Indian Railways is preparing to introduce the next generation of its semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express — the Vande Bharat 4.0 — within the next 18 months. The announcement, made by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during the 16th International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) 2025, highlights India’s growing ambition to lead the global market in modern train manufacturing.
How Vande Bharat Evolved Since 2019
The Vande Bharat Express series, launched in 2019, has transformed passenger train travel in India. It was the first fully indigenous semi-high-speed train designed and built under the Make in India initiative.
Over time, the model has undergone multiple upgrades. The current Vande Bharat 3.0 trains are already running on several routes, offering better energy efficiency, faster acceleration, and more comfort than earlier versions
What the Railway Minister Said About Vande Bharat 3.0
Speaking at the IREE 2025 event, Minister Vaishnaw said the success of the Vande Bharat trains has placed India among the top nations in railway innovation.
“India is working on the next generation of high-speed trains, with a strong focus on the export market. India is currently operating Vande Bharat 3.0, which represents a significant improvement over its earlier versions,” he said.
He added that the Vande Bharat 3.0 trains already meet international performance benchmarks, matching the standards of global high-speed train systems.
“Vande Bharat 3.0 already meets international benchmarks, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in just 52 seconds—faster than many trains in Japan and Europe—while maintaining lower noise and vibration levels,” Vaishnaw said.
What Makes Vande Bharat 4.0 Different
The next version — Vande Bharat 4.0 — is being designed to further enhance both passenger comfort and global competitiveness. According to the Minister, these trains will not just serve India’s domestic needs but also aim to attract international buyers.
“Vande Bharat 4.0 is expected to be launched within the next 18 months, aiming to set global benchmarks in every aspect of performance and passenger experience. The goal is to establish Vande Bharat 4.0 as the global standard, a train so advanced in quality and comfort that countries around the world would aspire to adopt it,” Vaishnaw said.
Key Features to Look Out For
The Vande Bharat 4.0 trainsets will come with major interior and performance upgrades. Indian Railways plans to:
Redesign toilets with improved hygiene and accessibility.
Upgrade seating for long-distance comfort.
Refine coach workmanship to align with international standards.
Enhance safety and ride quality, ensuring quieter, smoother journeys.
With these upgrades, the new train model aims to strengthen India’s position as a global hub for high-speed train manufacturing while giving passengers a world-class rail experience.