Sizeable reduction in air traffic, fares after launch of Vande Bharat trains: Report

With the launch of Vande Bharat trains, there has been a drastic reduction of 10-20 per cent in air traffic and a drop in airfares by 20 to 30 per cent, according to reports quoting Central Railway as saying. “During this period the average occupancy of children (1-14 years) was around 5% while transgenders contributed to 4.5% of the total passengers in Vande Bharat. As per the industry estimate, there has been a drastic fall of 10-20% in air traffic and a drop in airfares by 20%-30% after the launch of Vande Bharat trains," Shivraj Manaspure, chief PRO, Central Railway (CR) quoted as saying by HT.

Vande Bharat Express is an indigenously designed semi-high-speed self-propelled train set of 16 coaches. The train reaches a speed of 160 kmph in just 140 seconds and provides better riding comfort for passengers. The train has a control management system for monitoring air-conditioning and every coach is fitted with passenger information and an infotainment system. Fitted with automatic plug doors with sliding footsteps and touch-free sliding doors inside coaches, the train is equipped with aeroplane-like bio-vacuum toilets. The train is also equipped with ‘kavach’, a train collision avoidance system.