Prime Minister Narendra Modi To Launch Five New Vande Bharat Express Trains, Expanding the Network to 23

Mumbai, 27th June 2023: In an effort to enhance connectivity and reduce travel time of the passengers, the Indian government has been steadily expanding the Vande Bharat Express network across the country. In a recent move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off five additional trains from the earlier 18 Vande Bharat Express trains, bringing the total count to 23.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to flag off these five additional Vande Bharat Express trains on Tuesday from Rani Kamlapati station in Bhopal. The newly introduced Vande Bharat Express routes include Rani Kamalapati (Bhopal) to Indore, Bhopal to Jabalpur, Ranchi to Patna, Dharwad to Bangalore, and Madgaon to CSMT. The ticket prices for the Madgaon to CSMT Vande Bharat Express are set at Rs 1,435 for a chair car and Rs 2,921 for executive class.

This service, with train numbers 22229/22230, will operate three days a week. Train No. 22229 CSMT-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express will depart from CSMT every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5.25 am, reaching Madgaon at 3.30 pm. Train No. 22230 will depart from Madgaon every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 12.20 p.m., arriving at CSMT in Mumbai at 10.25 p.m. The train going in both directions has halts at Dadar, Thane, Panvel, Khed, Ratnagiri, Kankavali, and Thiveem.

Initially aimed at reducing travel time between Mumbai and Goa, the Vande Bharat Express was expected to achieve higher speeds. However, due to the monsoon schedule, the train’s timetable has been adjusted, and the speed limits are yet to be finalised. It is anticipated that the section between CSMT and Diva will allow speeds of up to 105 kmph, while the Diva to Roha stretch may permit speeds of around 110 kmph.