Vande Bharat trains, an initiative by the Indian Railways, are steadily gaining popularity among the masses, especially in the Jaipur region. Currently, there are two Vande Bharat trains operating from Jaipur, proving themselves as reliable and efficient means of transportation between cities.
The younger generation, in particular, is showing a preference for traveling on these trains. The quick transit time and exceptional amenities offered by the Vande Bharat trains are some of the reasons for their increasing preference among travelers. The working professionals, who often commute for jobs and other essential duties, find these trains particularly appealing due to their speed, comfort, and time-saving nature.
One of these trains connects cities like Ajmer, Jaipur, and Alwar to Haryana’s Rewari, Gurgaon, and the capital city, Delhi. The other significantly reduces the distance between Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’, and Udaipur, known as the ‘City of Lakes’. Young professionals working in Delhi, who have ties in Ajmer or Jaipur, are increasingly choosing Vande Bharat as their primary mode of commute. Simultaneously, the Vande Bharat train operating between Jaipur and Udaipur is becoming a favorite among tourists.
Vande Bharat’s Impact on Travel Demographics:
Recent statistics show that in the Ajmer-Delhi-Ajmer Vande Bharat route,
- 32.4% of passengers belong to the age group of 25-34.
- Travelers between the ages of 35-49 account for approximately 27.2%.
- In total, around 60% of the passengers are young and working professionals.
- Senior citizens, aged 60 and above, form 8.3% of the travelers.
On the Udaipur-Jaipur-Udaipur route,
- The number of young adults aged 25-34 is 12%.
- Those between 35-49 years account for an average of 28%.
- Senior citizens in this route form 10% of the passengers.
It’s worth noting that after the introduction of the Udaipur-Jaipur Vande Bharat train, there’s been a noticeable drop in airfare rates on this route. The decrease in airfare is by over 20%, indicating a possible shift of nearly 10-20% of airline customers to the train service.
A Comparative Look at Travel Times:
The Vande Bharat train takes about 5 hours 15 minutes from Ajmer to Delhi and 3 hours 45 minutes from Jaipur to Delhi. In comparison, road trips can take over 7 hours from Ajmer to Delhi and over 5 hours from Jaipur to Delhi. The train journey from Udaipur to Jaipur by Vande Bharat takes 6 hours 20 minutes, while road travel demands nearly 7 hours 45 minutes.
Modern Amenities Attract Young Travelers:
The Vande Bharat trains are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including improved toilets, enhanced facilities for differently-abled individuals, superior interiors, and advanced lighting systems. The youth’s fascination with these trains is evident on social media platforms where many are sharing selfies with the new Indian Railways pride and creating videos of their journeys.