From Vande Bharat to Namo Bharat
India’s railways are poised for a transformational upgrade in 2026–27, with major expansions planned in modern passenger services and rolling stock. In a press briefing on February 1, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that a host of new trains-including more Vande Bharat trains (in both Sleeper and Chair Car versions), Amrit Bharat Expresses, and Namo Bharat trains-will be added to Indian Railways’ fleet in the coming financial year.
A Big Push in Train Services
The Ministry of Railways is working to increase the reach and frequency of modern trains that offer improved speed, comfort, and connectivity for passengers. The new batch will include additional Vande Bharat Sleeper and Chair Car trains, alongside Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat passenger services, reflecting a continued push towards modernising the railway network and enhancing travel experience.
The Vande Bharat series has already become a flagship semi-high-speed service in India. These train sets, designed for faster travel with modern amenities, have been expanded beyond Chair Car versions to include Sleeper versions aimed at overnight long-distance travel. Indian Railways is also working on 24-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes, currently in production, to further boost capacity and introduce features like additional berths and pantry cars for improved comfort.
Rolling Stock Production on an Unprecedented Scale
India’s rail industry is gearing up for massive production of new train sets and coaches. According to officials, approximately 17,000 coaches are currently under production and will be inducted into service in a phased manner over the coming years. This surge in coach manufacturing is part of a broader strategy to reduce congestion, improve safety and efficiency, and upgrade passenger facilities across diverse routes.
The Amrit Bharat Express services, which are designed as fast, affordable options connecting major cities and regions, will also see expansion. These trains operate on long routes and offer non-air-conditioned, cost-effective travel options for a large section of Indian passengers.
Namo Bharat trains, which are part of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), are already operational on some corridors like Delhi–Meerut, and are known for their rapid acceleration and commuter-focused design. Expansion of these services is expected to further enhance regional connectivity, especially around major urban centers.
Record Capital Expenditure for Indian Railways
The expansion plans are backed by the Union Budget 2026, which allocated a record capital expenditure (capex) of Rs 2,93,030 crore for Indian Railways in the financial year 2026–27. This is the highest allocation the ministry has received in recent years, reflecting the government’s emphasis on strengthening infrastructure, high-speed connectivity, freight operations, and safety.
The railways received a total outlay of Rs 2,78,030 crore in the Budget 2026 itself, which supports such large-scale modernisation and expansion initiatives. The capex is expected to accelerate projects like new rail corridors, station redevelopment, and deployment of advanced safety technologies such as the Kavach automatic train protection system.
Complementary Developments in Rail Infrastructure
The Budget for 2026–27 also proposed seven new high-speed rail corridors spanning over 4,000 kilometres, aimed at connecting major urban and economic centres to boost regional growth and reduce travel time. These corridors include key pairs such as Mumbai–Pune, Hyderabad–Bengaluru, and Delhi–Varanasi, and are part of India’s broader vision for efficient and modern rail transport.
As part of modernisation efforts, station upgrades under schemes like the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme are continuing, providing better amenities and facilities for passengers, while increasing the overall capacity and quality of rail infrastructure.
Significance for Passengers and the Rail Network
The expansion of Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Namo Bharat trains represents more than a numerical increase in services. It reflects a shift towards faster, safer, and more comfortable travel for Indian passengers-from daytime journeys to overnight long-distance routes. The introduction of sleeper versions of Vande Bharat trains, for example, aims to address the limitations of existing long-distance services and offer alternatives that combine speed with convenience.
Similarly, Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat services will provide inclusive connectivity options, catering to both daily commuters and long-distance travellers alike, while also supporting economic activity across regions.
With ambitious production targets and enhanced funding, India’s railways are poised for a transformational phase, aiming to make rail travel safer, faster, and accessible to millions more in the coming years.
UPSC Prelims Question
With reference to the Railways Budget 2026–27, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- The Budget has allocated the highest ever capital expenditure for Indian Railways in 2026–27.
- Expansion plans include new Vande Bharat trains in both Sleeper and Chair Car versions.
- Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat trains are being phased out in favor of Vande Bharat services.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
UPSC Mains Question
“Modernisation of Indian Railways through rolling stock expansion and infrastructure development is key to improving connectivity and passenger experience.”
Discuss the importance of this strategy in the context of the announcements in the Railways Budget 2026–27.
