The popularity of the Vande Bharat Express is steadily increasing, and its direct impact is now being felt on the Shatabdi Express. On several routes where the Shatabdi Express was previously the preferred choice for passengers, there has been a decline in passenger numbers due to the availability of the Vande Bharat option.
Dhanbad: Competition among premium trains in Indian Railways is intensifying. The launch of the Gaya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express has directly impacted the traditional premium train, the Shatabdi Express. Considering the declining passenger numbers, the railways have decided to reduce two AC chair car coaches from the Shatabdi Express. This change will be effective from September 1, 2025.
Two Coaches to be Removed from Shatabdi Express
The Ranchi-Howrah Shatabdi Express, which currently operates with seven AC chair car coaches, will now be operated with only five coaches. This change has been updated in the Railway's Passenger Reservation System (PRS). The main reason behind this decision is the shift in passenger preference towards the Vande Bharat Express instead of the Shatabdi, following the arrival of the Vande Bharat. Earlier, it was difficult to get a confirmed ticket on the Shatabdi Express, but now the situation is such that dozens of seats are going vacant every day.
Both Trains Run with a 25-Minute Gap in Dhanbad
The Shatabdi Express arrives at Dhanbad station at 5:35 PM and departs at 5:40 PM. The Vande Bharat Express, traveling from Gaya to Howrah, arrives at 6:00 PM and departs at 6:02 PM. With two premium trains operating within a mere 25-minute interval, passengers are choosing one according to their convenience, giving preference to Vande Bharat.
Difference Shown in Figures
Railway figures clearly show this change: Between July 11 and 31, 51 to 75 chair car seats remained vacant daily on the Ranchi-Howrah Shatabdi Express. During the same period, 477 to 929 chair car seats remained vacant on the Gaya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express. This indicates that despite the Vande Bharat's greater capacity, the inclination of passengers is gradually increasing there, while the popularity of the Shatabdi Express has declined.
Puja Ratnakar, the patron of the Jharkhand Rail Users Association, said that if the Vande Bharat running from Howrah to Gaya is extended to Varanasi, it will receive a tremendous passenger response. Like other Vande Bharat trains in the country, expansion on this route is also possible. Similarly, DRUCC member Vijay Sharma said that in the month of Sawan, the number of devotees going towards Varanasi is in lakhs. If Vande Bharat is extended to Varanasi, passengers will get a direct and fast facility, and the railways will not have to suffer financial losses.
