Shatabdi Express Loses Passengers to Vande Bharat, Coaches Cut in Dhanbad
The rise of the Vande Bharat Express has significantly impacted the Howrah-Dhanbad Shatabdi Express, leading to a drop in passenger numbers and the removal of two AC chair car coaches.
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express on the Howrah-Dhanbad route has significantly reduced passenger numbers on the Howrah-Dhanbad Shatabdi Express. Indian Railways has responded by cutting two AC chair car coaches from the Shatabdi, reducing its composition from seven to five coaches. The decision, effective from July 15, 2025, reflects the growing preference for the faster and more modern Vande Bharat, which has drawn commuters with its 3-hour-40-minute travel time compared to Shatabdi’s 4 hours.
Vande Bharat Impact
To address the shifting demand, Indian Railways has revamped the Shatabdi’s reservation system, prioritizing efficiency and availability. The updated system, integrated with the IRCTC platform, now limits bookings to reflect the reduced coach capacity, ensuring smoother operations. However, this has sparked concerns among regular Shatabdi passengers, particularly daily commuters and business travelers, who face fewer seat options. Many have expressed frustration over waitlisted tickets, with some opting for Vande Bharat despite its higher fares, which range from Rs 1,100 to Rs 2,050.
Shatabdi Loses Passengers to Vande Bharat
The Vande Bharat’s popularity, driven by its ergonomic seats, Wi-Fi, and faster journey, has led passengers to demand its extension to Varanasi, a key cultural and economic hub. Commuters argue that extending the route from Dhanbad to Varanasi, covering roughly 400 km, would boost connectivity for pilgrims and professionals. Social media campaigns, including posts on X, have gained traction, with users stating, “Varanasi deserves Vande Bharat’s speed and comfort.” Railways officials have acknowledged the demand but cited infrastructure upgrades as a prerequisite.
Passenger Push for Vande Bharat Extension
The shift underscores Vande Bharat’s transformative impact on India’s rail network, with its semi-high-speed capabilities outshining older trains like Shatabdi. In Dhanbad, where 12,000 daily passengers rely on rail, the reduced Shatabdi coaches have raised concerns about overcrowding. Local traders worry about logistics delays, as Shatabdi was a preferred option for affordability.
