Vande Bharat Network Expands To 164 Services With Four New Routes

The Indian Railways is poised to expand its fleet of semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express trains with the launch of four new services, bringing the total number of these premium trains to 164. The latest additions are expected to begin operations shortly, marking another milestone in the government’s efforts to modernise long-distance rail travel.

New Routes Announced

According to the Ministry of Railways, one of the new services will operate between Bengaluru and Kochi, linking two major southern cities and enhancing inter-state travel between Karnataka and Kerala. News agency PTI reported that the ministry has already finalised the schedule for this route.

In addition, a leading English-language Indian daily noted that three more Vande Bharat Express services will soon be introduced on the Firozpur Cantt–Delhi, Varanasi–Khajuraho, and Lucknow–Saharanpur routes. These additions will extend faster, more comfortable rail connectivity to key destinations across Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

Strengthening Connectivity

The expansion aligns with the centre’s broader vision of transforming the Indian Railways into a modern, efficient, and passenger-friendly network. With the introduction of these four new trains, the Vande Bharat network will continue to serve as a symbol of technological progress and enhanced regional integration across India.

Bengaluru–Kochi Vande Bharat Schedule

The Ministry of Railways has released the full schedule for the Bengaluru–Kochi Vande Bharat Express, further strengthening high-speed rail connectivity in southern India. According to a Railway Board notification issued on Friday, train number 26651 (KSR Bengaluru–Ernakulam Junction Vande Bharat Express) will depart from Bengaluru at 5:10 am and arrive at Ernakulam Junction at 1:50 pm. En route, it will stop at Krishnarajapuram, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, and Thrissur, linking major commercial and industrial centres across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

The return service, train number 26652 (Ernakulam Junction–KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express), will leave Ernakulam at 2:20 pm and reach Bengaluru at 11 pm. This new service will become Kerala’s third Vande Bharat Express, joining the Thiruvananthapuram–Kasaragod and Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru routes already in operation.

Wider Network Expansion

In addition to the southern service, three more Vande Bharat routes—Firozpur Cantt–Delhi, Varanasi–Khajuraho, and Lucknow–Saharanpur—are set to be launched soon, according to an English daily. These new links will enhance mobility across Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, underscoring the Centre’s continuing push to modernise India’s rail infrastructure and improve passenger experience nationwide.

Firozpur Cantt–Delhi Vande Bharat to Run Six Days a Week

The Firozpur Cantt–Delhi Vande Bharat Express is set to enhance connectivity between Punjab and the national capital with a six-day-a-week service, excluding Wednesdays. Covering a distance of 486 kilometres in 6 hours and 40 minutes, the train will provide a faster and more comfortable travel option for passengers on this busy corridor.

The southbound service, train number 26462, will depart from Firozpur Cantonment at 7:55 am and reach Delhi at 2:35 pm. For the return journey, train number 26461 will leave Delhi at 4 pm and arrive in Firozpur Cantt at 10:35 pm.

En route, the train will make scheduled halts at Faridkot, Bathinda, Dhuri, Patiala, Ambala Cantt, Kurukshetra, and Panipat, linking key towns across Punjab and Haryana with the capital region through a high-speed, modern rail service.

Varanasi–Khajuraho Vande Bharat to Link Key Heritage Destinations

The Varanasi–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will connect two of northern India’s prominent cultural and religious centres, covering a 443-kilometre stretch in 7 hours and 40 minutes. The train will halt at Vindhyachal, Prayagraj Chheoki, Chitrakut Dham, Banda, and Mahoba, improving connectivity across eastern and central Uttar Pradesh and into Madhya Pradesh.

As per the schedule, train number 26422 will depart Varanasi at 5:25 am and reach Khajuraho at 1:10 pm. On the return journey, train number 26421 will leave Khajuraho at 3:20 pm and arrive back in Varanasi at 11 pm, offering same-day travel convenience for passengers.

Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat to Strengthen North India Connectivity

The new Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express will run across 534 kilometres in 7 hours and 45 minutes, significantly cutting travel time between Uttar Pradesh and western Uttarakhand. The train will stop at Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Najibabad, and Roorkee, connecting major urban and industrial hubs along the route.

According to the proposed schedule, train number 26504 will depart Lucknow at 5 am and reach Saharanpur at 12:45 pm. The return service, train number 26503, will leave Saharanpur at 3 pm and arrive in Lucknow at 11 pm, providing passengers with a fast, reliable option for intercity travel within northern India.

(With inputs from various sources.)

FAQs

What is the maximum speed of the Vande Bharat Express?
It has a design speed of 180 kmph and operates at a maximum speed of 160 kmph, thanks to its advanced acceleration and braking systems.

How does the Vande Bharat ensure passenger comfort?
The train features semi-permanent couplers for jerk-free rides, advanced suspension, air-conditioning with UV-C disinfection, and sealed, wider gangways for smoother and quieter travel.

What facilities are available for differently-abled passengers?
Special Divyangjan-friendly lavatories are provided in the driving coaches at both ends, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all passengers.

How does the Vande Bharat Express support onboard safety communication?
Each coach includes emergency alarm buttons and talk-back units for instant contact with the crew, alongside a driver–guard communication system with voice recording and crash-hardened memory.