India’s flagship semi-high-speed train, the Vande Bharat Express, continues to gain massive popularity, with nearly 3.98 crore passengers travelling in FY 2025–26, marking a strong 34% growth compared to the previous year.
Busiest Routes Driving Growth
A major chunk of this surge is powered by a few high-demand routes that consistently report strong occupancy:
- New Delhi–Varanasi Vande Bharat route
The busiest corridor in the network, serving over 73 lakh passengers since launch.
Its importance lies in connecting the capital with Varanasi, one of India’s most prominent spiritual hubs. - New Delhi–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra route
Catering to around 56 lakh passengers, this route is crucial for pilgrims travelling to the revered shrine in Katra. - Secunderabad–Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat route
A key southern corridor with over 48 lakh passengers, reflecting strong demand for fast inter-city connectivity. - Chennai–Mysuru Vande Bharat route
Serving more than 36 lakh passengers, this route connects major urban and cultural centres, supporting both tourism and daily commuting.
Boost to Connectivity & Tourism
These routes have played a crucial role in:
- Enhancing regional and interstate connectivity
- Promoting religious tourism (Varanasi, Vaishno Devi)
- Supporting urban mobility and business travel
- Improving access to coastal and cultural destinations
The trains’ reduced travel time, modern amenities, and superior comfort have made them a preferred travel option for millions.
A Growing Success Story
Since its launch in 2019, the Vande Bharat network has:
- Served over 9.1 crore passengers
- Completed nearly 1 lakh trips
- Established key routes as the backbone of India’s modern rail travel
What Lies Ahead
With ongoing expansion by Indian Railways, these high-performing corridors are expected to:
- Continue driving passenger growth
- Shape future travel patterns
- Accelerate India’s shift towards fast, efficient, and passenger-centric rail transport
The rising demand clearly signals that Vande Bharat is not just a train service—it is becoming a symbol of India’s next-generation railway transformation
