Vande Bharat's Secunderabad-Nagpur route faces possible shutdown

The Vande Bharat Express has become synonymous with speed and exceptional hospitality, making it a preferred choice for many travelers across India. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated several new Vande Bharat Express trains, including the route from Durg to Visakhapatnam. However, some routes, such as the Secunderabad-Nagpur line, are struggling to attract passengers.

Low Occupancy on Secunderabad-Nagpur Route

Officials report that the Secunderabad-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express is running at a mere 20% occupancy. On September 22, train number 20102 departed with over 1,200 of its 1,440 seats vacant. The two executive class coaches, which can accommodate 88 passengers, saw less than ten reservations.

Potential Discontinuation of Service

Due to the low passenger turnout, officials are considering discontinuing the Secunderabad-Nagpur service, which commenced on September 16. If the trend continues, the train's coach count might be reduced from 20 to 8, cutting the seat capacity by more than 500.

Objective of the Route

The primary goal of the Secunderabad-Nagpur route was to enhance connectivity for Maharashtra's Vidarbha region, facilitating travel for business, family, and tourism purposes. The route connects Vidarbha to Ramagundam, Kazipet, and Secunderabad.

Upcoming Developments

Despite this setback, Indian Railways is gearing up to introduce a sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express, which has garnered significant public interest. Preparations for this new addition are in full swing.