Are 144 Vande Bharat Train Services Now Operational Across India's Rail Network?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 144 Vande Bharat services are now operational.
- Designed for speed, safety, and comfort.
- Features include Kavach system and ergonomic seats.
- Popular among travelers with 3 crore passengers in 2024-25.
- New routes inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi.
New Delhi, Aug 10 (NationPress) The Indian Railways has significantly enhanced its modern train fleet, with 144 Vande Bharat services now operational across the country's broad gauge electrified railway network.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw provided this update in a written response in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, emphasizing the government's commitment to modernizing the nation's rail infrastructure.
The Vande Bharat trains are semi-high speed services designed and developed by Indian Railways, aimed at providing passengers with a faster, safer, and more comfortable travel experience.
These advanced trains feature rapid acceleration, the Kavach collision avoidance system, fully sealed gangways, automatic plug doors, and improved ride comfort.
Onboard amenities include mini pantries equipped with hot cases, bottle coolers, deep freezers, and hot water boilers.
Passengers enjoy reclining ergonomic seats, revolving seats in the executive class, mobile charging sockets at every seat, special lavatories for Divyangjan passengers, and CCTV surveillance for heightened security.
The minister stated that these services aim to alleviate congestion on high-demand routes while ensuring travel remains safe and affordable.
He also highlighted the growing popularity of these trains among travelers. In the fiscal year 2024-25, nearly 3 crore passengers utilized the Vande Bharat Express, with an additional 93 lakh people traveling between April and June 2025.
The rapid expansion of Vande Bharat services represents a vital advancement in enhancing passenger travel in India, merging speed, comfort, and safety on some of the busiest rail routes in the country.
In related news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vande Bharat train service connecting Bengaluru and Belagavi in Karnataka on Sunday. He boarded the train and engaged with students and children during the journey.
At the railway station, the Prime Minister waved to the staff before launching the service. He also inaugurated two additional Vande Bharat routes—one between Amritsar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, and another connecting Nagpur (Ajni) to Pune.
The event in Bengaluru saw attendance from Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, and BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra.
As the Vande Bharat train to Belagavi commenced its journey, the Prime Minister and other leaders waved to passengers onboard.