For different categories of travellers, the Indian Railways runs a range of trains. The Vande Bharat Express and Shatabdi Express are two of this category’s most famous trains. Speed, efficiency, and comfort characterise both trains. This post will examine these two trains’ features, facilities, and performance.
Performance vs Speed
Speed and performance are crucial when comparing the Vande Bharat Express to the Shatabdi Express. Train 18, the Vande Bharat Express, can achieve 160 km/h, making it one of India’s fastest trains. Depending on the route, the Shatabdi Express may reach 130-140 km/h. Compared to the Shatabdi Express, the Vande Bharat Express accelerates faster.
| Vande Bharat Express | Shatabdi Express |
|---|---|
| India’s first semi-high speed train with a maximum speed of 160 km/h. | A superfast intercity express train that connects metro cities. |
| It consists of 16 air-conditioned coaches, including two executive class compartments. | It consists of 12 AC chair cars and 2 Executive Class Compartments. |
| Provides onboard entertainment such as WiWiFiCCTV cameras and an infotainment system. | No onboard entertainment facilities. |
| It runs between New Delhi to Katra (Jammu and Kashmir). | It runs between major cities across India. |
| Has an onboard pantry service. | Offers meals in the form of breakfast, lunch or dinner. |
The Shatabdi Express has a 96.43% on-time record, while the Vande Bharat Express has 98.54%.
Both trains include air-conditioned chair cars and executive class seats. However, the Vande Bharat Express has bio-vacuum toilets, automated doors, and LED lighting.
Facilities and Services
Passengers may enjoy various amenities and services on the Vande Bharat Express and Shatabdi Express.
In the executive class, the Vande Bharat Express has Wifi, a GPS-based passenger information system, automated doors, LED lighting, bio-vacuum toilets, and a hot water dispenser. Food service includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, snacks, and tea/coffee vending machines.
Air-conditioned chair cars, executive class seats, and breakfast, lunch, and supper are available on the Shatabdi Express. There are also available onboard food, vending machines for tea/coffee and mineral water, and a pantry car.
The Vande Bharat Express seats 1,128 people, whereas the Shatabdi Express seats 600–800 people, depending on the route.
Pricing and Ticket Availability
The Vande Bharat Express and Shatabdi Express ticket prices vary by route, class, and availability. Vande Bharat Express tickets cost more than Shatabdi Express tickets on average.
Executive class and chair cars are available on the Vande Bharat Express. Depending on the itinerary, executive class tickets cost INR 2,500 to INR 4,000, while chair car tickets cost INR 1,500 to 2,500.
Executive class and chair cars are available on the Shatabdi Express. Depending on the itinerary, executive class tickets cost INR 1,500 to INR 2,500, while chair car tickets cost INR 800 to INR 1,500.
Both trains’ ticket availability may be verified on the Indian Railways website or through authorised agencies. Tickets should be booked in advance, especially during high travel seasons, since trains fill up rapidly.
Popular Routes and Schedules
The Vande Bharat Express and the Shatabdi Express run on significant nationwide routes. Vande Bharat Express runs these routes:
Varanasi-New Delhi
Howrah to Varanasi from New Delhi
The Shatabdi Express serves many national routes. Routes include:
Agra-New Delhi
Amritsar-New Delhi
Ahmedabad–Mumbai
Howrah-Kolkata
The Indian Railways website lists both trains’ route-specific timetables. The Vande Bharat Express runs daily or bi-weekly, whereas the Shatabdi Express runs numerous trains on the same route daily.
The timetable and itineraries for these trains may change owing to maintenance, construction, and other operational reasons, so check the official website or with the railway authorities before arranging your journey.
Final word
Speed, efficiency, and comfort make the Vande Bharat Express and Shatabdi Express India’s most famous trains. Passengers may enjoy a variety of facilities on both trains.
With its 160 km/h top speed and higher on-time performance, the Vande Bharat Express beats the Shatabdi Express in speed and performance. Both trains include air-conditioned chair cars and executive class seats, while the Vande Bharat Express has bio-vacuum toilets, automated doors, and LED lighting.
The Vande Bharat Express costs more and has fewer tickets than the Shatabdi Express. Schedules for both trains may be found on the Indian Railways website.
Speed, comfort, facilities, and price depend on your preferences. It’s up to the person to choose between the Vande Bharat Express and the Shatabdi Express.
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