This Region Just Got 6 Vande Bharat Trains: And It’s Changing How India Travels

By Pune Media On Jun 3, 2025

Last Updated:June 03, 2025, 10:56 IST

Six high-speed trains, one game-changing shift, this region is now at the heart of India’s rail revolution.

Specially-designed Vande Bharat Express train crosses the Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel during a trial run, entering the Kashmir Valley, in Qazigund. (PTI)

Odisha has joined the growing list of Indian states expanding their semi-high-speed rail infrastructure, with six Vande Bharat Express trains now serving key routes across and beyond the state. These state-of-the-art trains, operated and maintained by the Western Railway zone, are set to transform the travel experience in the region with faster journeys, enhanced comfort, and improved efficiency.

Among the key services is the Puri–Rourkela Vande Bharat Express, which covers a distance of 504 kilometres, linking the coastal pilgrim city with Odisha’s industrial hub. The Bhubaneswar–Visakhapatnam train connects the state capital to Andhra Pradesh’s scenic coast, further boosting interstate connectivity. Other vital routes include Brahmapur–Tatanagar, Rourkela–Howrah, Raipur–Visakhapatnam, and Berhampur–Tatanagar, effectively knitting together important urban centres across Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh.

The addition of these trains marks a significant milestone in Odisha’s transport evolution. With reduced travel time and modern amenities, cities like Bhubaneswar, Puri, Rourkela, and Berhampur are now more accessible than ever before.

This surge in high-speed rail expansion isn’t limited to Odisha. Across the country, Indian Railways is fast-tracking the rollout of Vande Bharat Express trains. Recently, a new service was launched between Sabarmati and Veraval in Gujarat, while September 2024 saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flag off six new routes, including Tatanagar–Patna, Brahmapur–Tatanagar, Rourkela–Howrah, Deoghar–Varanasi, Bhagalpur–Howrah, and Gaya–Howrah.

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Railways is exploring additional corridors for these premium trains. One proposed service will link Vijayawada to Bengaluru via Tirupati, covering approximately 713 km in just nine hours.

The latest Vande Bharat 2.0 trains come equipped with upgraded features such as faster acceleration, onboard WiFi, the Kavach safety system, and an anti-virus air filtration mechanism—demonstrating a leap in passenger safety and technological innovation.

According to the ministry, “Vande Bharat Express services represent a transformative shift in Indian travel, combining speed, safety, and service excellence. They reflect the strength of the ‘Make in India’ initiative and set new global benchmarks in railway innovation.”

With every new route, Indian Railways continues to redefine domestic travel—bringing cities closer, reducing carbon footprints, and paving the way for a faster, more connected India.

Swati Chaturvedi

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More

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