Indian Railways to Launch Four New Vande Bharat Trains: Network Expands to 164 Services Nationwide
Indian Railways is gearing up for a major expansion of its flagship Vande Bharat Express network. With the launch of four new semi-high-speed trains, the total count of Vande Bharat services across India will rise to 164.
The announcement underscores the tremendous success of the initiative — current trains are running at over 105% occupancy, proving their massive popularity among passengers.
Key Highlights
- 🚆 Indian Railways to add four new Vande Bharat Express trains by end of 2025.
- 🇮🇳 Total operational services to reach 164 trains nationwide.
- 🧭 Bengaluru–Ernakulam route to lead new launches by mid-November.
- 💺 Occupancy rate hits 105.03% in FY 2025.
- 🚄 Vande Bharat Sleeper and Vande Bharat 4.0 under development.
- 🏁 PM Narendra Modi expected to inaugurate the new service.
Bengaluru–Ernakulam Vande Bharat: Flagship New Route
The Railway Board has officially released the schedule for the Bengaluru–Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express, one of the most anticipated routes in South India.
According to Business Standard, this new service is expected to commence operations by mid-November 2025, addressing a long-pending demand of commuters between Karnataka and Kerala.
Train Details:
- Train Number: 26651
- Departure: KSR Bengaluru – 5:10 AM
- Arrival: Ernakulam Junction – 1:50 PM
- Return: Ernakulam – 2:20 PM → Bengaluru – 11:00 PM
- Frequency: Six days a week (except Wednesdays)
Stops on Route:
Krishnarajapuram, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, and Thrissur.
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan highlighted that the train will benefit textile workers and traders, as it stops at key industrial hubs like Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruppur, and Salem.
This will be Kerala’s third Vande Bharat service, following the Thiruvananthapuram–Kasaragod and Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru routes — a major relief for the large Malayali population in Bengaluru, especially IT professionals who frequently travel between the two cities.
Demand-Driven Expansion
According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Vande Bharat Express program has become India’s most successful premium rail initiative.
Occupancy Rate Statistics:
- FY 2024-25: 102.01%
- FY 2025 (April–June): 105.03%
A senior railway official confirmed to The Indian Express that:
“Four new Vande Bharat trains have been approved — connecting Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.”
The expansion comes amid an unprecedented surge in bookings and strong positive passenger feedback.
Service Upgrades & Coach Expansion
To meet growing demand, Indian Railways is also upgrading existing Vande Bharat trains:
- Three 16-coach trains → upgraded to 20 coaches.
- Four 8-coach services → expanded to 16 coaches.
- Seven high-demand routes like Mangaluru Central–Thiruvananthapuram Central and Chennai Egmore–Tirunelveli will get additional capacity.
This capacity enhancement aligns with the government’s “Vision 2047” plan to modernize India’s passenger rail infrastructure.
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Future of Vande Bharat: Version 4.0 & Sleeper Trains
The Railway Ministry is working on the Vande Bharat 4.0 project, which aims to deliver world-class comfort and export-ready design.
Key Features of Vande Bharat 4.0:
- Enhanced toilets & modular interiors
- Ergonomic seating design
- Advanced noise control & smoother acceleration
- Export-grade build for international markets
The Vande Bharat 4.0 trains are expected to roll out within 18 months, as per the Railway Minister’s announcement.
Sleeper Edition on the Horizon:
Indian Railways is also developing the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train for long-distance overnight journeys.
- 10 sleeper rakes currently under production
- Designed for luxury overnight routes like Delhi–Mumbai and Chennai–Bengaluru
- Expected launch: Early 2026
🇮🇳 PM Modi’s Vision: “Speed, Scale, and Service”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the new Bengaluru–Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express, continuing the trend of high-profile launches since the train’s debut in 2019.
Under his leadership, Indian Railways has:
- Achieved 90%+ network electrification.
- Expanded semi-high-speed rail coverage.
- Launched station redevelopment & digital ticketing initiatives.
The Vande Bharat Express has become the face of New India’s Rail Revolution — fast, clean, and proudly indigenous.
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💬 Expert Insights
Transportation analyst Dr. R.K. Sinha notes:
“Vande Bharat represents India’s growing engineering capability. The new services will reduce dependence on domestic flights and road travel for short to medium distances.”
Industry observers also point out that Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will open up a new segment of premium overnight travelers — including families, business executives, and working professionals.
Passenger Experience & Feedback
Commuters on existing Vande Bharat routes have praised the trains for:
- Cleanliness and comfort
- Faster travel times
- Quiet cabins and smooth rides
- Improved onboard food quality
Social media platforms are filled with posts comparing the experience to “air travel on tracks”.
Timeline of Vande Bharat Expansion
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2019 | First Vande Bharat launched (Delhi–Varanasi) |
| 2022 | Network expands to 10 routes |
| 2024 | Prototype for sleeper version unveiled |
| 2025 | Four new trains announced; occupancy crosses 105% |
| 2026 | Vande Bharat 4.0 and Sleeper Edition to launch |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many Vande Bharat trains will be running by 2025?
➡️ A total of 164 Vande Bharat trains will be operational across India.
Q2. Which new routes are being added?
➡️ Karnataka–Kerala, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi corridors.
Q3. When will the Bengaluru–Ernakulam train start?
➡️ Expected mid-November 2025.
Q4. What is Vande Bharat 4.0?
➡️ The next-generation model with upgraded interiors, comfort, and global-export features.
Q5. Are there sleeper versions planned?
➡️ Yes, the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are under production for overnight routes — set to launch in 2026.
Conclusion
The upcoming launch of four new Vande Bharat trains marks another major leap in India’s journey toward high-speed, high-quality rail travel.
With record occupancy levels, international-grade upgrades, and the forthcoming Vande Bharat 4.0 and Sleeper Editions, Indian Railways is redefining the passenger experience — one route at a time.
This expansion not only improves connectivity but also symbolizes India’s engineering excellence and vision for “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” on tracks. 🇮🇳
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