The year 2024 has been monumental for Indian Railways, with a significant focus on expanding the network of Vande Bharat Express trains, the country’s flagship semi-high-speed service. As part of the government’s vision to modernise rail travel and provide faster, more comfortable connectivity, several new Vande Bharat Express trains were introduced across various routes, covering more regions and catering to a wider range of passengers.
Indian Railways launched more than 30 new Vande Bharat Express trains this year, bringing the total number of operational Vande Bharat services to 136 by the end of 2024. This expansion marks a milestone in achieving the ambitious target of connecting all major cities and regions with the indigenous train service.
New Routes Introduced in 2024
New Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express (20-coach)
The New Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express, India’s first 20-coach semi-high-speed train, connects the national capital with the spiritual city of Varanasi. The train covers 771 kilometers in approximately 8 hours, operating under train numbers 22436/22435 and 22415/22416. It departs from New Delhi and Varanasi Junction on a daily basis, offering comfortable travel for up to 1,440 passengers per journey.
Nagpur-Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express (20-coach)
The Nagpur-Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express, India’s second 20-coach variant, connects Nagpur with Secunderabad Junction. Designated as train numbers 20101/20102, this service covers 575 kilometers in just 7 hours and 15 minutes. Operating six days a week except Tuesdays, it provides a fast and efficient travel option for passengers commuting between these two major cities.
Chennai Egmore-Nagercoil Vande Bharat Express
The Chennai Egmore-Nagercoil Vande Bharat Express connects Tamil Nadu’s capital with the picturesque town of Nagercoil. Covering 726 kilometers across 12 districts, this train significantly reduces travel time while enhancing comfort. It operates six days a week and is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, making it a preferred choice for travelers.
Madurai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express
The Madurai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express is the first direct train linking these cities via Tiruchchirappalli. Catering to businesspeople, students, and professionals, it strengthens connectivity between the cultural hub of Tamil Nadu and the tech capital of Karnataka. This train operates six days a week, excluding Sundays.
Meerut City-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express
The Meerut City-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express aims to boost tourism and industrial connectivity. Serving prominent pilgrimage destinations, it enhances travel options for religious tourists. The train operates six days a week and significantly reduces travel time between Meerut and Lucknow.
Tatanagar-Patna Vande Bharat Express
The Tatanagar-Patna Vande Bharat Express covers approximately 500 kilometers in about seven hours. Operating six days a week, this train departs Tatanagar at 6:00 AM and reaches Patna by 1:00 PM. It returns the same day, departing from Patna at 3:00 PM and arriving in Tatanagar by 11:00 PM.
Gaya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express
The Gaya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express covers 458 kilometers in just 5 hours and 40 minutes. Running six days a week except Thursdays, this train provides a fast and efficient connection between Gaya and Kolkata. It departs from Gaya in the morning and returns the same evening.
Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express
The Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express operates with only three stops—Chakradharpur, Tatanagar, and Kharagpur. Covering the route in about 7 hours, it operates six days a week and ensures seamless travel between these industrial and cultural hubs.
Agra-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express
The Agra-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express connects these two historic cities, covering 573 kilometers in just 7 hours. Operating six days a week excluding Fridays, it includes four scheduled stops, making it the fastest and most convenient travel option on this route.
Pune-Hubballi Vande Bharat Express
The Pune-Hubballi Vande Bharat Express spans 557 kilometers in 8 hours and 30 minutes, making five stops along the way. Operating thrice weekly on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, it departs Hubballi at 5:00 AM and reaches Pune by 1:30 PM the same day.
Kolhapur-Pune Vande Bharat Express
The Kolhapur-Pune Vande Bharat Express covers 326 kilometers in just 5 hours and 15 minutes. It operates three days a week and stops at key stations like Miraj, Sangli, and Satara, providing a fast and comfortable travel option.
Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express
Connecting Durg in Chhattisgarh with Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, this train reduces the journey time from 11 hours to just 8 hours. Operating six days a week excluding Thursdays, it enhances connectivity for tourism and business.
Bhagalpur-Howrah Vande Bharat Express
The Bhagalpur-Howrah Vande Bharat Express spans 439.57 kilometers across Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. With stops at Rampurhat Junction and Dumka, among others, it operates six days a week and provides a modern travel experience.
Deoghar-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express
The Deoghar-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express covers 454 kilometers in approximately 7 hours. Running six days a week excluding Tuesdays, it departs Deoghar at 3:15 PM and arrives in Varanasi at 10:30 PM, with a return journey the following morning.
Tatanagar-Brahmapur Vande Bharat Express
The Tatanagar-Brahmapur Vande Bharat Express operates six days a week excluding Tuesdays. Covering 609 kilometers, it departs Tatanagar at 2:50 PM and arrives in Brahmapur at 11:55 PM, ensuring efficient connectivity between these cities.
Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express
Connecting Jammu Tawi with Srinagar, this train enhances travel to the Kashmir Valley. Operating six days a week, it offers a scenic and comfortable journey, promoting tourism and regional connectivity.
Chandigarh-Amritsar Vande Bharat Express
The Chandigarh-Amritsar Vande Bharat Express strengthens connectivity within Punjab. Covering the route in less than 4 hours, this train operates daily except Sundays, catering to both business and leisure travelers.
Jaipur-Udaipur Vande Bharat Express
The Jaipur-Udaipur Vande Bharat Express connects Rajasthan’s capital with its historic lake city. Operating six days a week, it covers the journey in under 6 hours, boosting tourism and trade.
Ahmedabad-Rajkot Vande Bharat Express
The Ahmedabad-Rajkot Vande Bharat Express spans 221 kilometers in just over 4 hours. Operating six days a week, this train enhances connectivity within Gujarat’s industrial hubs.
Mumbai-Goa Vande Bharat Express
The Mumbai-Goa Vande Bharat Express connects the financial capital with the popular tourist destination. Operating six days a week, it offers a scenic journey in less than 8 hours.
Mumbai-Shirdi Vande Bharat Express
The Mumbai-Shirdi Vande Bharat Express connects the city with the famous pilgrimage destination. Operating six days a week, it provides a fast and efficient travel option for devotees.
Hyderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express
The Hyderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express links the tech hub of Hyderabad with the spiritual town of Tirupati. Running six days a week, it reduces travel time significantly.
Bhopal-Indore Vande Bharat Express
Connecting Bhopal with Indore, this train covers 200 kilometers in just 3 hours. Operating daily except Mondays, it serves business and leisure travelers alike.
Bhopal-Jabalpur Vande Bharat Express
The Bhopal-Jabalpur Vande Bharat Express spans 330 kilometers, offering a comfortable journey in less than 5 hours. It operates six days a week, excluding Sundays.
Raipur-Bhubaneswar Vande Bharat Express
The Raipur-Bhubaneswar Vande Bharat Express connects Chhattisgarh’s capital with Odisha’s capital in 6 hours. Operating six days a week, it enhances regional connectivity.
Coimbatore-Kochi Vande Bharat Express
The Coimbatore-Kochi Vande Bharat Express links Tamil Nadu with Kerala, covering 195 kilometers in 3 hours. Operating daily except Sundays, it boosts inter-state travel.
Guwahati-Imphal Vande Bharat Express
The Guwahati-Imphal Vande Bharat Express enhances connectivity in the Northeast. Covering the distance in 7 hours, it operates six days a week, excluding Thursdays.
Guwahati-Agartala Vande Bharat Express
The Guwahati-Agartala Vande Bharat Express connects Assam with Tripura in just 6 hours. Operating six days a week, it promotes regional integration.
Kolkata-Siliguri Vande Bharat Express
The Kolkata-Siliguri Vande Bharat Express spans 567 kilometers in 8 hours. Operating daily except Wednesdays, it enhances travel to North Bengal.
Lucknow-Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express
The Lucknow-Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express covers 270 kilometers in 4 hours. Operating six days a week, it improves connectivity within Uttar Pradesh.
Patna-Darbhanga Vande Bharat Express
The Patna-Darbhanga Vande Bharat Express connects Bihar’s capital with Darbhanga in just 3 hours. Operating daily except Fridays, it caters to regional travelers.
Chennai-Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express
The Chennai-Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express covers 500 kilometers in 6 hours. Operating six days a week, it enhances connectivity between Tamil Nadu
Features of Vande Bharat Express Trains
The Vande Bharat Express trains are renowned for their advanced features, combining speed, comfort, and safety. Operating at speeds of up to 160 km/h, they offer a high-speed travel experience unmatched by traditional trains. The modern interiors include reclining seats, spacious arrangements, and advanced infotainment systems, ensuring passenger comfort.These trains feature energy-efficient engines and onboard waste management systems. Additionally, they prioritise safety with the Kavach system, a cutting-edge technology designed to prevent collisions and enhance operational security.