India Transforms Passenger Travel with Revolutionary Expansion of Vande Bharat Express Delivering Unmatched Speed Luxury and Unprecedented Capacity Between Agra and Banaras

Published on June 1, 2025

India is setting a new standard in high-speed rail travel by massively upgrading the Vande Bharat Express, reflecting its commitment to delivering superior speed, unmatched comfort, and enhanced connectivity. This major expansion responds directly to growing passenger demand between Agra and Banaras, two culturally and economically vital cities in Uttar Pradesh. By doubling the train’s coach capacity and integrating cutting-edge technology, India is revolutionizing the travel experience, making journeys faster, more comfortable, and more efficient for millions of commuters and tourists alike.

Ministry of Railways Enhances Coach Composition of India’s 64th Vande Bharat Express Boosting Capacity and Passenger Comfort

The Ministry of Railways has recently undertaken a significant upgrade to the coach composition of India’s 64th Vande Bharat Express train, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 16, 2024. This enhancement aims to accommodate increasing passenger demand and improve overall travel experience. The semi-high-speed train, dedicated to serving the vibrant state of Uttar Pradesh, is now equipped with a more spacious and modern configuration, setting a new benchmark in rail travel within the region.

Route Overview of India’s 64th Vande Bharat Express

This prestigious Vande Bharat Express runs between Agra Cantt and Banaras, two culturally rich and historically significant cities of Uttar Pradesh. The North Central Railway (NCR) zone manages and oversees the route, guaranteeing seamless and effective operations. Covering a distance of 577 kilometers, this train completes the journey in approximately seven hours, making it the fastest mode of rail travel on this corridor.

The train operates six days a week, running every day except Wednesday, providing flexibility and convenience for travelers. This schedule allows passengers to plan their trips comfortably, whether for business, tourism, or visiting family.

Important Stops Along the Route

To provide better connectivity and access to major urban centers, the Vande Bharat Express makes scheduled stops at five crucial stations on its way from Agra Cantt to Banaras. These stations include:

• Tundla Junction: An important railway hub in Uttar Pradesh, connecting several key routes.
• Etawah Junction: Serving the city of Etawah, known for its historical significance and agriculture.
• Kanpur Central stands as one of India’s busiest railway stations, serving the city of Kanpur, a key industrial powerhouse and economic center.
• Prayagraj Junction: Formerly known as Allahabad, Prayagraj is renowned for its religious importance and cultural heritage.

These stops are strategically chosen to balance speed with accessibility, allowing passengers from major towns to benefit from this high-speed service.

Expanded Coach Composition for Enhanced Capacity

Earlier, the Agra Cantt to Banaras Vande Bharat Express operated with 8 coaches. However, recognizing the growing passenger traffic and demand for better amenities, the Ministry of Railways has doubled the coach count to 16. This revised composition now includes 14 AC Chair Car coaches and 2 Executive AC coaches.

The AC Chair Car coaches offer comfortable seating with ample legroom and modern interiors designed to enhance the passenger experience during the journey. Meanwhile, the Executive AC coaches provide premium facilities, including spacious seats, improved recline options, and additional onboard services.

This expansion significantly boosts the train’s capacity, allowing it to accommodate nearly twice the number of passengers it previously did, without compromising on comfort or service quality.

Increased Seating Capacity and Passenger Benefits

With the introduction of additional coaches, the total seating capacity has risen to 1,128 seats, providing more travel opportunities for daily commuters, tourists, and business travelers alike. This increase is particularly beneficial during peak travel seasons when demand tends to surge.

Passengers can now enjoy better availability of seats and reduced wait times for bookings, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience. The spacious coaches also contribute to improved safety and convenience, making the journey more pleasant.

Ticket Pricing and Class Options

The fare structure for the Agra Cantt to Banaras Vande Bharat Express has been set thoughtfully to balance affordability with premium service standards. Passengers opting for the AC Chair Car class can avail of tickets priced at Rs 1,570, offering great value for a high-speed, comfortable journey.

For those seeking a more luxurious travel experience, the Executive AC class tickets are priced at Rs 2,850. This class provides enhanced amenities, including extra legroom, personalized service, and a quieter environment suitable for work or relaxation.

Both classes benefit from the advanced features of the Vande Bharat Express, such as onboard Wi-Fi, modern safety systems, and ergonomic seating, making the travel experience enjoyable and efficient.

Timetable and Departure Schedule

The train’s timing has been designed to suit the needs of travelers who prefer both early morning departures and convenient evening returns. The 20176 Vande Bharat Express departs from Agra Cantt at 6:00 AM, reaching Banaras by 1:00 PM, allowing passengers to utilize the afternoon productively in their destination city.

For the return trip, train number 20175 departs Banaras at 3:20 PM and reaches Agra Cantt by 10:20 PM. This schedule facilitates day trips, business meetings, or leisure visits with ample time to return home comfortably.

The timing and frequency of this service make it a preferred choice for many who travel regularly between these two cities, as well as for those connecting onward to other parts of India.

Advantages of the Vande Bharat Express Service

Vande Bharat Express trains embody the forefront of contemporary Indian railways, blending high speed, enhanced comfort, and cutting-edge technology. Features include:

• These trains operate at semi-high speeds, reaching up to 160 km/h on sections of track designed for such velocities.
• Modern design focused on aerodynamic efficiency and passenger comfort.
• Equipped with sophisticated safety features including automated train control and fire detection systems.
• Onboard amenities including clean and hygienic restrooms, spacious luggage racks, and digital information screens.

By doubling the number of coaches on this route, the Ministry of Railways is not only enhancing capacity but also promoting sustainable and efficient transportation in one of the country’s busiest corridors.

India is revolutionizing rail travel by upgrading the Vande Bharat Express to offer faster speeds, greater comfort, and improved connectivity between Agra and Banaras. This expansion meets rising passenger demand with advanced technology and increased capacity.

Future Outlook

The expansion of the 64th Vande Bharat Express is part of a broader initiative to upgrade rail infrastructure and services across India. As demand for faster, more comfortable train travel continues to rise, Indian Railways is committed to introducing similar enhancements on other routes to meet passenger expectations.

This move also reflects the government’s vision to modernize the railways, reduce travel times, and provide world-class facilities that rival international standards.