Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off three new trains on July 6, 2026, aimed at improving rail connectivity between key cities. The new services include a Vande Bharat Express and two other trains, covering routes in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
Details of the three new trains
The first train is a Vande Bharat Express connecting Lucknow to Delhi. This semi-high-speed train will reduce travel time between the two cities to under six hours, according to an official statement. The second train is a new Shatabdi Express running between Bhopal and Indore, providing a faster daily service for commuters. The third is a new Superfast Express linking Ahmedabad to Jaipur, offering an overnight option for passengers.
Routes and frequency
The Lucknow-Delhi Vande Bharat Express will operate six days a week, except Wednesdays. It will depart from Lucknow at 6:00 AM and reach Delhi at 11:45 AM. The Bhopal-Indore Shatabdi Express will run daily, leaving Bhopal at 7:30 AM and arriving in Indore at 10:15 AM. The Ahmedabad-Jaipur Superfast Express will run three times a week, departing Ahmedabad at 9:00 PM and reaching Jaipur the next morning at 7:00 AM.
Impact on connectivity
Vaishnaw stated that these trains will boost economic activity and tourism in the regions. He said, "These new services reflect our commitment to providing world-class rail infrastructure and seamless connectivity to every corner of the country." The Railways has also introduced dynamic pricing for the Vande Bharat Express, with fares starting at ₹1,250 for chair car and ₹2,400 for executive class.
Additional features
The Vande Bharat Express will be equipped with advanced safety features, including Kavach anti-collision technology. All three trains will have modern amenities such as GPS-based passenger information systems, bio-vacuum toilets, and vending machines for local snacks. The Railways expects these trains to carry over 2,000 passengers daily collectively, easing congestion on existing routes.
