The last Vande Bharat Express Train was started in India on 16 September 2024. Now its been more than 6 months and no new Vande Bharat Train has been started.
For the past seven months, Indian Railways has not introduced any new Vande Bharat Express trains, raising questions among railway enthusiasts and passengers eagerly awaiting new routes. Despite the initial momentum of launching multiple Vande Bharat trains across the country, the sudden slowdown has sparked speculation. Here’s why there has been a halt in the launch of new Vande Bharat Express trains.
Supply Chain and Manufacturing Constraints
One of the primary reasons behind the delay is manufacturing and supply chain issues. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, which produces Vande Bharat trains, has faced challenges in procuring crucial components, including high-speed bogies and train control systems. Global supply chain disruptions have also played a role in slowing down production.
Focus on Upgrading Existing Rail Infrastructure
The Indian Railways has been actively upgrading existing railway tracks and signaling systems to ensure the safe operation of high-speed Vande Bharat trains. Many routes identified for new Vande Bharat services require infrastructure improvements to handle the semi-high-speed trains efficiently. Until these upgrades are completed, the introduction of new services has been put on hold.
Prioritization of New Sleeper Version of Vande Bharat
Railway authorities have also shifted their focus toward the upcoming sleeper version of Vande Bharat Express. This version, expected to launch later in 2025, aims to cater to long-distance travelers with improved facilities. The redesign and testing of sleeper variants have contributed to the delay in adding more chair car variants to the network.
Operational and Maintenance Challenges
As more Vande Bharat trains were introduced, maintaining the fleet became a priority. The semi-high-speed trains require specialized maintenance, and Indian Railways has been working on setting up new maintenance depots and training staff to handle the sophisticated technology. The delay in establishing these facilities has affected the launch of new trains.
Government’s Strategy for Expansion
While no new Vande Bharat Express trains have been launched in the last seven months, the government remains committed to expanding the fleet. Reports indicate that fresh announcements can be expected in mid-2025, with a renewed focus on connecting tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Why No New Vande Bharat Train From Last 7 Month?
Despite the temporary pause, the Vande Bharat expansion plan remains on track. The government is addressing the existing challenges to ensure a smoother rollout of future trains. Railway passengers can expect new launches once infrastructure upgrades are completed and manufacturing constraints are resolved. Until then, the focus will be on maintaining operational efficiency and introducing new sleeper variants to enhance travel experiences for long-distance commuters.
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