Vande Bharat Express Reaches New Heights of Success

Ministry of Railways//Entry Date: December 16, 2025 at 6:48 PM by PIB Delhi

Provided fast, safe, and comfortable travel to 7.5 crore passengers since 2019

New Delhi: 16th December 2025: (PIB Delhi//Rail Screen Desk):

Vande Bharat has created a new history in Indian Railways. Speed, safety, and comfortable travel have now been redefined.

164 Vande Bharat train services are currently operational across India. This is also boosting connectivity and tourism in 274 districts.

Indian Railways' Vande Bharat Express has completely transformed rail travel in India since its inception in February 2019. Today, 164 world-class Vande Bharat services connect major cities across the country.

These services offer faster, safer, and more comfortable journeys. The popularity of the Vande Bharat Express is evident from its passenger numbers. More than 75 lakh passengers have experienced this state-of-the-art train since 2019.

The experience of seeing the Vande Bharat Express crossing the Chenab Bridge is truly memorable. The scenic views are breathtaking when traveling on the Vande Bharat.

Built under the Make in India initiative, each trainset comes with advanced features. These include automatic plug doors, rotating seats and bio-vacuum toilets. They also have GPS-based passenger information systems and full CCTV coverage. These features ensure a world-class travel experience for every passenger.

Vande Bharat Express train services have become a major boon for passengers and tourists. They connect India’s cultural, spiritual, and economic hubs with speed and comfort. These trains are operational in 274 districts across the country. This wide reach is improving travel, tourism, and regional connectivity nationwide.

The Delhi-Varanasi route connects the national capital with India’s spiritual heart. It offers pilgrims and tourists a convenient and reliable travel option. Similarly, the Srinagar - Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra route improves access to one of the country’s most revered pilgrimage sites. The route was inaugurated on 6 June 2025 by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It strengthens religious tourism and boosts regional connectivity.

At the same time, the Bengaluru-Hyderabad train service has become a preferred choice for many passengers. It is widely used by IT professionals and business travelers. The service connects two major technology hubs of India.

Vande Bharat began in 2019 with just one train service. Today, it has grown into a network of 164 trains. These services carry lakhs of passengers every month. These trains improve productivity for business travelers. They offer comfortable journeys for families. They provide dignified travel for pilgrims. They also reduce carbon emissions compared to road and air travel.

The strong response shows the growing demand for world-class rail infrastructure across India. The Vande Bharat Express, Amrit Bharat Express, and Namo Bharat Rapid Rail high-tech trains are becoming popular and offering modern facilities to the passengers. Looking ahead, the upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper is set to transform overnight travel. It will combine speed, comfort, and modern amenities for long-distance passengers.

*****//Dharmendra Tewari/Dr. Nayan Solanki/Ritu Raj//(Release ID: 2204799)-----****

7 New Trains Dedicated to Bihar

Ministry of Railways//Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav//New Trains//Posted On: 29 SEP 2025 2:32PM by PIB Delhi

Including 3 Amrit Bharat Express and 4 Passenger Trains 

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary Flag Off New Trains; Total Amrit Bharat Express Services Rises to 30 Across Country, with 26 Services Originating from Bihar

Symbolic File Photo

Passenger Trains to Enhance Connectivity within Bihar; Amrit Bharat Express to Connect Bihar with Telangana, Rajasthan, and Delhi

Bihar’s Annual Railway Budget Rises from ₹1,000 Crore Before 2014 to ₹10,000 Crore in 2025, With Around ₹1 Lakh Crore Projects Underway: Ashwini Vaishnaw

21 Major Railway Projects like New Lines, Gauge Conversion, Doubling or Adding 3rd & 4th lines etc. Fully Commissioned in Bihar Since 2014, Including Patna & Munger Rail-Cum-Road Bridges

New Delhi: 29th September 2025:(PIB Delhi//The Rail Screen Desk)::

Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, today flagged off a total of seven new trains in Bihar, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains. These new trains will provide a new dimension to connectivity in Bihar and offer passengers enhanced travel services. With the inauguration of these new trains, Bihar now has a total of 26 Amrit Bharat Express services operational out of the 30 services, running across the country.

माननीय रेल मंत्री @AshwiniVaishnaw जी एवं बिहार के उप मुख्यमंत्री @samrat4bjp जी ने आज 3 #AmritBharatExpress सहित कुल 7 नई रेल सेवाओं को हरी झंडी दिखाकर रवाना किया। #RailInfra4Bihar pic.twitter.com/PtzM6XYnAp

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) September 29, 2025 

The Muzaffarpur–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express is the first Amrit Bharat train from Muzaffarpur to South India, while the Chhapra–Anand Vihar Amrit Bharat Express became the sixth Amrit Bharat train from Bihar to Delhi.

This state-of-the-art indigenous train will provide passengers with a fast, safe, and comfortable travel experience. These trains will strengthen Bihar’s connectivity with different parts of the country, particularly North and South India. Their operations will boost economic activities in the state and create new opportunities in tourism, trade, and employment.

During the occasion, speaking via video conference, the Union Minister said that the pace of development in Bihar is such that the state is set to emerge as a golden state in the near future. These trains will provide a new level of connectivity in Bihar, enhancing convenience for passengers and accelerating the state’s overall development. The Union Minister added that since PM Modi assumed office in 2014, he has prioritized the Railways, with a special focus on the States. The Minister noted that earlier, the annual railway budget for Bihar was only around ₹1,000 crore before 2014, whereas today it stands at about ₹10,000 crore. He said PM Modi has presented a significant vision for Bihar’s development, with projects worth around ₹1 lakh crore underway in Bihar. He also said the state’s railway network has been fully electrified, and 1,899 km of new track has been laid.

Developed by Indian Railways, the Amrit Bharat Express has become a symbol of modernization in the country’s railway system. The train is not just a fast and affordable travel option, but it also comes equipped with advanced features such as semi-automatic couplers, fire detection systems, sealed gangways, and talk-back units. For the first time, such an advanced technology has been introduced in non-AC coaches enhancing passenger safety.

This marks an important step towards realizing the vision of “Viksit Bihar Se Viksit Bharat” (Developed India through a Developed Bihar).

Brief Details of Amrit Bharat Express Trains:

Darbhanga – Ajmer (Madar) Amrit Bharat Express

 Muzaffarpur – Hyderabad (Charlapalli) Amrit Bharat Express

 Chapra – Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Amrit Bharat Express

Keeping in mind the needs of the common public in rail services, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary also flagged off four passenger trains.

Brief Details of Passenger Trains:

Patna–Buxar Passenger

 Jhajha–Danapur Passenger

 Nawada – Patna Passenger

 Patna – Islampur Passenger

Highlighting some key railway projects completed in the state, the Minister said that the 28 km Patna Rail-cum-Road Bridge, 15 km Munger Rail-cum-Road Bridge, and the long-awaited Kosi Bridge have all been completed.

Important Projects Fully Commissioned since 2014

Patna Rail-cum-Road Bridge

Munger Rail-cum-Road Bridge

Kosi Bridge

Daniawan–Biharsharif New Line

Chandan–Banka New Line

Rampurhat–Mandarhill New Line

Maharajganj–Masrakh New Line

Rajgir–Tilaiya & Natesar–Islampur New Line

Mansi–Saharsa–Purnia Gauge Conversion

Jaynagar–Narkatiaganj Gauge Conversion

Kaptanganj–Chapra Gauge Conversion

Sakri–Nirmali & Saharasa–Forbesganj Gauge Conversion

Mansi–Saharsa–Saharasa–Purnia & Banmankhi–Bihariganj Gauge Conversion

Sahibganj–Pirpainti Doubling

Maheshkunth–Thanabhpur Doubling

Hajipur–Ramdayalu Nagar Doubling

Pirpainti–Bhagalpur Doubling

Bakhtiyarpur–Barh Doubling

Kiul–Gaya Doubling

Hajipur–Bachhwara Doubling

Darbhanga Bypass

Additionally, the Araria–Galgalhia (Thakurganj) New Line has been completed and will be inaugurated shortly.

Main Projects Under Execution

New Lines: Sakri–Hasanpur, Khagaria–Kusheshwarsthan, Kursela–Bihariganj, Tilaiya–Koderma, Hajipur–Sugauli, Sitamarhi–Sheohar, Chhapra–Muzaffarpur, Araria–Supaul, Vikramsihla–Katareah (incl. Ganga Bridge), Jhajha–Batia, Pirpainti–Jasidih, Chhitautini–Tumkui Road, Jalalgarni–Kishanganj, Jogbani–Biratnagar, Aurangabad Terminal–Anugrah Narayan Road, Jaynagar–Bijalpura, Dhanbad–Sonngar, etc.

Doubling 3rd/4th Line Works: Samastipur–Darbhanga, Sagauli–Valmikinagar, Muzaffarpur–Sagauli, Narkatiaganj–Darbhanga–Sitamarhi–Muzaffarpur, Chhapra–Ballia, Katihar–Kumedpur, Barauni–Bachhwara (3rd & 4th Line), Sonnagar–Andal (3rd & 4th Line), Punarakh–Bhaktiyarpur (3rd & 4th Line), etc.

Union Minister Vaishnaw added that work is ongoing on several other projects, and planning for additional projects is underway. Currently, 13 Amrit Bharat Express trains i.e. 26 services are operating in Bihar, covering 42 stops across 25 districts. In addition, 10 pairs of trains (20 services) of Vande Bharat services cover 28 districts. The state also has Namo Bharat Rapid Rail services in operation.

These new trains originating from Bihar will make travel across different regions of the state more convenient, boosting economic and social activities. The purpose of these trains is not only to provide better connectivity but also to offer passengers safe, fast, and comfortable travel.

*****//Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Manik Sharma//(Release ID: 2172674) 

Only Aadhaar authenticated user can book Tatkal tickets

Ministry of Railways//Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav//Posted on Wednesday 11th June 2025 at 4:27 PM by PIB Delhi

It will start on IRCTC Website and App from July 1

*No Agent Bookings in First 30 Minutes for AC & Non-AC Classes

*OTP based identity authentication Must for online as well as Tatkal Bookings at PRS Counters & Through authorised Agents from July 15

New Delhi: 11th June 2025: (by PIB Delhi//The Rail Screen Desk)::

With an aim to ensure fair and transparent access to Tatkal tickets and to safeguard the interests of genuine passengers, Indian Railways has announced key modifications in the Tatkal ticket booking system. These changes are aimed at enhancing user authentication and reducing misuse of the scheme.

The new provisions are as follows:

1. Aadhaar Authentication for Online Tatkal Bookings:

Effective 1st July 2025, Tatkal tickets booked through IRCTC’s official website and mobile app will be available only to users authenticated with Aadhaar.

Further, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication will become mandatory for Tatkal bookings made online starting 15th July 2025.

2. System-Based OTP Authentication at PRS Counters and Agents:

Tatkal tickets booked at Computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and through authorised agents will require OTP authentication sent to the mobile number provided by the user at the time of booking.

This provision will also come into effect from 15th July 2025.

3. Booking Time Restriction for Authorised Agents:

To prevent bulk bookings during the critical opening period, authorised ticketing agents of Indian Railways will not be permitted to book opening-day Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window.

For AC classes, this restriction applies from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, and for non-AC classes, from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

These changes are being implemented to improve transparency in Tatkal bookings and to ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach genuine end users.

CRIS and IRCTC have been instructed to make necessary system modifications and inform all Zonal Railways and concerned departments accordingly.

The Ministry of Railways urges all passengers to take note of these changes and encourages everyone to ensure Aadhaar linkage with their IRCTC user profiles to avoid inconvenience.

****//Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar//(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2135694)

First AC car provides shower with hot water-Vande Bharat

Ministry of Railways//Posted On: 03 OCT 2024 6:10 PM//PIB Delhi

Pleasant rail journey: Story of Vande Bharat Express 

New Delhi: 03 October 2024: (PIB//Rail Screen Desk):

The Government of India has made significant efforts towards strengthening the 'Make in India' campaign. As an excellent example of the success story of 'Make in India', Indian Railways launched India's first indigenous semi-high-speed train, Vande Bharat Express. It has become a symbol of India's aspirations for modern, efficient and comfortable rail travel.

On February 15, 2019, the first Vande Bharat Express train running at a speed of 160 kmph on the New Delhi-Kanpur-Allahabad-Varanasi route was flagged off. Indian Railways is operating a total of 102 Vande Bharat train services (51 trains), connecting states with Broad Gauge (BG) electrified network. During FY 2022-23, around 31.84 lakh were booked to travel on Vande Bharat trains. The overall occupancy of Vande Bharat trains during this period has been 96.62%.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 31, 2024 flagged off three Vande Bharat trains through video conferencing, which will enhance connectivity in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. These state-of-the-art trains, embodying the Prime Minister's vision of 'Make in India' and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, will improve transport links on three major routes (Meerut City-Lucknow, Madurai-Bengaluru, Chennai Egmore-Nagercoil).

Vande Bharat trains will provide a world-class travel experience to the residents of these regions by ensuring speed as well as comfort. These trains are equipped with top-class amenities and advanced safety features such as Kavach technology, 360-degree rotating seats, accessible toilets for Divyangjans and integrated Braille signage, etc.

Meerut City-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express

Meerut City-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express is the first Vande Bharat service connecting Meerut to Lucknow. The train is expected to give a major boost to religious tourism in the region by providing a faster and more efficient travel option to various pilgrimage sites including Digambar Jain Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Surajkund Temple, Aughadnath Temple and Hanuman Chowk Temple in Meerut and Chandrika Devi Temple, Bhootnath Temple and Buddheshwar Mahadev Temple in Lucknow. Additionally, the Vande Bharat Express will provide a major boost to industries such as sports goods, musical instruments, sugar and electronics in the Meerut region by improving quick connectivity to the capital of Uttar Pradesh.

Madurai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express

Madurai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express is the first Vande Bharat train connecting Madurai to Bengaluru via the Tiruchirapalli route. This service will connect the vibrant temple city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu to the metropolitan city of Bengaluru, the capital of the state of Karnataka. Additionally, it will provide convenient travel for business professionals, students, working personnel and other passengers travelling from their hometowns in Tamil Nadu to the metropolitan hub of Bengaluru.

Chennai Egmore- Nagercoil Vande Bharat

Chennai Egmore- Nagercoil Vande Bharat is the first Vande Bharat train connecting the beautiful city of Nagercoil to Chennai. Covering a distance of 726 km within Tamil Nadu, this train offers a modern and faster travel experience to residents of 12 districts including Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar Madurai, Dindigul, Trichy, Perambalur, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai. This service will also greatly benefit pilgrims visiting the divine Arulmighu Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai and Kumari Amman Temple in Kanyakumari.

India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset at BEML's Bangalore Rail Complex on September 1, 2024. The trainset has been indigenously designed and manufactured by BEML, India's leading rail and metro manufacturer.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train set is expected to revolutionise long-distance rail travel in India and set new benchmarks for comfort, safety and efficiency. The train is equipped with several world-class features, including an integrated reading light with USB charging provision, public announcement and visual information system, inside display panels and security cameras, modular pantry and exclusive berths and toilets for differently-abled passengers.

Additionally, the First AC car offers shower with hot water, enhancing passenger comfort. Meticulously engineered with utmost detailing, the trainset prioritises both aesthetic appeal and functionality in all elements from the front nose cone to the interior panels, seats, sleeper berths and more.

BEML has pioneered the integration of critical systems including electrical, propulsion, bogies, external plug doors, brake system and HVAC, ensuring seamless integration and maximum performance across the trainset. The entire manufacturing and assembly process is consolidated at BEML, underlining the company's commitment to quality and precision.

Conclusion

Vande Bharat Express has revolutionised rail travel in India by offering a unique combination of speed, comfort and safety. With the continued expansion of this service, Indian Railways aims to further enhance connectivity across the country, contribute to economic growth and regional development.

The success of Vande Bharat Express is a testimony to India's capabilities in indigenous manufacturing and is an important step towards realising the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

Santosh Kumar/Sheetal Angral/Ritu Kataria/Aswathi Nair//(Backgrounder ID: 153234)

RPF caught YouTuber for dangerous railway track stunt

 Posted Date: 02 Aug 2024 4:00 PM by PIB Delhi

RPF DG appealed to citizens not to get involved in illegal activities and report any such act

Symbolic Images Created with AI Playground Team

New Delhi: 02 August 2024: (PIB//Rail Screen Desk)::

Earlier, such acts were done by illiterate youth only to show their foolishness. Then when the selfie culture started, similar boys started risking their lives to take selfies on the banks of rivers, canals and streams. Such stupid bravery started being shown by standing at the door of moving trains. Many boys lost their lives in these cycles. Those who survived also got serious injuries. Now some YouTubers have started showing the stupidity of playing with similar dangers. To prevent such incidents, security forces personnel have started performing their duties with full alertness.

In a major crackdown on reckless behaviour, the Railway Protection Force has apprehended a YouTuber for endangering public safety by criminal tampering with railway tracks for publicity. Viral videos on Twitter had shown a person placing various kinds of objects on railway tracks, prompting an urgent investigation. The culprit, Gulzar Sheikh has uploaded more than 250 videos on his YouTube channel and has over 2 lakhs subscribers. His on-camera activities posed a significant risk to both railway safety and operations.

Through a detailed analysis of Sheikh's YouTube profile and social media presence, RPF Unchahar, Northern Railway registered the offence under various provisions of the Railway Act on 01/08/2024. On the same day, a joint team of RPF and Local Police arrested Mr. Gulzar Sheikh, son of Syed Ahmed from his residence in Khandrauli Village, Soraon (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh.

While appreciating RPF, Lucknow Division for the prompt and effective action, DG RPF emphasized that legal action against Mr. Gulzar Sheikh would serve as a strong deterrent to persons attempting to compromise the safety of Indian Railways. He reiterated the importance of railway safety and assured the public that any attempts to undermine rail safety will be met with firm resolve and strict legal action and those engaging in such activities will be prosecuted to ensure maximum punishment.

DG RPF also appealed to the public not to indulge in such activities and report any acts which compromise the railway security and safety. Such information can be given to the Railway Protection Force or on Rail Madad through the toll-free helpline number 139.

****//PPG/KS/SK//(Release ID: 2040721) 

Indian Railways completes 100% electrification of Odisha

Posted On: 22 MAR 2023 4:26 PM by PIB Delhi

 Electrification will reduce line haul cost by 2.5 times

The existing Broad Gauge network of Odisha (2,822 Route kms) is now 100% electrified

New Delhi//Bhubaneswar: 22nd March 2023: (PIB//The Rail Screen)::

On the lines of setting the target of achieving Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030, the Indian Railways has 100% electrified existing Broad Gauge network of Odisha. The existing Broad Gauge network of Odisha is 2,822 Route kilometre, which is 100% electrified, resulting in saving on account of reduced line haul cost (about 2.5 times lower), heavier haulage capacity, increased sectional capacity, reduced operating & maintenance cost of electric loco, energy efficient and eco-friendly mode of transportation with reduced dependence on imported crude oil, saving of foreign exchange.  Further, new Broad Gauge network shall be sanctioned along with electrification, in sync with Railways’ policy of 100% electrified network. 

Odisha state’s territory falls in the jurisdiction of East Coast, South Eastern & South East Central Railways. Some of the major railway stations in Odisha are: Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur, Bhadrak, Rourkela, and Jharsuguda. The railway network plays an important role in the transportation of minerals, agricultural products, and other goods from Odisha to other parts of the country.

First railway line in Odisha was constructed between Cuttack - Khurda Road - Puri in 1897.

Some of the prestigious trains of Odisha state are: Howrah-Puri Express, Konark Express, Coromandel Express, Hirakud Express, Visakha Express, and Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express. These trains provide convenient connectivity to various parts of the state and other major cities in India.

***YB/DNS//(Release ID: 1909547

51 years of deep and abiding friendship

Celebrating MaitriDiwas between India & Bangladesh On 

New Delhi: 6th December 2022: (The Rail Screen):: 

Ministery of Railways tweeted its happiness on Maitri Divas by tweeting a meesage with a photo.

Celebrating 51 years of deep and abiding friendship between India & Bangladesh On #MaitriDiwas; Indian Railways further bolsters this affiliation with efforts to enhance regional trade & rail connectivity with Bandhan Express and Mitali Express.

Smt. Darshana Vikram Jardosh in a meeting

A meeting with Northern Railway Central Hospital

New Delhi: 17th July 2021: (The Rail Screen//PIB)::

The Minister of State for Textiles and Railways, Smt. Darshana Vikram Jardosh in a meeting with the officials of the Northern Railway Central Hospital, in New Delhi on July 17, 2021.

Sapling in the Northern Railway Central Hospital

 Smt. Darshana Vikram Jardosh planting a sapling 

New Delhi: 17th July 2021: (The Rail Screen//PIB): 

Plantation is continues even in ministry of Railway.

The Minister of State for Textiles and Railways, Smt. Darshana Vikram Jardosh planting a sapling during her visit to the Northern Railway Central Hospital, in New Delhi on July 17, 2021.

Beauty of Nature with Railway

Saturday: 5th September 2020 at 1.11 PM Twitter 
 A bird's eye view of along the Chilka Lake 

Social Media: 5th September 2020: (The Rail Screen):: 
A bird's eye view of an Express train winding its way beautifully along the Chilka Lake, the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest brackish water lagoon in the world.