As the demand for efficient and comfortable rail transport grows across India, 60 parliamentarians, including MPs from both the ruling BJP and opposition parties, petitioned Indian Railways in February 2023 to introduce Vande Bharat trains to connect their respective constituencies. These trains are already operational on 10 routes and have recorded high occupancy rates. Let’s look in detail at the MPs’ petitions, the current occupancy rates of Vande Bharat Express trains, and the features of these indigenous trains.
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Petitions from BJP MPs and Opposition MPs
Among the 60 MPs who have petitioned for Vande Bharat trains, 14 are from the ruling BJP, including senior leader Devendra Fadnavis, who has requested a train between Solapur and Mumbai. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi has also requested a train from Dharwad to Bangalore, while Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia has asked for a train to Gwalior. Opposition parties have also requested Vande Bharat trains for their constituencies, with one MP each from NCP, DMK, SP, AAP, and JD(U) demanding the same.
Among the opposition parties, one MP each from the NCP, DMK, SP, AAP, and JD(U) has demanded such trains for their constituencies, while three Congress MPs, two each from the CPI(M) and YSRCP have demanded the same. Other party MPs, one each from the Apna Dal and the Shiv Sena, have also asked for indigenous trains.
High Occupancy Rates on Existing Vande Bharat Train Routes
Out of the 10 Vande Bharat trains currently in operation, the Bilaspur-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express had the lowest occupancy till January this fiscal year, while the Mumbai-Gandhinagar route recorded the highest, official data showed. The Bilaspur-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express had a 55% occupancy rate, while the train running between Mumbai and Gandhinagar recorded a 126% occupancy rate.
Features of Vande Bharat Express Train
The Vande Bharat Express trains offer passengers a comfortable and secure travel experience, with automatic plug doors, touch-free sliding doors, revolving seats in executive class, and a 32-inch passenger information and infotainment system in every coach. In addition, the trains have enhanced security features such as CCTVs, the KAVACH system, and improved fire safety measures. They can reach a speed of 160 km/hour in just 129 seconds.
Conclusion
The demand for Vande Bharat trains from MPs across party lines reflects the growing need for improved rail connectivity across India. With their state-of-the-art features and high occupancy rates, Vande Bharat trains offer a faster, safer, and more comfortable travel option for passengers. If Indian Railways expands the operation of Vande Bharat trains to connect more constituencies, it will undoubtedly boost the country’s transportation infrastructure and benefit commuters in various regions.
For the latest news and updates on the Vande Bharat Express, we recommend visiting NDTV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has petitioned Indian Railways for Vande Bharat trains?
60 parliamentarians, including MPs from both the ruling BJP and opposition parties, have petitioned Indian Railways for Vande Bharat trains to connect their respective constituencies.
What features do Vande Bharat trains offer?
Vande Bharat trains offer passengers a comfortable and secure travel experience, with features such as automatic plug doors, touch-free sliding doors, revolving seats in executive class, and a 32-inch passenger information and infotainment system in every coach.
How many BJP MPs have petitioned for Vande Bharat trains?
14 BJP MPs have petitioned for Vande Bharat trains, including senior leader Devendra Fadnavis and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi.
Which opposition parties have petitioned for Vande Bharat trains?
Opposition parties, including NCP, DMK, SP, AAP, JD(U), Congress, CPI(M), YSRCP, Apna Dal, and Shiv Sena, have petitioned for Vande Bharat trains.
How do Vande Bharat trains benefit passengers?
Vande Bharat trains offer faster, safer, and more comfortable travel options for passengers, with state-of-the-art features and high occupancy rates.
Will the expansion of Vande Bharat trains improve India’s transportation infrastructure?
Yes, if Indian Railways expands the operation of Vande Bharat trains to connect more constituencies, it will undoubtedly boost the country’s transportation infrastructure and benefit commuters in various regions.
