Rajasthan is preparing for a significant leap in modern railway connectivity as two new Vande Bharat Express trains are set to link the state with the national capital. The upcoming services connecting Bikaner to Delhi and Jodhpur to Delhi are expected to cut travel times by more than an hour, offering passengers faster, safer and more sustainable journeys.
The trains, to be operated by the North Western Railway zone, will feature the hallmark design of Vande Bharat coaches, combining speed with passenger comfort. Capable of running at 160 kmph, they bring India closer to global standards of high-speed, low-emission public transport. Officials have confirmed that with these additions, Rajasthan will now host six Vande Bharat services, positioning it among the states with the widest semi-high-speed rail networks in the country.
Rajasthan’s first Vande Bharat was launched in 2023 on the Ajmer–Delhi Cantt. route. Since then, the state has gradually expanded services to connect Ajmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner with major destinations across North India. This expansion underscores Indian Railways’ wider strategy of strengthening regional links with the capital while making travel more efficient and environmentally responsible.
The Vande Bharat Express is more than a fast train. Equipped with the KAVACH automatic train protection system, ergonomic seating, sealed gangways, advanced surveillance, Divyangjan-friendly amenities and energy-efficient lighting, it represents a shift towards safer and inclusive mobility. Onboard features like modular pantries and modern lavatories cater to diverse passenger needs, while design improvements enhance passenger flow and reduce energy loss.
Experts highlight that the introduction of these new services will have far-reaching benefits for Rajasthan. Shorter travel times to Delhi are expected to boost tourism, enable smoother business travel and encourage investment in sectors such as hospitality and logistics. Improved rail frequency is also expected to reduce road congestion and carbon emissions, as more travellers may choose trains over private vehicles or domestic flights.Equally important is the role of modern railways in shaping equitable and sustainable cities.
Faster connections create opportunities for smaller towns along the route, fostering decentralised growth and reducing overdependence on a few metropolitan hubs. Railways officials note that the expansion of Vande Bharat services is part of India’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon mobility while ensuring that accessibility is not compromised.As the new services begin operations next week, Rajasthan will move one step closer to becoming a hub of eco-friendly transport in India. For passengers, this means more than just shorter journeys it signals a new era of modern, comfortable and sustainable rail travel.
