Since its launch in 2019, the Vande Bharat Express has become a fast and popular way to travel across India. These trains offer high comfort and speed, with features like WiFi, entertainment screens, large windows, and smooth seating. The network has expanded rapidly, with over 70 trains operating on more than 140 routes across the country.
Major Routes & Highlights
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Pune–Ajni (Nagpur): India’s longest Vande Bharat route, covering 881 km in ~12 hours. Runs six days a week. Chair Car tickets cost around ₹1,500 and Executive Chair Car around ₹3,000.
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Patliputra (Patna)–Gorakhpur: Travels ~384 km in 7 hours. Operates six days a week. Chair Car fares are ₹380–₹925, and Executive Class is ₹715–₹1,820.
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Bengaluru–Belagavi: Connects Karnataka cities swiftly. Starts service mid-August, operating six days weekly. Ticket prices: Executive approx. ₹2,905 (with catering) / ₹2,535 (without), Chair Car approx. ₹1,575 (with) / ₹1,264 (without).
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Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–Srinagar: A short 190 km route that takes under 3 hours, offering a quick, comfortable link to Kashmir.
Notable Operational Criss-Cross Routes
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New Delhi–Varanasi: The original Vande Bharat service launched in 2019, covering 759 km in 8 hours. Runs six times a week with AC Chair and Executive Chair cars.
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Howrah–Rourkela (West Bengal to Odisha): Covers 412 km in ~5 hrs 50 mins, with modern amenities including WiFi and entertainment systems.
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Other popular connections include New Delhi–Katra (for Vaishno Devi), Mumbai–Gandhinagar, Chennai–Mysuru, and Howrah–Jalpaiguri.
Coming Soon: Sleeper Vande Bharat & More Routes
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A New Delhi to Srinagar Sleeper Vande Bharat is planned for launch in 2025, offering overnight AC sleeper options and promising a journey of under 13 hours. Fares are expected around ₹2,000 to ₹3,000
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Mumbai–Pune is set to receive four new Vande Bharat routes soon, along with a special sleeper service between Pune and Nagpur.