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Vande Bharat Express trains occupancy: How are trains performing? Railway minister responds

Vande Bharat Express passenger occupancy FY26: At present, a total of 144 Vande Bharat Express trains are running across various routes in the country.

Currently, Vande Bharat Express trains are running in three different coach variants - 8, 16, and 20 coaches. (Image: Ministry of Railways/X)

Vande Bharat Express passenger occupancy FY26: Indian Railways (IR) has introduced Vande Bharat Express trains to provide better travel experience to the passengers. Manufactured by Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF), these semi-high-speed trains are equipped with modern coaches, advanced safety features and passenger amenities.

How many Vande Bharat trains are operating in India?

At present, a total of 144 Vande Bharat Express trains are running across various routes in the country. Of these, 22 Vande Bharat train services catering to the needs of various stations located in Maharashtra and eight Vande Bharat train services are catering to the needs of various stations of Madhya Pradesh.

What is the passenger occupancy of Vande Bharat Express train?

According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Vande Bharat Express trains have been running with over 100 per cent on all routes.

Also Read | How many passengers travelled in general coaches in last 5 financial years? Indian Railways data reveals

Vande Bharat trains occupancy

The overall occupancy of Vande Bharat Express trains in the financial year 2024-25 is 102.01 per cent. However, in the ongoing fiscal year i.e. FY26, the passenger occupancy of these new age trains are 105.03 per cent (till June 2025).

“The overall occupancy of Vande Bharat Express trains in Financial Year 2024-25 & 2025-26 (till June, 2025) is 102.01% & 105.03% respectively,” Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Lok Sabha on Wednesday (July 30, 2025).

Vande Bharat Express train features

Fitted with KAVACH.
Higher acceleration with design/operating speed of 180/160 kmph.
Air conditioning units with indigenously developed UV-C lamp based disinfection system.
Jerk Free Semi-Permanent couplers.
Centrally controlled Automatic Plug Doors and Fully Sealed wider gangways.
Better Ride Comfort.

Also Read | How many new trains has Centre introduced to improve regional connectivity in last one year?

CCTVs in all Coaches.
Emergency Alarm Push buttons and Talk Back Units on all Coaches.
Improved fire safety – Aerosol based fire detection and suppression system in electrical cabinets and lavatories.
For Divyangjan passengers special lavatory in the driving coaches on each end.
Driver-Guard communication with voice recording facility & Crash hardened memory.
Coach condition monitoring System (CCMS) display with remote monitoring.

Currently, Vande Bharat Express trains are running in three different coach variants – 8, 16, and 20 coaches. The train offers two types of seating arrangements: Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC).

Anish Mondal

Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More

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