Delhi is gearing up for another leap in rail connectivity with Indian Railways confirming that a new Vande Bharat Express service linking the capital to Bikaner will be launched shortly. The decision comes amid soaring demand for premium semi-high-speed trains, which are already operating at more than full capacity across the country, underscoring the growing preference for faster and greener rail travel.
The upcoming Delhi–Bikaner service is expected to strengthen connectivity between the national capital and western Rajasthan, a region that has long demanded faster transport options to support its economic and tourism growth. With this addition, the number of Vande Bharat services operating in Rajasthan will rise to nine, complementing existing trains that connect Ajmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur and Udaipur to other major hubs.Railway officials have confirmed that occupancy levels of Vande Bharat trains continue to exceed 100 per cent, a sign of the overwhelming popularity of these trains. In the financial year 2024–25, average occupancy stood at 102.01 per cent, while in the first quarter of 2025–26, it has already risen to 105.03 per cent. This surge reflects a broader shift in passenger behaviour, with travellers increasingly opting for faster, more comfortable and sustainable modes of transport.
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The trains, designed and manufactured domestically at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, are seen as a showcase of India’s evolving engineering capabilities. Equipped with advanced safety systems, energy-efficient air-conditioning, jerk-free couplers, and improved ride comfort, the trains are also aligned with India’s push towards eco-friendly and carbon-conscious mobility. The coaches include features tailored for inclusivity, such as specialised lavatories for persons with disabilities, as well as modern passenger-centric amenities like automatic plug doors, CCTV surveillance, and crash-hardened memory systems.Officials highlight that the introduction of new services like Delhi–Bikaner is not only about convenience but also about reducing dependence on road and air transport for intercity journeys. With rail being a more sustainable mode of transport, the rapid expansion of Vande Bharat trains contributes to India’s climate goals by cutting per-capita emissions associated with travel.
Rajasthan already has eight Vande Bharat services in operation, connecting its major cities with destinations such as Chandigarh, Sabarmati, Jaipur and Agra. The Delhi–Bikaner service is expected to be particularly significant, given Bikaner’s role as a cultural and commercial centre. It is likely to provide a major boost to the tourism economy while offering time-saving travel to business passengers and traders who previously relied on slower alternatives.The Indian Railways’ strategy to expand semi-high-speed services indicates a decisive shift towards modernising travel in India. With every new route, the Vande Bharat Express strengthens regional connectivity, reduces travel times, and enhances passenger comfort, while aligning with the long-term vision of greener and more equitable transport infrastructure.
