Page 37 - NIS English 1-15 Feb, 2026

Vande Bharat | NATION

Vande Bharat Trains
Form a Nationwide
164 Network

Infrastructure has been a major driver of economic
development across all developed countries. In
every country that has achieved significant progress
First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train and development, infrastructure advancement has
between Howrah and Guwahati played a pivotal role. India is also rapidly striding
on this path. In this context, the Vande Bharat
As a New Year’s gift to the nation, Indian Railways train, which began in 2019 with just one train as a
launched its first Vande Bharat sleeper train on 17 January significant step towards expanding India’s modern
2026. The first Vande Bharat sleeper train between rail infrastructure, has now transformed into a
Howrah and Guwahati will benefit districts such as network of 164 trains. These trains carry millions
Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam and of passengers every month. To further accelerate
Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, Murshidabad, East the pace of railway development, Prime Minister
Burdwan, Hooghly, and Howrah in West Bengal. Railway Narendra Modi, from the ramparts of the Red Fort
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed that the complete on August 15, 2021, announced the operation of
testing, inspection, and certification of the Vande Bharat 75 Vande Bharat Express trains to connect every
sleeper train have been successfully completed. corner of the country.
Vande Bharat trains increase the productivity of
The train have 16 coaches, including 11 three-tier AC business travellers.
coaches, 4 two-tier AC coaches, and 1 first-class AC coach.
Its total capacity will be approximately 823 passengers. They provide comfortable travel to passengers.
Passengers on the Vande Bharat sleeper train will enjoy They also reduce carbon emissions compared to
regional delicacies. road and air travel.
Authentic Assamese cuisine will be served on the train A Symbol of ‘Make in India’
originating from Guwahati, while traditional Bengali cuisine and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’
will be served on the train originating from Kolkata.
The Vande Bharat Express is not only a symbol of
the Indian Railways’ technological capabilities, but it
is also becoming a strong foundation of the country’s
Fast, safe, and comfortable modern transportation system, embodying the
travel at affordable prices vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
Across the country, including
164 Vande Bharat trains are running Bihar, this train is writing
on the Indian Railways network by
a new chapter of
December 2025.
development,
15 Vande Bharat Express trains were connectivity,
and passenger
introduced by Indian Railways during
convenience.
the year 2025.
The new Vande Bharat Sleeper train will
completely transform the overnight travel
experience. These will offer the perfect blend of
speed, comfort, and modern amenities for long-
distance travelers.

a GPS-based passenger information system and Express train, running at a speed of 160 kilometres
complete CCTV coverage. per hour on the New Delhi-Kanpur-Allahabad-Va-
On February 15, 2019, the first Vande Bharat ranasi route, was flagged off. The Vande Bharat

February 1-15, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 35