Vande Bharat operates as distinct passenger service segment with specific fare structure: Vaishnaw

New Delhi: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that the Vande Bharat trains operate as a distinct passenger service segment having a specific fare structure and referred to various factors that are taken into consideration before deciding their fare structure.

"While deciding the fare structure of various types of passenger services, due consideration is given to aspects like the cost of service, value of service, type of services/facilities offered, affordability, competition from other competing modes and socio-economic considerations, etc," Vaishnaw recently informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply while responding to questions regarding expenditure on Vande Bharat trains.

"Accordingly, Vande Bharat trains operate as a distinct passenger service segment having a specific fare structure," he added.

According to the minister, Vande Bharat services have been widely accepted across the country, and during 2024-25, their average occupancy was approximately 100 per cent.

Currently, 81 pairs of Vande Bharat train services (chair car) are being operated on the Indian Railways network.

Vaishnaw's statement was in response to DMK MP Malaiyarasan D's questions who wanted to know the total expenditure incurred by the government on the manufacturing and introduction of Vande Bharat trains so far, including funds allocated to the Integral Coach Factory and other production units.

Malaiyarasan also asked whether the government has conducted any assessment regarding passenger demand, affordability of fares and overall performance of these trains since their introduction, and the steps being taken by the government to expand its network to smaller cities.

"Indian Railways (IR) is focused towards providing affordable and good quality service to all sections of society. Taking this initiative forward, IR has indigenously designed and developed the Chair Car and Sleeper version of Semi High-speed Vande Bharat Trainsets for enhanced passenger mobility and better travel experience," Vaishnaw said.

"To set new benchmarks in terms of safe and comfortable journey, these train sets have been provided with modern coaches having advanced safety features and passenger amenities," he added, while providing various facilities available for passengers in the train.