6 new Vande Bharat trains flagged off by PM Narendra Modi: Routes, features and all you need to know

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated six new Vande Bharat Express trains on Sunday, expanding the reach of India’s high-speed rail network. Initially planned to be flagged off from Tatanagar in Jharkhand, the ceremony was shifted online due to poor weather conditions, which prevented the PM’s helicopter from taking off.

Despite the change in plans, the launch marks a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity and boosting various sectors in the states of Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.

PM Modi inaugurates six new trains

"The Vande Bharat Portfolio is ever-expanding with new train services being added for enhanced connectivity," a statement from PMO read.

It added, "Indigenously designed under the 'Make in India' initiative, it offers cutting-edge features delivering luxury and efficiency to millions of passengers."

Key routes

The new trains will run on key routes, including Tatanagar-Patna, Brahmapur-Tatanagar, Rourkela-Howrah, Deoghar-Varanasi, Bhagalpur-Howrah, and Gaya-Howrah.

These routes are strategically chosen to improve travel times and provide a faster, more reliable mode of transport for daily commuters, business travellers, professionals, and students. The Prime Minister's Office highlighted that these new services would help meet the growing demand for efficient rail travel in the region.

Tourism boost

Apart from enhancing general connectivity, the new Vande Bharat trains are expected to boost religious tourism in the region. These trains will make it easier for pilgrims to visit significant religious sites such as Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar (Jharkhand), Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), and Kalighat and Belur Math in Kolkata (West Bengal). The faster travel options are expected to attract more visitors to these sacred places, giving a push to the tourism industry.

In addition to benefiting travellers, the new rail services are set to provide a boost to several key industries. The coal and mining industries in Dhanbad, jute industries in Kolkata, and the iron and steel sector in Durgapur are expected to gain from better connectivity. The introduction of these trains is seen as a way to improve the transportation of goods and workers, helping these industries grow.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar attended the flag-off ceremony at Tatanagar station. Both leaders reiterated the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in the region and making travel more convenient for people across these states.

About Vande Bharat Express

This latest expansion of the Vande Bharat fleet aligns with the government’s broader goals of enhancing rail services as part of the 'Make in India' initiative. The Vande Bharat Express, launched in 2019, represents India’s first semi-high-speed, indigenous train, capable of reaching speeds up to 160 km/h. With over 50 Vande Bharat trains now operating across India, these trains are becoming an essential part of the country’s drive towards modernisation and self-reliance in the transport sector.

As India continues to invest in rail infrastructure, these new Vande Bharat trains are poised to play a crucial role in transforming both passenger experiences and regional economies across the country.