Vande Bharat Express: A Game Changer for Indian Railways
Introduction to Vande Bharat Express
The Vande Bharat Express, India's modern semi-high-speed train service, has evolved beyond just being a symbol of swift and comfortable travel. It has emerged as a significant contributor to the Indian Railways' passenger demand and revenue. As of March 2026, the railway network operated 162 Vande Bharat chair car services, with the government confirming the same number in July 2026. Additionally, two sleeper services were also in operation.
Passenger Growth
According to railway reports, approximately 40 million passengers utilized the Vande Bharat services during the fiscal year 2025-26, marking a 34% increase compared to the previous year. Since its inception, over 91 million passengers have traveled on Vande Bharat, with nearly 100,000 trips recorded. Many routes have seen occupancy rates exceeding 100%.
The consistent rise in passenger numbers indicates a robust demand for Vande Bharat services. Consequently, the railway is focusing on increasing the number of coaches on busy routes to accommodate more passengers.
Extensive Network of 162 Trains
The Vande Bharat service commenced on February 15, 2019, on the New Delhi-Varanasi route and has rapidly expanded across the country. By July 2026, the government reported that 162 chair car services were operational nationwide. These trains are equipped with modern amenities, enhanced safety features, CCTV, KAVACH technology, and high-speed capabilities.
The railway has also increased the number of 20-coach Vande Bharat trains on certain routes. In April 2026, it was revealed that out of the 162 services, 38 operated with 20 coaches, 34 with 16 coaches, and 90 with 8 coaches.
Revenue Insights from Gujarat
An example of Vande Bharat's revenue generation can be seen in Gujarat. Data indicates that between October 2022 and March 2026, six pairs of Vande Bharat trains operating from Gujarat carried approximately 7.3 million passengers, generating around ₹722 crore in revenue.
However, it is essential to note that aggregating all Vande Bharat services to equate them directly with the railway's total profit may not be accurate. Factors such as operational costs, maintenance, staffing, energy, and other expenses also play a role in the overall financial picture. Thus, the term 'cash cow' should be understood in the context of its strong demand and revenue potential.
High Occupancy Rates and Growing Demand
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the passenger occupancy rate for Vande Bharat trains is nearing 100%. The government has ensured that the fares for these trains remain competitive compared to similar international services.
The combination of fast travel, punctuality, modern coaches, and comfortable seating has significantly boosted the popularity of Vande Bharat. This increasing demand is prompting the railway to add more coaches and new routes.
Sleeper Services and Future Prospects
The introduction of sleeper services in January 2026 has raised expectations. According to government reports, the first sleeper Vande Bharat service recorded approximately 121,000 passengers over 119 journeys in its initial three months, achieving a 100% occupancy rate. This suggests a strong demand for premium long-distance rail travel.
Overall, Vande Bharat has become one of the flagship projects in the modernization of Indian Railways. With a vast network of 162 services, a steadily increasing passenger count, and operations at near-full capacity on several routes, it stands as a crucial revenue source for the railway. While it may not be directly labeled as the 'most profitable train' based on available government data, the strong demand and high occupancy rates certainly make Vande Bharat an essential service for railway revenue.