Maharashtra has emerged as the state with the highest number of operational Vande Bharat Express trains. With 22 services catering to its diverse regions, Maharashtra surpasses other major states, underscoring its pivotal role in the nationwide revolution in rail travel. This expansion is instrumental in promoting eco-friendly public transport, crucial for reducing carbon emissions and fostering more liveable, interconnected urban and rural landscapes.
The first Vande Bharat Express, an indigenous semi-high-speed, engine-less train, was flagged off on February 15, 2019, signalling a new era of comfortable and efficient rail journeys. Since then, these trains, built at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, have drastically reduced travel times between distant locations and significantly improved city connectivity across the country. Their design incorporates modern amenities aimed at enhancing passenger experience, contributing to a more equitable and accessible transportation system for all citizens.
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Currently, across the Indian Railways network, a total of 144 Vande Bharat Express trains are in operation, with plans for further expansion in the current financial year. Maharashtra’s leading position with 22 operational trains highlights the state’s strategic importance in the nation’s high-speed rail blueprint. These routes include vital links such as Nagpur-Secunderabad, Hubballi-Pune, Kolhapur-Pune, Jalna-Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Bilaspur-Nagpur, and Mumbai Central-Gandhinagar Capital, among others. These services connect key economic hubs, fostering business and leisure travel while simultaneously offering a greener alternative to traditional modes of transport.
Bihar also demonstrates a substantial commitment to this modern rail revolution, currently operating 20 Vande Bharat Express trains. A recent addition included a service connecting Patliputra Junction in Patna to Gorakhpur Junction in Uttar Pradesh, further enhancing regional connectivity. The emphasis on advanced rolling stock like the Vande Bharat trains reflects a broader governmental vision to modernise India’s public transportation backbone. This commitment is not merely about speed; it’s about fostering sustainable development by encouraging a shift away from more carbon-intensive travel options, ensuring robust and accessible connectivity that benefits diverse communities and contributes to the long-term environmental health of the nation. The continued focus on expanding this network signifies India’s dedication to creating a future where high-speed, comfortable, and environmentally conscious travel is the norm.
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