Indian Railways has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to significantly scale up its flagship Vande Bharat Express services, with a target of operating 800 Vande Bharat trainsets by 2030. The plan marks a major step in the modernisation of India’s passenger rail network and reflects the government’s focus on faster, safer, and more comfortable rail travel.
Indian Railways Unveils Ambitious Plan to Expand Vande Bharat Train
As part of its long-term vision, Indian Railways has also announced plans to expand the fleet to around 4,500 Vande Bharat trains by 2047, coinciding with the centenary of India’s independence. The large-scale expansion is expected to transform intercity and long-distance travel, reduce journey times, and enhance regional connectivity across the country.
A key component of this expansion strategy
A key component of this expansion strategy is the introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, designed to cater to overnight and long-distance routes. Unlike the existing chair-car configuration, the sleeper version will offer berths, modern sleeping arrangements, enhanced safety features, and improved passenger comfort, making it suitable for journeys spanning several hundred kilometres.
Officials said the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will feature advanced technologies such as automatic doors, modern braking systems, onboard infotainment, and energy-efficient operations. The trains are being developed to replace conventional long-distance expresses while maintaining higher speeds and superior ride quality.
Manufactured domestically under the Make in India initiative, both Vande Bharat and Vande Bharat Sleeper trains showcase India’s growing self-reliance in railway engineering and rolling stock production. The expansion is expected to boost indigenous manufacturing, create employment opportunities, and strengthen India’s railway ecosystem.
Indian Railways is also focusing on upgrading infrastructure, including track modernisation, signalling systems, and station redevelopment, to support the increased deployment of semi-high-speed trains. The integration of Vande Bharat services is seen as a crucial pillar of India’s broader transport and logistics reforms.
With the expansion of Vande Bharat and the upcoming rollout of sleeper variants, Indian Railways aims to redefine passenger experience and position rail travel as a faster, more efficient, and preferred mode of transportation for millions of Indians.
