The quintessential Indian train journey is undergoing a remarkable transformation. No longer just a means to an end, intercity travel is being reimagined as a premium experience, thanks to the Vande Bharat Express.
A New Era for Indian Railways
The Vande Bharat Express represents more
than just an upgrade; it is a fundamental shift in how India approaches rail travel. As a semi-high-speed, self-propelled trainset built under the 'Make in India' initiative, it showcases indigenous engineering and a commitment to modernising passenger experience. Since the first service was launched in 2019 between New Delhi and Varanasi, the network has expanded rapidly, connecting major cultural, pilgrimage, and business hubs across the country. These trains are designed for speeds up to 160 km/h and operate on many routes at 130 km/h, significantly reducing travel times compared to older express services. This leap in efficiency, combined with a focus on comfort and amenities, positions the Vande Bharat as a formidable alternative to both air and road travel, offering a blend of speed and relaxation that was previously hard to find.
Luxury and Comfort on the Move
Stepping inside a Vande Bharat coach is where the 'luxurious' claim comes to life. The interiors feel more akin to an aircraft cabin than a traditional train. Passengers are greeted by automatic plug doors, spotlessly clean coaches, and a quiet, jerk-free ride thanks to improved suspension. Seats are ergonomic, with generous legroom, and each comes with dedicated charging points. The Executive Chair Car class elevates the experience further with 180-degree rotating seats, allowing travellers to always face the direction of travel or socialise with their group. Large, panoramic windows are a signature feature, designed to turn the journey itself into a visual spectacle. Onboard amenities include Wi-Fi, GPS-based passenger information screens displaying the next station and train speed, and bio-vacuum toilets that are a world away from old-school train lavatories. Even the food service is a significant upgrade, with options often reflecting the local cuisine of the region the train passes through.
When the Journey is the Destination
The Vande Bharat network now covers some of India’s most picturesque landscapes, transforming travel into a scenic exploration. The Mumbai-Madgaon (Goa) route is a prime example, offering stunning views of the Western Ghats and the Konkan coast, especially during the monsoon when the landscape is lush with waterfalls and greenery. Similarly, the service in Kerala from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram winds through the state's verdant, watery vistas. In the north, the new service to Srinagar from Katra offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, valleys, and the iconic Chenab Rail Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge. Other routes, like the one to Dehradun, serve as gateways to the Himalayan foothills, while services connecting to heritage sites like Khajuraho and Agra make cultural tourism more accessible than ever. These routes are intentionally designed to enhance the tourist experience, allowing passengers to soak in India’s natural beauty from the comfort of their climate-controlled coach.
A Game Changer for Tourism
The impact on tourism has been immediate and significant. By connecting major cities with key tourist destinations—including pilgrimage sites like Tirupati, Shirdi, and Vaishno Devi—the Vande Bharat has made weekend trips and short holidays more practical. For destinations like Kashmir, the train has been credited with boosting tourist arrivals by providing a reliable and comfortable travel option, free from the uncertainties of road travel like landslides or weather disruptions. Travellers can avoid the hassles of airport security and city traffic jams, making the train a more efficient doorto door option for many intercity journeys. With over 80 routes operational across the country by late 2026, the network is playing a crucial role in promoting regional tourism and making it easier for both domestic and international visitors to explore the diversity of India. The recent introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains for overnight journeys further promises to revolutionise long distance travel.
