Sleeper version of Vande Bharat Trains is planned for middle and long distance journey

757. MS. MIMI CHAKRABORTY

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government proposes to replace Rajdhani, Tejas, Humsafar, Gatiman and Shatabdi trains with Vande Bharat trains;

(b) if so, the details therein;

(c) whether there is any proposal of the Government to introduce sleeper version in Vande Bharat in long journeys over 500 kms running distance and if so, the details therefor;

(d) the expected difference of fare to be charged in comparison to Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains thereof; and

(e) whether the Government has any proposal to introduce private participation in train operating services under special business model thus generating employment and contributing to social welfare with the updated Bharat Gaurav trains project, if so, the details thereof?

(a) and (b) No, Sir. The 10 pairs of Vande Bharat services, operationalised, as of 24th March, 2023, have been introduced as new services on their respective sectors and are not replacement of existing services.

 

(c) Sleeper version of Vande Bharat Trains is planned for middle and long distance journey. Design for the same is in progress and prototype rake is expected to be turned out in 2023-24.

(d) At present, the Vande Bharat Fare is available only for AC Chair class and Executive class. Basic fare of AC Chair class of Vande Bharat Express is 1.4 times of basic fare of AC Chair class of Shatabdi train and for Executive class 1.3 times of basic fare of Executive class of Shatabdi trains.

(e) Indian Railways (IR) have issued Bharat Gaurav Trains (BGT) policy on 23.11.2021 with an objective to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and magnificent historical places through theme based tourist circuit trains, which has a multiplier impact on employment generation in tourism and hospitality sector.

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