Vande Bharat Train: Indian Railways’ prestigious Vande Bharat Express is once again in the spotlight—this time with a fresh makeover.
A new 20-coach Vande Bharat rake has been painted in a striking saffron (kesariya) color and is currently stationed at Banad in the Jodhpur division of Rajasthan.
The saffron-themed train has been parked at various stations including Luni and Banad over the past few days, generating curiosity among rail enthusiasts and passengers alike.
While the official route and launch date for the new Vande Bharat rake have not yet been confirmed, there is growing speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may virtually flag off the train on May 22 during his visit to Deshnok in Rajasthan.
In preparation for the possible launch, the General Manager of the railway zone, along with senior officials from the Jodhpur and Bikaner divisions, inspected the Deshnok railway station over the weekend.
Railway officials have indicated that the final decision on the operation of this saffron Vande Bharat will be taken as per the directives of the Railway Board.
There are strong possibilities that the rake may be deployed on the Jaipur–Delhi–Agra route, offering a high-speed, premium travel experience across these major cities. Since the new rake arrived via Pali to Ajmer, it could also be considered for routes connecting Delhi, Jodhpur, Ajmer, and Jaipur.
In a related development, a one-way trial run of the Vande Bharat Superfast Express was conducted from Jodhpur to Delhi on May 12.
This trial has further fueled expectations that a regular Vande Bharat service might soon begin via Jaipur to the national capital. If this materializes, the new saffron-colored rake could replace the existing one currently in operation up to Sabarmati.
The saffron Vande Bharat marks a new chapter in Indian Railways’ modernization efforts, combining aesthetics with advanced travel technology. Rail passengers and observers are eagerly awaiting official confirmation of its inaugural journey and route details.