"The Vande Bharat Portfolio is ever-expanding with new train services being added for enhanced connectivity," the statement read.
"Indigenously designed under the 'Make in India' initiative, it offers cutting-edge features delivering luxury and efficiency to millions of passengers," it added.
The six new routes that these trains will cover are Tatanagar-Patna, Brahmapur-Tatanagar, Rourkela-Howrah, Deoghar-Varanasi, Bhagalpur-Howrah and Gaya-Howrah.
"With faster commute times, advanced
It added, "Indian Railways, a cornerstone of the nation's transportation infrastructure, is experiencing a significant transformation with the expansion of the Vande Bharat train fleet."
According to the Railway Ministry, as a flagship project of the 'Make in India' campaign, these semi-high speed trains symbolise India's ambition for a modern, efficient, and world-class rail system.
With the Vande Bharat Express, Indian Railways is set to redefine the passenger experience, offering unmatched speed, safety, and comfort, it said.
The first Vande Bharat train was inaugurated on February 15, 2019.
The ministry said the train is capable of reaching a speed up to 160 kmph, offering an unparalleled travel experience for millions of passengers.
"As of date (September 14, 2024), with a fleet of 54 trains (108 services), Vande Bharat has completed a total of around 36,000 trips and carried over 3.17 crore passengers," the Railway Ministry said.
It added that Vande Bharat is India's first indigenously designed and manufactured semi-high-speed train, which has showcased the nation's engineering prowess.
According to the statement, the original Vande Bharat train set has now proliferated into Vande Bharat 2.0, boasting even more advanced features such as fast acceleration, Kavach, anti-virus system and WiFi, among others.
"With the Vande Bharat Express train services, Indian Railways is on a path to revolutionise travel in India. These trains not only reflect the success of the 'Make in India' initiative but also set new global standards for speed, safety, and service," the ministry said.
"As India's rail network continues to expand, passengers can look forward to a future of seamless, comfortable, and efficient travel that caters to the diverse needs of the nation," it added.