The Vande Bharat Express network has experienced a significant increase in passenger usage, with Indian Railways reporting that around 3.98 crore passengers travelled in the financial year 2025-26. This figure represents an impressive year-on-year growth of nearly 34 per cent compared to the 2.97 crore passengers reported in the previous fiscal year, 2024-25. The rise in numbers illustrates a marked shift in traveller preferences towards fast, comfortable, and contemporary rail travel options throughout India.

Since its launch, the Vande Bharat Express has successfully accommodated over 9.1 crore passengers over the course of one lakh trips, indicating a substantial level of public trust and a sustained demand for this modern service. The increasing patronage reflects the railways’ efforts to transform the travel experience and meet contemporary passenger expectations.

Route Popularity and Specialisation

The New Delhi-Varanasi route stands out as the busiest on the network, having recorded more than 73 lakh passengers to date. This route’s popularity underscores its significance in connecting major urban and spiritual destinations. Additionally, the New Delhi-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra route has welcomed approximately 56 lakh passengers, reinforcing its role in supporting pilgrimage activities.

In southern India, the Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam route has managed to serve over 48 lakh passengers, while the Puratchi Thalaivar MGR Central (Chennai)-Mysuru route has catered to more than 36 lakh passengers. These figures illustrate the expanding demand for rail services across various regions, highlighting the essential role of Vande Bharat trains in facilitating movement within and between states.

Moreover, these services have emerged as crucial enablers of tourism, enhancing access to key religious, cultural, and coastal sites. The enhanced connectivity is contributing to local economic growth and an uptick in visitor numbers, benefiting both tourism and the regional economy.

Introduction of Sleeper Services

Indian Railways has further expanded its offerings with the introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper service in January 2026. This new service aims to enhance long-distance travel options for passengers seeking overnight rail solutions. Since its inception, the sleeper service has already transported 1.21 lakh passengers across 119 trips in the first three months of operation.

This new service has reportedly achieved an occupancy rate exceeding 100 per cent, which suggests robust demand for premium overnight travel options and growing passenger confidence in railway services. The introduction of sleeper trains is expected to cater to shifting consumer preferences, particularly for those who prefer travelling overnight in greater comfort.

Overall, the Vande Bharat trains are positioned as key elements in the evolution of Indian Railways, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to modernisation and passenger satisfaction. Ongoing developments and expansions in services imply that the rail network is likely to continue evolving to meet the needs of a diverse and growing passenger base.

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