What’s inside:
This article discusses the launch of the new Vande Bharat Express train between Varanasi and Khajuraho, highlighting the high fares and low passenger bookings.
A new Vande Bharat Express train is set to run from Varanasi to Khajuraho starting from November 11. While the train looks modern and fast, many passengers are staying away due to its high ticket prices.
The chair car fare for this train is 1,130 rupees, which is more than double the cost of AC third class on regular trains. This has made it hard for travelers to choose this new option when older trains on the same route are much cheaper.
The train will be in a test mode until November 12, meaning no seats are available. After that, other dates show long waiting lists for old trains, as passengers prefer to travel on them despite longer travel times. Regular services will start on Tuesdays.
Fares for different routes vary; for example, from Prayagraj to Khajuraho, chair car costs 1,130 rupees, while executive class is 1,945 rupees. Meals are included in the Vande Bharat ticket, unlike regular trains where you have to pay extra for food.
As of Monday evening, only 28 chair car seats were booked, and not a single executive seat was taken. The train has a capacity of 397 chair car seats and 29 executive seats. The railway needs to consider how to balance modern services with affordable pricing to attract more passengers.
Summary:
- New Vande Bharat Express train launches from Varanasi to Khajuraho on November 11.
- High ticket prices lead to low passenger bookings.
- Train operates in test mode until November 12 with no available seats.
- Fares include meals, but are still higher than regular trains.
- Only a few seats booked so far, raising concerns about affordability.