Vande Bharat on Secunderabad-Nagpur Stretch Operating at 20% Occupancy: A Surprising Outcome
The Vande Bharat Express has quickly gained attention in India due to its speed, comfort, and efficiency. However, the recently launched Vande Bharat Express on the Secunderabad-Nagpur route has been making headlines for a completely different reason – an alarmingly low occupancy rate of just 20%. Despite initial hopes of boosting connectivity and business ties between Telangana and Maharashtra, the train has been running with empty coaches, leaving railway authorities both confused and concerned.
A New Journey for Telangana
The launch of the Vande Bharat Express on the Secunderabad-Nagpur route in September was an exciting moment. As the fifth Vande Bharat train in Telangana, expectations were high. This particular route was chosen to connect the bustling industrial hubs of Ramagundam, Kazipet, and Secunderabad in Telangana with the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. Not only was this route meant to cater to business travelers, but it was also anticipated to attract daily commuters and leisure passengers.
A Dream That Didn’t Take Off
Despite these intentions, the results have been far from ideal. With a daily vacancy of 80%, the train, which has a total seating capacity of 1,440 passengers, has been largely empty. The railway authorities anticipated a high demand, but over 1,200 seats were vacant on a recent Sunday, just a few hours before the train’s departure.
Why Are Passengers Avoiding the Vande Bharat Express?
The question that everyone is asking: Why isn’t the Secunderabad-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express filling up? Unlike other Vande Bharat trains from Secunderabad to cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam, which boast occupancy rates between 90% and 100%, this particular route has struggled.
Pricing Concerns
One of the key reasons cited for the low occupancy is the pricing. Vande Bharat trains offer premium services, but the ticket prices are higher than conventional trains. This could be deterring potential passengers who may not find the added comfort worth the extra cost.
Competition from Other Modes of Transport
The Secunderabad-Nagpur route is well-serviced by other forms of transport. Affordable and frequent bus services, as well as regular trains, offer viable alternatives. Moreover, the distance between Secunderabad and Nagpur isn’t long enough to make the speed advantage of the Vande Bharat significant in the eyes of many travelers.
Lack of Awareness
There’s also a possibility that potential passengers are simply not aware of the new service. Vande Bharat is still a relatively new offering, and with limited marketing efforts, some travelers might not realize it’s an option. Additionally, passengers may be unfamiliar with the benefits of traveling on this advanced, air-conditioned train.
A Closer Look at the Vande Bharat on the Secunderabad-Nagpur Route
The Train’s Features
The Vande Bharat Express is known for its cutting-edge design, high-speed capabilities, and air-conditioned comfort. On the Secunderabad-Nagpur route, the train consists of two executive class coaches and 18 chair car coaches, with a total seating capacity of 1,440. The journey takes 7.15 hours, with key stops at Kazipet, Ramagundam, Balharshah, Chandrapur, and Sevagram.
Executive Class Struggles
While the entire train has been struggling with low occupancy, the situation is particularly grim in the executive class. Out of the 88 available seats across two executive class coaches, fewer than 10 passengers had made reservations on a recent trip. The added luxury of these coaches does not seem to be enough to draw in passengers.
Possible Adjustments by Indian Railways
Reducing Coaches
Given the continued poor demand, railway officials have indicated that the number of coaches might be reduced from the current 20 to eight, offering around 500 seats. This would help the railways reduce operational costs while still maintaining the service.
Pricing Revisions
To attract more passengers, one suggestion has been to revise ticket prices. Offering discounted fares or promotional rates might encourage passengers to try the Vande Bharat Express, especially for those looking for a balance between price and comfort.
Targeted Marketing Campaigns
Increasing awareness is another strategy that could help. If more people understood the benefits of traveling on the Vande Bharat—such as shorter journey times, added comfort, and state-of-the-art amenities—there might be a rise in demand.
Comparing Vande Bharat Trains Across Routes
Success Stories of Other Vande Bharat Routes
It’s important to note that the low occupancy on the Secunderabad-Nagpur route is not reflective of the overall success of the Vande Bharat trains. Routes connecting Secunderabad to Bengaluru, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam have been running with near-full occupancy. For example, the Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express has tickets on the waiting list—a stark contrast to the empty coaches seen on the Nagpur stretch.
What Makes These Routes Different?
The difference in occupancy between the Secunderabad-Nagpur and other routes raises questions about what makes these routes more successful. The key seems to be a combination of demand, pricing, and competition. The Bengaluru, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam routes are more heavily trafficked with business travelers, tourists, and daily commuters, leading to higher demand.
Future Prospects for the Secunderabad-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express
Learning from the Data
Indian Railways will need to closely monitor the performance of the Secunderabad-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express. If the low occupancy continues, they may need to re-evaluate whether the route is viable in its current form.
Expanding Connectivity
While the current stretch is struggling, expanding connectivity to more destinations or adding additional stops along the way might help attract more passengers. This could be particularly beneficial for those traveling to smaller towns between Secunderabad and Nagpur.
Integrating with Other Travel Options
Coordinating the Vande Bharat Express timings with local trains and bus services could also help increase ridership. Making the Vande Bharat a part of a seamless travel experience for passengers could improve its appeal.
Can the Vande Bharat Express Turn It Around?
The Vande Bharat Express on the Secunderabad-Nagpur route is currently operating below expectations, but it has the potential to turn things around. By addressing pricing, improving awareness, and possibly adjusting the route or services, Indian Railways can work to make this train as successful as others in the country. For now, the fate of this route remains uncertain, but with the right steps, it could still fulfill its purpose of connecting the Vidarbha region with the industrial hubs of Telangana.
