The Indian Railways is planning to launch a local version of its Vande Bharat Express, called the Vande Metro. The new service is designed to carry passengers for distances of less than 100 km at a higher frequency, with trains running four to five times a day. In addition to introducing additional trains, the upgraded Vande Bharat coaches will offer more comfort for suburban commuters, including students and professionals.
Larger cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Delhi will receive Vande Metros to connect suburbs, while smaller cities such as Kanpur and Barabanki will be connected to other cities like Lucknow and Kolkata.
The introduction of Vande Metro will help alleviate pressure on local trains in cities with high urban populations, such as Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata which have been grappling with rising congestion due to population growth and increased demand for public transport.
The Vande Metro service is expected to provide an efficient travel experience for passengers, including students and professionals who rely on local trains for their daily commute. The move is part of a wider effort by the Indian Railways to expand and upgrade its rail infrastructure across the country, as the government seeks to enhance connectivity and promote economic growth in urban areas. With the addition of Indore, Bhopal and Varanasi, more cities are set to receive Metro rail connectivity as urban populations continue to grow.
