Vande Bharat sees 48% occupancy on its maiden journey

Train witnessed 66 % occupancy on Una-New Delhi leg

Vande Bharat, a fully AC train, has 16 coaches with the capacity of around 1128 seats. (File)

The fourth Vande Bharat Express witnessed a fairly healthy response on its inaugural run on Wednesday, with the train witnessing 48 per cent occupancy on its inaugural run between New Delhi and Una, and a 66 per cent occupancy on its return journey.

Vande Bharat, a fully AC train, has 16 coaches with the capacity of around 1128 seats.

The new Vande Bharat trains can reach a speed of 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in just 52 seconds, with a top speed of up to 180 kilometres an hour. The trains weigh around 392 tonnes, 38 tonnes lighter than the previous versions.

According to a railway official, Vande Bharat, also known as Train 18, reached Chandigarh at 8.40 am on Wednesday.

On its return journey, the train reached Chandigarh from Una at 3.25 pm. The official said that at least 550 seats were occupied on the train for the New Delhi to Una journey in the morning and around 750 seats were occupied during the train’s return journey.

“The journey was excellent. It was comfortable. I paid Rs 768 for travelling between Chandigarh to Delhi. The train covered the distance in three hours. I booked my ticket for AC Chair Car through a mobile application, which charged Rs 20 as booking charges. The train has come as a big convenience for passengers,” said Sandeep Kumar, a Panchkula Sector 20 resident.

A senior railway official said, “The Executive Chair Car (EC) in Vande Bharat is slightly more expensive than Shatabdi Express. The occupancy will keep up pace in the coming days. Today the occupancy was around 55 per cent to 70 percent”. DRM (Ambala), Mandeep Singh Bhatia, said, “Vande Bharat reached its destination on its scheduled time. It will run on all days of the week, except Fridays.”

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As per details of pricing, an AC Chair Car ticket between Chandigarh and Delhi on the train will cost Rs 745 per seat, while a seat in the Executive Chair Car (EC) will cost Rs 1,445.

These fares will include catering, reservation, tax and superfast charges. Vande Bharat will reach Chandigarh from Una at 3.25 pm and depart for Delhi at 3.30 pm. From Delhi, it will reach Chandigarh at 8.40 am and depart to Una at 8.45 am.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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