Nagpur-Secunderabad Vande Bharat Train Struggles with Low Passenger Turnout, Railway Plans Changes
NAGPUR—Launched with fanfare, the Nagpur-Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express has failed to attract expected passenger numbers, causing concern for the Indian Railways. Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the train on Sept. 19, the occupancy rates from Sept. 19 to 30 reveal a low average of 17.85% on the Nagpur-Secunderabad route, and only 15.10% on the return leg. To address the underwhelming support, railway officials are now contemplating several changes, including reducing the number of coaches to half of the current 20 to mitigate losses.
Officials are optimistic that these changes, similar to adjustments made to the Nagpur-Bilaspur Vande Bharat route, will improve passenger numbers without halting services. Adjustments may also improve the overall viability of the route, enhancing its commercial model.
