Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the launch of Vande Bharat sleeper trains will occur once a second unit is fully operational. The new service targets a launch date potentially by October 15, 2025.
Currently, one train stands ready at the Shakur Basti Coaching Depot in Delhi, having successfully completed trials. Officials confirm its operational status is imminent.
During a media briefing, Vaishnaw highlighted the importance of synchronizing both trains for uninterrupted service. He stated, “Once we receive the second rake, we will decide on routes and commence operations.”
Speculation suggests that the inaugural route might connect New Delhi to Patna, especially as Bihar prepares for elections by year-end.
Joined by Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, Vaishnaw provided updates on existing and proposed railway projects in Punjab. Among them, the 18-kilometre Rajpura-Mohali link aims to connect the area directly to Chandigarh.
This new line, part of the Ambala-Amritsar main line, will not only shorten travel by approximately 66 kilometres but also alleviate congestion on current routes.
Discussing further enhancements, the Railway Minister proposed a Vande Bharat train connecting New Delhi to Firozpur Cantonment. This train would serve critical stations including Faridkot, Bhatinda, and Patiala, covering the 486-kilometre distance in around 6 hours and 40 minutes.
Vaishnaw expressed, “I will request the Prime Minister to approve the Firozpur-Delhi Vande Bharat train,” emphasizing the train’s potential to improve connectivity.
During the briefing, the ministers announced nine railway projects commissioned since 2014, totaling investments in key lines such as the Nangal Dam-Daulat Pur Chowk line and the Jalandhar-Jammu Tawi line.
In addition, seven new projects are underway, including major lines like Nangal Dam-Talwara and Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri, with significant investments earmarked for their completion.
Vaishnaw detailed that 30 stations will undergo redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat initiative, contributing to enhanced passenger amenities and experiences.
In closing, he pointed to operational efficiencies, noting that 29 rail divisions—including Malda and Mysore—achieved a 90% punctuality rate, demonstrating significant improvements in Indian rail services.
