Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Tuesday that the highly anticipated Vande Bharat sleeper trains will be launched once the second train arrives, which is expected to be ready by October 15, 2025. Currently, one train is set to debut from the Shakur Basti Coaching Depot in Delhi after passing necessary trials.
Vaishnaw emphasized the importance of having both trains operational simultaneously, stating, “That’s why we are waiting for a second rake. Once we get it, we will decide any route and start operations.” This dual launch aims to ensure continuity in services as Vande Bharat trains gain popularity among passengers.
Rumors suggest that one of the routes could connect New Delhi and Patna, coinciding with the upcoming elections in Bihar. Vaishnaw did not confirm the route but acknowledged its potential significance.
In a media briefing, Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu elaborated on various railway projects in Punjab, highlighting the upcoming 18-kilometre Rajpura-Mohali line. This route will simplify access to Chandigarh from Rajpura via the Ambala-Amritsar main line while reducing travel distance by approximately 66 kilometres.
The minister also announced plans for a new Vande Bharat train service between New Delhi and Firozpur Cantonment. This train will cover key stations, including Faridkot, Bhatinda (W), Dhuri, Patiala, Ambala Cantonment, Kurukshetra, and Panipat.
The estimated travel time between Delhi and Firozpur is about 6 hours and 40 minutes for this route, showcasing the efficiency and speed of the new services. Vaishnaw mentioned, “I will request the Prime Minister to approve the Firozpur-Delhi Vande Bharat train.”
During the briefing, the ministers delivered insights into nine vital railway projects initiated post-2014, including significant expansions and upgrades to existing rail lines. The newly developed lines include:
- Nangal Dam-Daulat Pur Chowk line (61 kilometres, ₹672 crore),
- Chakki Bank-Bharoli line doubling (3 kilometres, ₹15 crore),
- Jakhal-Mansa line (45 kilometres, ₹163 crore),
- Ambala-Chandigarh line (45 kilometres, ₹338 crore),
- Rajpura-Bathinda line (173 kilometres, ₹2,459 crore)
Involved railway sectors are also implementing seven new railway projects, including the Nangal Dam-Talwara line and the doubling of the Mansa-Bhatinda line, which further exemplify the government’s efforts to enhance the railway network.
Vaishnaw announced plans to redevelop 30 stations under the Amrit Bharat station redevelopment scheme, aiming to modernize facilities and improve passenger experience.
Underlining railway punctuality, Vaishnaw reported that 29 rail divisions, including Malda, Mysore, Sialdah, Nagpur, and Trivandrum, achieved a remarkable 90 percent punctuality rate. This figure reinforces the railway ministry’s commitment to enhancing service reliability.
The much-anticipated launch of Vande Bharat sleeper trains stands as a pivotal development in India’s quest to modernize its railway system, emphasizing speed, efficiency, and passenger comfort. As manufacturing for the second train unfolds, stakeholders await confirmation on the official routes that will soon connect major cities across the country.
