New Vande Bharat trains force airlines to keep fares competitive in certain routes

Vande Bharat trains are preferred by large sections of youth according to a data study conducted by the Indian Railways. Around 56% passengers are youngsters and working class in Vande Bharat trains. "This has become the highest among all age groups who travel in Vande Bharat," a note on the data findings said. It was also found that air fares are being brought down after to the introduction of Vande Bharat trains on some routes.

On average, 27.5% passengers in Vande Bharat trains belong to the 25-34 years age group. "Similarly, in the age bracket between 35-49 years, on average 28.6% passengers prefer Vande Bharat Express above other modes of transport," the note added.

In another development, it is now being assessed these new trains are changing the dynamics of airfare. Estimates suggest that airfares have fallen by 20-30% from April-2023 levels, on Chennai- Bengaluru, Thiruvananathapuram-Kasargod, Mumbai-Pune, Jamnagar- Ahmedabad and Delhi-Jaipur routes. This is after the launch of Vande Bharat trains in the last few months.


"Around 10-20% of customer base of airlines has been converted to Vande Bharat passengers. The has resulted in significantly lower airfares on these routes as compared to those before the introduction of new trains on these sections," a senior Railway Ministry official said.