Vande Bharat Express: new face of Indian railways Open Access

An efficient, affordable and reliable public transport system can smooth individual lifestyles and generate significant revenue for the country. Since the 1990s, when environmentally conscious initiatives began, a move away from less environmentally sustainable modes of transportation towards more sustainable modes, such as railways and waterways, has been ushered in. As per the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero report, National Rail emits around 35 g per kilometre, whereas the average petrol car emits 170 g. The report highlights that taking a train instead of a car for medium-length distances would cut emissions by around 80%, and taking a domestic flight instead would reduce emissions by around 86%.

For countries with a vast geographical area like India, the railways play an important role in contributing to the gross domestic product. Moreover, the railways support intracity commuter services, interregional passenger services and freight transportation, which are essential functions of the economy. Despite continuous innovation, Indian Rail is still struggling to meet the growing demand apart from being profitable. Also, there are problems such as overcrowded trains and stations, outdated infrastructure, technological lag and operational delays (EuroSchool, 2025). Amidst all such challenges, the government launched its indigenous semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express (VBE) in 2018.

During the launch, the VBE was heralded as a train that could rival aeroplanes in terms of speed. With the introduction of multiple Vande Bharat trains, Indian Railways (IR) has begun attracting airline passengers. This shift is not solely due to increased train speeds but also for amenities and customer experience, something that would have seemed unlikely just a decade ago (Sinha, 2024). However, with more VBE trains, passengers have criticised the high ticket prices, especially considering that the trains have not reached their advertised top speeds of 110–130 kilometres per hour, making journeys longer and less appealing (Menasinakai, 2023). Lower speeds are making some VBE journeys drag on for much longer than claimed. For example, the 662-kilometre trip from Secunderabad to Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh currently takes a staggering 8 h and 15 min, averaging only 80 kilometres per hour. This slow pace makes passengers on longer journeys naturally gravitate towards sleeper trains. These operational challenges have raised critical questions:

This paper is a perspective paper that addresses these concerns by analysing the current limitations of VBE, potential improvements and the future of premium railway travel in India.

Transport is considered a key to promoting economic growth and development by reducing the time cost of travel and shipping (D, 2018). This is the reason why several countries are investing in improving the transportation system, especially railways. For example, in the past decades, many countries around the globe invested in high-speed rail (HSR) systems, resulting in more than 40,000 kilometres of new lines (Cascetta et al., 2019). Since the Shinkansen started operations in Japan in 1964, many countries have built HSR networks (Jin et al., 2020). France was the first to do so, launching its HSR service between Paris and Lyon in 1981 (Vickerman and Ulied, 2006). Italy and Germany in 1988, Spain in 1992, Belgium in 1997, the UK in 2003, South Korea in 2004, China in 2008 and both the Netherlands and Turkey in 2009 (UIC, 2015) followed, developing HSR systems. The argument for increased investment in HSR relies on the simple intuition that railways connect consumers, businesses and ideas together in a much better way compared to other modes of transportation (Li et al., 2018).

Apart from providing a low-cost mode of transportation, rail is now the most popular public choice for medium-to-long trips because it provides a punctual, comfortable and convenient service (Gao et al., 2019). Transportation is the backbone of tourism because good transport infrastructure does not just make it easier to get to these places it also enhances the entire tourist experience (Zhou, Wen, and Yang, 2021). In today’s competitive world, destinations with a better transportation system get a major edge (Dwyer and Kim, 2003). For example, high-speed trains (HSTs) offer a safe, comfortable and flexible option for tourists, especially those exploring city destinations (Yang et al., 2019). For example, Feng (2023), using a panel data set of 36 cities in the Sichuan-Chongqing Economic Circle in China from 2011 to 2019, has found a positive effect of HSR on urban tourism development. Scholars have found that the construction and expansion of HSR networks in Europe (Pagliara, Mauriello, and Garofalo, 2017), Japan (Kurihara and Wu, 2016) and China (Yang et al., 2019) have successfully stimulated tourism growth.

The global tourism landscape is continuously evolving, with niche markets playing an increasingly significant role. Among these, religious travel stands out as a powerful and rapidly expanding segment (Eraqi, 2006). Accounting for a substantial 26% of the total global tourism flow in 2023 (Budovich, 2023), religious tourism drives travel worldwide, from pilgrimages to the Vatican (Kislali et al., 2020) to treks to sacred mountains in Tunisia (Zaiane, 2006).

In India, religious tourism is on an upward trajectory and projected to have a compound annual growth rate of over 16% between 2023 and 2030 (Verma, 2024). The economic impact of religious tourism in India is profound. According to Ministry of Tourism data, religious tourism witnessed 1,439 million tourists in 2022, and the places of religious tourism earned approximately US$16bn in the same year. The sector is expected to generate a revenue of US$59bn by 2028, creating 140 million temporary and permanent jobs by 2030 (Verma, 2024). This escalating growth is a testament to the deep-rooted spiritual ethos of the nation and the dedicated efforts of both state and central governments, notably through initiatives like the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive. However, a particularly significant catalyst fuelling this growth has been the introduction and expansion of the VBE train services.

For over a century and a half, the IR has held a prominent position as one of the largest and oldest railway networks in world. Stretching across the vast expanse of India, IR boasts one of the most extensive rail networks in the world, ranking fourth globally after the USA, China and Russia (Roushan, 2025). This huge network has served as a cornerstone of India’s social and economic development, pivotal in integrating the nation. As the largest state-owned enterprise in India, IR generates approximately 1% of India’s GNP and aims to contribute about 1.5% to the country’s GDP by building infrastructure (Sethi, 2023).

Spanning a vast network of over 68,000 kilometres, IR is one of the largest networks in the world, operating over 22,593 trains daily (Invest India, 2023a, 2023b; World Bank, 2023). This includes 13,523 passenger trains, which carry approximately 24 million passengers every day, and 9,146 freight trains (Ministry of Railways, 2023) transporting an astonishing 4 million tonnes of goods daily, supporting key industries such as coal, cement and agriculture (IBEF, 2023).

Despite its vast network and significance, IR continues to face persistent financial challenges. The IR’s financial model is quite perplexing as IR spends Indian rupee 2.3 to earn every single rupee from passenger services. The report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, presented in Parliament on 8 August 2023, reveals that passenger services incurred a staggering loss of 68,269 crores in 2021–22, effectively wiping out any profits generated from freight operations (CAG, 2023).

Of late, driven by its vital role as the nation’s lifeline, IR is now consistently working to introduce technological, service, operational and systemic innovations that will spearhead India’s journey towards a modern and ever-evolving future. One major development is the launch of the “VBE”, India’s first semi-HST.

This study uses a descriptive and exploratory research design. It combines both primary and secondary data to form the perspectives regarding the potential of VBE on regional connectivity, religious tourism and economic development in India. The study used secondary sources to provide context for the findings. These include press releases and official reports from the Ministry of Railways, policy documents and statistical data from government sites such as Press Information Bureau, India Brand Equity Foundation and Invest India. Academic literature and previous studies on HSR, religious tourism and infrastructure development and News articles from reputable media outlets like The Economic Times, The Times of India and CNBC-TV18, which offered insights into passenger feedback, operational challenges and economic impacts of the VBE. Together, these sources presented a complete view of the operational performance, public reception and strategic implications of the VBE.

Moreover, to understand user perspectives, the study used the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) framework to conduct a structured SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis. AHP is an effective decision-making method for solving problems where the decision criteria can be organised in a hierarchical way into sub-criteria (Tuzmen, 2011). The AHP model evaluation is conducted on four criteria: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. SWOT sub-criteria were developed through a combination of literature review, 20 expert consultations and content analysis of secondary data.

A total of 50 frequent travellers on the VBE were selected through snowball sampling, a method that helps reach informed and experienced respondents. These participants compared SWOT factors and sub-criteria based on their personal travel experiences with the VBE. Responses were analysed using Saaty’s nine-point scale, and consistency checks validated the logical coherence of the judgements.

The IR debuted the groundbreaking HST known as the VBE, sometimes called Train 18, manufactured indigenously by the IR’s Integral Coach Factory. With its wealth of features and facilities, this highly sophisticated train redefines what it means to travel ( Appendix 1). The core strength of the VBE lies in its ability to offer a faster, comfortable and efficient travel experience compared to traditional rail services, which has proven to be a catalyst for the growth of religious tourism in India by reducing travel times between major cities and religious hubs ( Appendix 2,  3 and  5). With a maximum speed limit of 160 km/h, the train makes getting from point A to point B quicker and more effective. This enhanced connectivity directly addresses one of the primary challenges in religious tourism: reaching often remote or less accessible sacred sites.

Pilgrims usually travel with their families, including the elderly and children, and demand a high degree of comfort and reliability to escape the fatigue that is commonly observed among tourists. The characteristics of VBE, such as punctuality, speed and passenger comfort, including the modern coaches, comfortable seating, on-board amenities and reduced journey durations, are particularly appealing to religious travellers and contribute to a significantly improved travel experience, making religious pilgrimages less hard and more appealing to a broader demographic. The streamlined and elegant exterior of the train increases its visual appeal and its operating efficiency. The aerodynamic layout of the train reduces air resistance while in motion, further enhancing its efficiency (Verma, 2024).

A good travel experience is ensured by the availability of sanitation and high-quality food alternatives for passengers, offering a selection of meals and beverages. Also, in VBE, security and safety are given priority. Advanced safety measures aboard the train include automated doors, smoke and fire detection systems and an emergency braking system. These precautions guarantee passengers’ safety and make travel secure and worry-free.

The first VBE New Delhi to Varanasi rolled onto the tracks on 15 February 2019, spearheaded by the Prime Minister himself and the Vande Bharat story continues to impress with a whopping 136 trains covering 45 routes across India ( Appendix 2). Several routes have doubled down on speed with two Vande Bharat trains connecting them. This includes popular stretches like Delhi–Katra, Delhi–Varanasi, Mumbai–Ahmedabad, Mysore–Chennai, Kasaragod–Thiruvananthapuram and the newly inaugurated Visakhapatnam–Secunderabad. The national capital emerges as the Vande Bharat hub, with a staggering ten trains terminating in Delhi. Not far behind is Mumbai, boasting six dedicated VBE. Services to Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar further enhance connectivity for travellers from the bustling metropolis. With ambitious plans, the government aims to introduce a total of 400 semi-high-speed Vande Bharat trains to revolutionise the rail travel experience in the country.

VBE routes (refer  Appendix 2 and  5) reveal a deliberate strategy in improving connectivity between revered religious sites and surrounding economic centres. Many Vande Bharat routes are specifically designed to connect pilgrimage circuits, like New Delhi–Varanasi, New Delhi–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (Mumbai)–Shirdi and Secunderabad–Tirupati, facilitating seamless travel between multiple sacred destinations. This strategic routing effectively transforms isolated holy places into more accessible components of a larger, interconnected religious tourism circuit.

Poor connection and accessibility to different tourist locations in India have been one of the major obstacles for tourism in India (Singh et al., 2016). India’s road network grew 59% from 1, 45,240 kilometres compared to 91,287 kilometres in 2013–2014 and has become the second largest in the world (Maurya, 2024). However, the quality of roads is not satisfactory, especially in rural areas. Moreover, many religious and cultural places are situated in outlying or challenging-to-reach regions (Shinde, 2022). Longer journey times and annoyance for guests were caused by insufficient transit alternatives, such as bad road conditions and insufficient train connections. The difficulties and drawbacks of conventional transportation methods highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and connectivity to support the expansion of commerce and tourism in India.

By introducing a cutting-edge, effective and dependable means of transportation, VBE sought to remedy these inadequacies. As of September 2023, more than one crore and 11 lakh passengers have travelled by these trains, and this number is increasing day by day (Link to Press Information BureauLink to the cited article.).

A tourist circuit is a strategically structured tour route designed to enhance the overall travel experience by giving an opportunity to the tourist to move beyond the traditional model of single-destination visitation. The development of tourist circuits contributes immensely to the holistic growth of destinations and the surrounding areas, which would be a part of the circuit, enhancing the economic and social activities in the region, in addition to extended enthusiasm and pleasure to the tourist. Typically, a tourist circuit must be in a geographical proximity that is enough to facilitate efficient sequential visitation without excessive travel time. These circuits must be developed in such a way that they promote the exploration of multiple destinations sequentially, a strategy that directly leads to an increased frequency of visits across the circuit and, as a result, prolongs the overall duration of the tourists’ stay within the region. This is achieved by offering a coherent and manageable itinerary that renders it both attractive and practical for tourists to visit a greater number of locations than they would otherwise plan. The primary aim behind the formulation of a tourist circuit is to augment the total number of visits to more destinations surrounding the major tourist attraction and to extend the overall duration of stay for tourists within the designated region.

Academic theories, such as the “flow experience theory,” offer a psychological foundation for the idea of tourist circuits. This theoretical construct posits that factors such as enjoyment, perceived sense of control, well-defined objectives and focused attention play a critical role in determining a tourist’s duration of stay. A well-designed circuit can provide a structured path and clear objective to the tourist, encouraging them to travel beyond their initial plan, creating a “flow experience” that can lead to a deeper immersion and enjoyment. This, in turn, encourages prolonged stays and fosters a profound emotional connection, hence improving revenue circulation in the region.

Looking closely at all the 51 locations served by the VBE, it is evident that the routes include a wide variety of holy places and centres for pilgrimage. For example, the New Delhi–Una Himachal Pradesh Vande Bharat will facilitate various spiritual sites like Jwala Ji, Naina Devi and Chamunda Mata. Mumbai–Solapur Vande Bharat will facilitate journeys to Trimbakeswar, Shani Shingnapur. Similarly, Secunderabad–Tirupati Vande Bharat will connect Bhagyalaxmi Temple to Lord Venkateshwara. For worshippers and spiritual searchers of all religions, these places are of utmost significance. The VBE has made it simpler and more comfortable for pilgrims to make multi-site religious visits by connecting various locations through a single rail route ( Appendix 4). In addition, Vande Bharat’s connection has promoted a deeper awareness and appreciation of the many spiritual traditions and practices in the nation, giving rise to a pilgrim circuit by making it easier to go to these holy places. As a result, the fabric of religious tolerance in India has been further strengthened via interfaith conversation and cultural interchange among pilgrims.

However, it is observed during this study that such circuits are not officially made, announced or marketed, which is a drawback and an opportunity at the same time; if grasped well, it can lead to an enormous boost to the tourism industry of the country. For example, a person travelling by VBE from Secunderabad to Tirupati can be educated about other spiritual, pilgrim, picnic or relaxation destinations such as Kapila Theertham, ISCKON Tirupati, deer park and rock garden, which makes it a circuit tourism.

The motivations of tourists to visit sacred sites are complex and multifaceted (Egresi and Kara, 2012). Some seek life-changing experiences, some wish to perform obligatory religious rituals, some yearn for worship and prayer, while others are motivated by cultural explorations or the natural environment and so on (Shinde, 2012). Therefore, the travel arrangement must be designed in such a way that it reduces tourism fatigue, aggregate travel stress and subsequently less travel burnout (Yousaf, 2021).

The effective connection through VBE has greatly benefitted spiritual visitors. It has cut down on travel time by doing away with the necessity for several transfers or lengthy road trips. In addition to saving time, this has made travelling more relaxing and effortless. With the ease with which pilgrims may now visit several holy locations in a short amount of time, their spiritual beliefs can be explored and embraced more deeply. For example, Rourkela–Bhubaneswar–Puri VBE and Kasaragod–Thiruvananthapuram VBE will see a remarkable reduction in travel time, with VBE saving passengers approximately 3 h compared to the current fastest train along the route. Similarly, passengers travelling by the Hyderabad–Bengaluru VBE can reach their destination 2.5 h faster. In Tirunelveli–Madurai–Chennai VBE, passengers will save over 2 h on this route. Ranchi–Howrah VBE, Patna–Howrah VBE and Jamnagar–Ahmedabad VBE routes will benefit from a reduction of approximately 1 h in travel time, making it a more convenient option for travellers. Passengers travelling between Udaipur and Jaipur by Udaipur–Jaipur VBE will save approximately half an hour on their journey, thanks to the increased speed of the train (CNBC TV18 Travel Desk).

The tourism industry is multifaceted and highly impactful in the world in terms of its effect on the socio-economic-cultural development of a region. Between 2022 and 2032, travel and tourism’s contribution to the global economy is predicted to increase at an average annual rate of 5.8%, whereas the global economy is expected to grow at an average of 2.7% (WTTC, 2022). Concurrent with the growth, the sector is forecasted to generate 126 million additional jobs, and many of the jobs will be concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region (64.8%) in general and China (25.5%) and India (20.4%) in particular (WTTC, 2022). As such, religious tourism can have a similar economic impact to other forms of tourism, such as job creation, population growth and infrastructure development (Terzidou et al., 2008).

Specifically for India, which has beautifully carved temples, grand mosques, magnificent churches and resplendent gurudwaras, religious tourism plays a very important role. As per data released by the Ministry of Tourism, the number of domestic tourists that visited places of pilgrimage was 1,433 million in 2022, while 6.64 million foreign tourists visited India. In 2021, the numbers stood at 677 million and 1.05 million, respectively (Kalra, 2024). The numbers indicate the potential for commerce and economic growth offered by promoting religious tourism in India. India may generate economic activity in such regions, resulting in the creation of jobs, the development of infrastructure and improved cross-cultural interaction. The government’s emphasis on expanding infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and encouraging eco-friendly tourist practices further enhances the possibilities for religious tourism in India.

As per the railways, India, over 20 million people have travelled by VBE trains since their launch in 2019 till 31 March 2024 (Press Trust of India). The popularity of VBE and its impact on the tourism industry are supported by statistics. The VBE trains for Kasaragod, Varanasi and Katra have maximum occupancy. Similarly, Chennai–Tirunelveli–Chennai VBE is also clocking about 119% occupancy rate, followed by Secunderabad–Visakhapatnam–Secunderabad VBE with nearly 110% occupancy, Mumbai–Ahmedabad–Mumbai VBE with 114% occupancy rate (Das, 2024). According to the Centre for Railway Information statistics, IR’s VBE has been a golden goose. With an unparalleled yearly revenue realisation of Rs 92.3 crores on the Delhi–Varanasi route, occupancy on the current routes’ hovers around 100%.

A deep examination shows the connection of VBE with religious tourism. While Kasaragod, Kerala, is known as the Land of Gods, Forts, Rivers, Beautiful hills and lengthy sandy beaches, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is often termed as the spiritual capital of India for its relevance as the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Katra, a picturesque region in Jammu and Kashmir, is known for its famed temple of Goddess Vaishno Devi. Similarly, Chennai–Tirunelveli Vande Bharat stops at various famous tourist points such as Virudhunagar, Madurai, Dindigul, Tiruchi, Villupuram and Tambaram.

The increased accessibility to these sacred locations has encouraged the growth of the local infrastructure. Authorities and local communities have made investments in the construction of auxiliary services and facilities because they recognise the economic potential of spiritual tourism. This entails improving the availability of lodging, transportation alternatives and the general infrastructure to foster a prosperous spiritual tourist industry. Many locations served by the VBE have seen an upsurge in tourism and business activity (Link to Press Information BureauLink to the cited article., 24 September 2023). This investment not only helps to enhance and expand facilities that are connected to tourism but it also has a multiplier impact on the economy by generating more employment and promoting economic growth.

The increase in tourism made possible by VBE has increased demand for small-scale businesses, regional restaurants and handicraft dealers (Link to Vande Bharat Express: Impacting Real Estate IndiaLink to the cited article.). In the areas linked by the railway, this has led to the creation of jobs and economic prosperity. According to research by the IBEF, the introduction of 400 Vande Bharat trains would result in revenues of roughly 40,000 crores of rupees, 15,000 direct employments and an enormous multiplier impact on the economy.

As per railway data, 102 Vande Bharat trains are operational, covering 284 districts in 24 states and union territories. During the Financial year 2023–2024 (up to June 2023), the overall utilisation of Vande Bharat trains has been 99.60% (Link to Press Information BureauLink to the cited article., 10 October 2023). According to Northern Railway, the New Delhi–Varanasi VBE, which made its debut in 2019, earned a total of 92 crore (US$12m) with 100% occupancy after one year of operation. Similarly, the Southern Railway administration reports that the Thiruvananthapuram–Kasaragod VBE has a booking rate of over 200%, which shows that Kerala enjoys the train. The cost of the trip from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram was Rs 1.17 crore. This demonstrates the connection between improved connectivity and a rise in pilgrimages to India.

The Indian Government is also taking numerous steps to encourage and improve the operations of VBE because it recognises the potential of religious tourism and its effects on the economy. The creation of essential infrastructure and connectivity is a key endeavour. Government involvement goes beyond advocacy and building infrastructure. To guarantee the efficient operation of tourist operations, it also entails working in partnership with a variety of stakeholders, including tourism boards, local governments and community groups. The government has further promoted private sector participation via programs, including public–private partnerships in the creation and administration of tourist infrastructure and services related to religious tourism sites. In fact, the construction of VBE and the marketing of religious tourism have both increased the attractiveness of India as a travel destination for international investors. To guarantee that the expansion of tourism via programs like VBE is ecologically sound, environmentally friendly and sustainable, ongoing efforts are needed.

However, there is always space for improvement, even while the government’s initiatives have shown success in enticing the private sector, drawing in foreign capital and fostering sustainable growth.

The following SWOT analysis gives an understanding of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of VBE, which, if addressed efficiently, can result in excellent tourism results.

The strengths of Vande Bharath Express include the following:

1. Safety:VBE comes with high standards of safety, which ensures a worry-free travel experience for the passengers. Features such as:

   • KAVACH security system;

   • emergency openable windows and a fire extinguisher in each coach;

   • fully sealed gangway for passengers’ safety and to cut off sound and dust;

   • CCTV on every couch;

   • talk-back and alarm units on every couch;

   • four disaster lights on every couch for unfortunate situations; and

   • Coach Condition Monitoring System display with remote monitoring

   • ensures that the passengers have a safe journey.

2. Convenience: Passengers of VBE experience a luxury next to none in the IR. Various features such as:

   • on board Wi-Fi;

   • infotainment system;

   • huge observational windows;

   • high-quality catering services which are included in the fare;

   • smooth and bump-free travel experience;

   • odour control system; and

   • bio-vacuum toilets.

3. Speed:VBE is designed to run at an astonishing speed of 160 mph; however, its website claims that the train has surpassed the certified speed, and the train was able to touch a speed of 183 mph in a trial run. The train accelerates from 0 to 100 in less than 53 s, implying the acceleration abilities of the train. These trains are remodelling the IR’s future by promising quick travel. Many HSTs in India, such as Shatabdi, have one power source, which is typically at the front of the train, called a locomotive, which generates 6,000 HP, while in VBE, 8 out of 16 coaches are motorised, providing approximately 12,000 HP to the whole unit.

4. Make in India: Over many other strengths of VBE, the train complements the vision of the nation – “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” or “Self-Reliant India” with more than 50% of the parts manufactured in the country, showcasing its remarkable engineering and technological capabilities of India.

There are a few areas that prove to be a weakness for the train. They are discussed below:

• Connectivity: The highly appreciated train is yet to reach its potential in the area of connectivity. VBE runs between only a few selected routes, which makes it difficult for passengers to plan their travels.

• Fare:VBE is comparatively an expensive travel option. Though the convenience, speed, safety, etc., are quite impressive, the affordability factor is an issue for those passengers who are budget conscious.

• Short distance: Currently, VBE is operating between destinations that are not more than 10 hours apart.

The following can be considered as the opportunities that VBE has.

• Improved infrastructure:VBE finds it difficult to reach its designated speeds due to unsupportive infrastructure, including the railroads, which are not designed to withstand such speeds and signalling restrictions, which do not allow such speeds. Infrastructure needs to be developed to withstand not just the current speed of VBE, but which can handle more such HSTs. Furthermore, there is a need to strengthen overhead electrical equipment that can withstand the train’s power demand.

• Increasing the production: More VBEs being produced can cater to the growing demand for the service. The Indian government has already announced Amrit Bharat Trains that shall be capable of running at 250 kilometres per hour and at least 1,000 such trains shall be manufactured in the coming years. India currently carries 24 million passengers and 203 million tons of freight in 22,593 trains daily, implying a huge opportunity to introduce more VBE.

• Exports:VBE has already caught the world’s attention, opening avenues for the export of trains. The train has a high potential for export as the Indian Government has already started to work on the export of the trains.

• Management of capacity and demand: To guarantee that the number of trains and frequency of services match the demand from visitors and pilgrims, adequate planning is necessary. This might include efficient scheduling, ticketing platforms and infrastructure improvement.

• Awareness creation: Strong marketing and promotion are still essential to raise awareness and attract travellers. The train’s distinctive characteristics may be promoted via extensive marketing efforts targeting local and foreign markets, using digital platforms and leveraging relationships with travel agents and tour operators.

• Ensuring Timeliness: The premium express has been conceptualised to reduce the passengers’ travel time.

• Collaboration among stakeholders: To fully realise the potential of the VBE, the IR, tourist organisations, local governments and private sector organisations must work closely together. Creating effective partnerships and coordination systems may be used to leverage resources and skills to boost tourism, commerce and development projects.

• Tourism circuit: More circuits are to be created in the routes connected through VBE. One of the biggest challenges facing Indian tourism is the under-representation of our rich cultural tapestry. While iconic landmarks are undoubtedly a draw, true immersion lies in experiencing the lesser-known treasures scattered across the country. To unlock this potential, a multi-pronged approach is needed. For example, interaction with local bodies is crucial to understanding the unique traditions, handicrafts and hidden gems that define their regions. By collaborating with local communities, holistic tourism circuits that go beyond sightseeing can be developed. Tourists can get experience from traditional festivals, learning local crafts, or savouring regional cuisines. Accordingly, the Vande Bharat stops can be decided. Our nation boasts a kaleidoscope of cultures, each with its own story. Promoting lesser-known destinations, like how Japan celebrates cherry blossoms, allows tourists to connect with the soul of India truly. Steps may be taken to enhance seamless travel.

• Economic growth: Launching the Vande Metro and Mini Vande Metro and extending the VBE will open a wide range of business prospects. These initiatives will promote economic development by creating jobs in several industries, including transportation, tourism, construction and hospitality. Improved commerce and investment will be made easier due to the improved mobility of people and commodities, which will help promote regional integration and growth. In addition, the expansion of the infrastructure around the railway stations and popular tourist destinations will open new companies, bringing in more money and creating jobs.

• Limitations of infrastructure: VBE, though it is one of the fastest trains in the country, and the railroad limitations hamper the train’s efficiency to reach its high speeds.

• Public handling: The train has high-quality interiors prone to theft and damage by some passengers, which must be limited through strict regulations.

• Pricing: The fare of VBE is comparatively high; many other cheaper transport options threaten VBE.

The results of the quantitative AHP-based SWOT analysis are presented in Table 1 to systematically determine priorities among SWOT factors.

The priority values show that strength is ranked first, followed by opportunities, threats and weaknesses. Among all the sub-criteria, convenience is ranked 1st. This corroborates our earlier discussion, where VBE’s features make journeys convenient. While sub-criterion safety from strengths is ranked 2nd, limitation of infrastructure is ranked 3rd. As discussed earlier, at many points, the existing infrastructure is not good enough to support the maximum speed limit of VBE. The respondents have opined that VBE is a Make in India Initiative, providing a sense of accomplishment. Thus, it gets 4th rank. There is a huge opportunity to develop the existing infrastructure so that VBE matches the claims made. So, from opportunities, infrastructure development is ranked 5th. Many reports have erupted about mishandling VBE properties in some routes; therefore, it is ranked 6th. Pricing of VBE tickets is a concern for many, and it gets the 7th rank. The 8th, 9th and 10th ranks are occupied by speed, connectivity and ensuring timeliness. Formulating proper strategies to overcome the weaknesses is essential to ensure that VBE provides world-class facilities to its passengers.

The SWOT analysis discussed provides an understanding of the other side of the coin of the VBE, particularly the downsides of the train and areas, which need special attention and improvements such as the price and safety concerns. Despite the VBE offering an “elevated travel experience”, its premium fares have generated considerable concern, particularly among lower and middle-income groups who find the cost of travel on these trains prohibitive. The indigenously designed semi-HST has witnessed a few safety and operational concerns too. For instance, the cattle collisions system, designed to reduce the impact of any unfortunate collisions with wildlife has in numerous occasions failed posing a potential risk to the train’s undercarriage. Occasionally, the train has also experienced the technical challenges and has a few cases where the train had to halt to curb the issues leading to the passenger discomfort.

It is important at this point to discuss the implications of VBE on above-mentioned dimensions of tourism and VBE’s role in fostering tourism circuits in the country. On the religious front, though the VBE at present covers some of the most important pilgrim destinations such as Tirupati, Varanasi, Goa, Puri and Ajmer, there is a need and potential for VBE to connect many more such iconic sites to improve the religious knowledge and religious tolerance among the tourists. Moving beyond the popular cities, VBE should try to connect some remote locations. Be it connecting to the northeast states or the borders of Gujarat, VBE trains can thereby act as catalysts for developing tourism circuits.

In this case, it is proposed to have a tourist circuit, which can be a combination of religious, cultural and heritage sites, which can enable a passenger to explore multiple sites quickly, and, importantly, they shall be well informed. These circuits should surpass the boundaries of typical sightseeing, offering an experience that delves into the heart of India’s soul. From exploring religious sites to getting immersed in rich cultural heritage, tribal life or vibrant festivals, tourists should get a feel of their unique way of life. Similarly, a VBE train journey from Kolkata to Konark Sun Temple (Odisha), or from Bengaluru to Hampi (Karnataka), or a journey by VBE to explore the verdant hills of Meghalaya can do wonders in connecting the entire India. This will showcase a new side of India with a unique circuit that leverages the transformative power of the VBE trains.

The VBE project signifies a pivotal moment in India’s transportation landscape. This interconnected web has seamlessly linked religious and cultural hubs and economic powerhouses, fostered a vibrant national exchange and giving new opportunities for tourism and commerce. By harnessing the power of the VBE network, India can unlock its full potential as a global leader. It is necessary to learn from global leaders in railways, from successful tourism models and strive for excellence in areas like on-time performance, mirroring the achievements of nations like Japan. By embracing sustainable practices, we can ensure that this growth is environmentally conscious and fosters the long-term well-being of our communities. Also, by encouraging responsible tourism and putting conservation measures into action, there will be an emphasis on maintaining the cultural and ecological legacy of the places. The VBE project is more than just a transportation network. It is a gateway to a brighter, more connected future for India by laying the path for a successful and sustainable future where religious tourism catalyses economic development, cultural interchange and regional integration.

Future research can investigate several areas to enhance understanding and applicability. First, comparing different HSR corridors in India could help assess variations in regional impact, especially between routes serving religious, economic and tourist spots. Second, long-term studies that measure changes in local economies, land value, employment and pilgrimage traffic before and after VBE operations would provide stronger evidence of causality. In addition, combining GIS-based spatial analysis with passenger and demographic data can identify underserved areas and support policymaking for inclusive infrastructure development. Researchers could also use mixed-methods approaches, merging AHP or other decision-making tools with interviews of pilgrims, local businesses and policy stakeholders to capture detailed perspectives.