
- The train is equipped with automatic doors, which makes boarding and deboarding easier and more convenient for passengers.
- This modern feature adds to the train’s overall efficiency and convenience.
- Safety Features
- The Vande Bharat Express is also built with safety in mind. It has CCTV cameras installed throughout the train to monitor passenger activity and ensure safety.
- The automatic doors and advanced braking system further enhance the overall security of the train.
- Cleanliness and Hygiene
- Cleanliness is another important feature of the Vande Bharat Express.
- The train is regularly cleaned to ensure a hygienic and fresh environment for all passengers. Additionally, the restrooms have cutting-edge amenities for the convenience of passengers.
How to Book Vande Bharat Express Tickets
Booking tickets for the Vande Bharat Express is easy and can be done in several ways:
- Online Booking (IRCTC Website): You can visit the IRCTC website to book tickets. The website is user-friendly and allows you to select your seat, make payments, and print tickets.
- IRCTC Mobile App: The IRCTC mobile app is available for both Android and iOS users. This app makes it easy to book tickets from anywhere, anytime. You can also check the status of the train and get updates.
- Station Ticket Counter: If you prefer booking tickets in person, you can buy them at the ticket counter at the station. However, booking tickets online or through the app is more convenient.
Ticket Pricing for Vande Bharat Express
The Vande Bharat Express is a premium service, and ticket prices are higher compared to regular trains. Below are some approximate prices for different routes:
- New Delhi to Varanasi:
- Executive Chair Car: ₹2,500
- Chair Car: ₹1,000
- New Delhi to Katra:
- Car for the Executive Chair: 2,500 – Chair Car: ₹1,200
- Mumbai to Gandhinagar:
- Executive Chair Car: ₹2,500
- Chair Car: ₹1,200
- Chennai to Coimbatore:
- Executive Chair Car: ₹2,000
- Chair Car: ₹1,100
- Ticket prices can vary depending on demand, so it is always a good idea to check the current prices before booking.
Future of Vande Bharat Express
Indian Railways has big plans for the Vande Bharat Express. By the year 2030, the government intends to introduce 75 Vande Bharat trains. As more trains are introduced, the Vande Bharat Express will connect more cities and provide faster, more comfortable travel options for people across India. This will change the way people travel and make long-distance train journeys much quicker.
Conclusion
The Vande Bharat Express is a revolutionary train that is changing the future of train travel in India. With its high speed, advanced features, and comfortable seating, it offers an excellent travel experience. Whether you are traveling for business, fun, or religious journey, the Vande Bharat Express is a great option. Its growing network of routes and future expansions will continue to make travel faster and more comfortable across India.
If you haven’t had the chance to travel on the Vande Bharat Express, consider booking your ticket for your next trip. You will experience modern travel like never before!
