New Delhi has given the green signal for the forthcoming launch of the Mumbai-Jaunpur Vande Bharat Express, slated to become operational in the near future. Reports confirm that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has granted in-principle approval for the running of the Vande Bharat Express, traversing from Maharashtra’s Mumbai to Uttar Pradesh’s Jaunpur. Additionally, Vaishnav has initiated directives for a comprehensive route survey of the train, scheduled to take place imminently.

The approval follows a meeting between former Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Affairs and BJP State Vice President, Kripa Shankar Singh—originating from Jaunpur district—and Railway Minister Vaishnav on November 6. During the meeting, Singh submitted a formal request for the train service, highlighting the discomfort experienced by passengers using the current Mumbai to North India train route. He emphasized the considerable duration required to cover distances between major cities in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.

Singh underscored the potential benefits of the Vande Bharat Express, a semi-high-speed train, asserting that its introduction would significantly alleviate travel concerns for residents of Jaunpur and nearby districts, including Varanasi, Bhadohi, Pratapgarh, and Sultanpur.

Comparative Speed Analysis: Rajdhani Express vs. Vande Bharat Express

The Vande Bharat Express, designed to achieve a maximum speed of 180 kilometers per hour, currently operates at an average speed of 95.89 kilometers per hour. In contrast, the Rajdhani Express, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 130–140 kilometers per hour, currently maintains an average speed ranging between 81 to 87 kilometers per hour.

Anticipated Launch of Sleeper Variant of Vande Bharat Express

Sources suggest that the Indian Railways is contemplating the introduction of a new sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat Express in the ongoing fiscal year, FY 2023–2024. Although specific details regarding the exact launch date and timing of the Vande Bharat Express remain undisclosed, speculations indicate a potential track debut for the new variant by March 2024.

Indian Railways Extends Vande Bharat Express Services, Enhances Connectivity