Indian Railways mega plan: From sleeper Vande Bharat trains to ‘super App’, here’s all you need to know

Presently, Vande Bharat trains operate on approximately 50 routes throughout India. (Reuters)

Indian Railways has formulated a 100-day plan for post-elections 2024, emphasising several passenger-friendly initiatives. These include implementing a 24-hour ticket refund scheme, developing a comprehensive super App for railway facilities, sleeper Vande Bharat trains  and three economic corridors, as government officials told ANI.

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What does the plan include?

The upcoming ticket refund scheme guarantees refunds within 24 hours, replacing the current process, which takes three days to one week.

Railways will unveil a comprehensive ‘super App’, offering a wide range of railway-related services, spanning from ticket booking and cancellation to live train tracking and food bookings onboard.

As part of the new government’s 100-day agenda for Railways, there is also the introduction of an insurance scheme for all rail passengers named “PM Rail Yatri Bima Yojana.”

The railways’ modernization plan entails an investment of Rs 10 to 12 lakh crore over the next five years, aimed at transforming the railway system with modern, world-class facilities.

Vande Bharat trains will be rolled out across India in three categories: Vande Metro for routes under 100 kilometers, Vande Chair Car for routes spanning 100 to 550 kilometers, and Vande Sleeper for routes exceeding 550 kilometers.

Presently, Vande Bharat trains operate on approximately 50 routes throughout India.

The Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train is scheduled to commence operations by April 2029, alongside feasibility studies for three additional bullet train projects in North, South, and East India.

The Railways have strategized the development of three economic corridors covering a span of over 40,000 kilometers, requiring an investment exceeding Rs 10 lakh crore.

More than 1,300 railway stations are slated for modernization through private participation. These upgraded stations will boast world-class amenities such as shopping malls and waiting lounges reminiscent of airports.

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The expansion of metro networks will encompass additional urban cities. Presently, metro systems are either operational or under development in 20 urban cities.

There are plans to introduce more high-frequency trains similar to the RAPID rail. The one between Delhi and Meerut has been partially launched.

During a meeting chaired by the cabinet secretary on Friday, various ministries and government departments presented their 100-day agenda after the formation of the new government.