By News Desk | April 11, 2026
Indian Railways’ crown jewel, the Vande Bharat Express, has achieved a historic milestone. According to recent data released by the Ministry of Railways, nearly 3.98 crore passengers travelled on the semi-high-speed network during the Financial Year 2025-26. This represents a massive 34% growth compared to the 2.97 crore passengers recorded in the previous fiscal year.
1. Growth by the Numbers
The surge in ridership highlights a significant shift in passenger preference toward premium, fast, and comfortable rail travel.
- Total Trips: The network has completed over 1 lakh trips since its inception in 2019.
- Cumulative Ridership: Total passengers served since launch has crossed the 9.1 crore mark.
- Occupancy Rates: Several routes, including the Bengaluru-Kalaburagi and New Delhi-Varanasi sectors, have consistently recorded over 100% occupancy.
2. Top Performing Routes
The “Vande Bharat Craze” is visible across India, but certain corridors remain the busiest:
- New Delhi – Varanasi: The pioneer route remains #1, with over 73 lakh passengers to date.
- New Delhi – Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra: A favorite for pilgrims, serving nearly 56 lakh passengers.
- Secunderabad – Visakhapatnam: The leader in South India with over 48 lakh passengers.
- Chennai – Mysuru: A vital link for the IT and tourism hub, serving 36 lakh travelers.
3. Expansion into Sleeper and High-Speed Segments
The success of the Chair Car model has paved the way for the next generation of Vande Bharat trains:
- Sleeper Version: Launched in January 2026, the Vande Bharat Sleeper has already served 1.21 lakh passengers in just its first three months, offering a premium overnight alternative to the Rajdhani Express.
- 220 kmph Design: Indian Railways has recently approved the production of new trainsets with a design speed of 220 kmph, aiming to bring Indian rail closer to international bullet train standards.
4. Future Vision: Scaling to 4,500 Trains
The government has laid out a clear roadmap for the modernization of the rail fleet:
- By 2030: The goal is to have 800 Vande Bharat trainsets operational.
- By 2047: Under the “Viksit Bharat” vision, the fleet is expected to scale to 4,500 trains, covering every major district in India.
Quick FAQ: Vande Bharat Express 2026
Q1. What is the current speed of Vande Bharat trains?
Currently, they operate at a maximum speed of 160 kmph on fit tracks, though they are designed to handle up to 180 kmph.
Q2. How many Vande Bharat trains are currently running?
As of April 2026, there are 81 pairs (162 total services) of Chair Car Vande Bharat trains operational across India.
Q3. Is food included in the ticket price?
Yes, catering charges are optional but usually included in the ticket for premium classes (Executive and Chair Car), providing high-quality vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals.
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