Vande Bharat Express Fail. Passenger Demand Very Poor. Railway Will Reduce Coach Numbers on This Route.

The Nagpur-Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express, launched on 19th September 2024, was expected to be a game-changer in passenger rail transport. However, with occupancy as low as 25% (except during the Diwali holidays), the train faces operational challenges, prompting discussions for optimization. Central Railway is now exploring options to revamp its operations, including reducing the 20-coach rake to an 8-coach setup.

Why Is the Train Struggling to Attract Passengers?

1. Mismatch Between Demand and Capacity:
   • The train has 20 coaches with a seating capacity of 1,440 passengers, which remains largely underutilized.
   • Experts suggest that an 8-coach setup would better match the passenger demand for this route.
2. Timing Issues:
   • The train currently departs Nagpur at 5:00 AM, a time inconvenient for most passengers.
   • Proposals to shift the departure time to 7:00 AM or even 8:00 AM aim to make it more accessible.
3. Alternate Options:
   • Other trains between Nagpur and Secunderabad offer competitive travel times (e.g., 8.5 to 9 hours for regular express trains).
   • Passengers may prefer these options due to their existing schedules and comparable convenience.
4. Passenger Preferences:
   • Passengers prefer day travel, highlighting the need for better alignment of Vande Bharat’s timings with these preferences.

Railway’s Proposed Solutions

1. Rake Adjustment:
   • The 20-coach rake may be replaced with an 8-coach rake, allowing the freed-up coaches to serve other routes.
   • The adjusted rake will include expandable coaches to accommodate future demand.
2. Revised Schedule:
   • Proposed new departure times:
     • Nagpur: 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM.
     • Secunderabad return: 4:00 PM.
   • Adjusting the schedule could cater better to passenger preferences, boosting occupancy.
3. Alternative Routes:
   • The train might be divided into two services, with one part continuing on the Secunderabad route and the other catering to a different high-demand corridor.

Historical and Operational Context

The 20101-20102 Nagpur-Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express was a proud addition to India’s semi-high-speed rail network. Covering a distance of approximately 581 km in 7 hours and 15 minutes, it’s one of the fastest options on this route, reaching speeds of 130 km/h. However, its operational advantages haven’t translated into passenger enthusiasm due to schedule misalignment and alternative train options.

Stakeholders’ Perspectives

• Railway Officials:
  • Highlight the train’s technological advantages but admit to the misjudgment in demand.
  • Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Dr. Swapnil Neela confirmed the proposal to replace the rake and adjust timings.
• Passenger Committees:
  • Members of the Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee (ZRUCC) suggest that better timing could attract more passengers.
  • Brij Bhushan Shukla supports the 8-coach proposal, while Satish Yadav emphasizes the need for a schedule shift to align with passenger convenience.
• Passengers:
  • Find the 5:00 AM departure inconvenient and prefer day travel options.

Data Overview