In the realm of Indian train services, the Shatabdi Express and Vande Bharat Express stand as prominent contenders.
As travelers seek to make informed decisions about their journeys, this article dives into the top 10 distinctions between these trains.
From speed and manufacturing cost to facilities and ticket prices, readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the unique features that set them apart.
By unraveling these differences, passengers can confidently select the train that aligns with their preferences and requirements, ensuring a smooth and fulfilling travel experience.
Key Takeaways
- Vande Bharat Express has a higher maximum speed of 180 km/h, while Shatabdi Express can run at a maximum speed of 150 km/h.
- Vande Bharat Express costs around 6 crore per coach, while Shatabdi Express costs around 5 to 5.5 crore per coach.
- Vande Bharat Express provides additional facilities such as a bigger bathroom size, automatic door-closing system, and more leg space in the coach, whereas Shatabdi Express has a manual door-closing system.
- Shatabdi Express has a higher ticket price compared to Vande Bharat Express, and Indian Railways has discounted the ticket price of Vande Bharat Express on many routes.
Train Speed
With Shatabdi Express running at a maximum speed of 150 km/h and Vande Bharat Express reaching a maximum speed of 180 km/h, the train speed is a notable point of differentiation between the two.
The difference in speed can impact the passenger experience and safety features. The higher speed of Vande Bharat Express allows for shorter travel times, providing a more efficient and time-saving journey for passengers. On the other hand, Shatabdi Express, with its slightly lower speed, may result in longer travel times.
In terms of safety features, the higher speed of Vande Bharat Express may require more advanced safety systems to ensure passenger well-being and train stability. However, both trains adhere to strict safety standards to ensure a secure and controlled travel experience for passengers.
Train Manufacturing Cost
The manufacturing cost of Vande Bharat Express is higher than that of Shatabdi Express, but both trains require significant investment in their production. When comparing the train manufacturing cost, it is important to consider the amenities provided by each train.
Vande Bharat Express, with its higher manufacturing cost, offers a bigger bathroom size compared to Shatabdi Express. This ensures a more comfortable and spacious experience for passengers.
Another notable feature of Vande Bharat Express is its automatic door-closing system, which adds an element of convenience and safety during the journey.
Additionally, Vande Bharat Express provides more leg space in the coach, allowing passengers to stretch and relax during their travel.
These amenities contribute to the higher manufacturing cost of Vande Bharat Express, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a more luxurious and comfortable train experience.
Facilities
Vande Bharat Express offers enhanced facilities such as a bigger bathroom size, automatic door-closing system, and more leg space in the coach compared to Shatabdi Express. These amenities are designed to provide passengers with a comfortable and convenient journey. The bigger bathroom size ensures that passengers have enough space to move around comfortably. The automatic door-closing system adds an extra layer of safety and convenience, as it eliminates the need for manual door closing. Additionally, the increased leg space in the coach allows passengers to stretch their legs and relax during the journey. Overall, these facilities contribute to a more enjoyable travel experience for passengers on Vande Bharat Express.
| Facilities | Vande Bharat Express | Shatabdi Express |
|---|---|---|
| Bigger Bathroom Size | Yes | No |
| Automatic Door-closing System | Yes | No |
| More Leg Space in the Coach | Yes | No |
Ticket Price
Indian Railways has discounted the ticket price of Vande Bharat Express on many routes, making it a more affordable option compared to Shatabdi Express. This means that passengers can now enjoy the luxury and comfort of Vande Bharat Express at a lower cost.
Let's take a look at the comparison of amenities between these two trains:
- Vande Bharat Express offers spacious seats that can move up to 360 degrees, providing a more comfortable and relaxed journey.
- Shatabdi Express, on the other hand, has fixed seats that do not offer the same level of flexibility.
- Vande Bharat Express also provides larger bathroom sizes, ensuring a more convenient experience for passengers.
With these discounted ticket prices and superior amenities, Vande Bharat Express proves to be an excellent choice for those seeking a comfortable and budget-friendly train journey.
Distance Covered
Vande Bharat Express, on the other hand, covers a longer distance of 759 km between New Delhi and Varanasi. This route is known for its popularity among travelers, as Varanasi is a highly sought-after destination for its religious and cultural significance.
The increased distance covered by Vande Bharat Express allows passengers to enjoy a comfortable and convenient journey while experiencing the diverse landscapes along the way.
In terms of passenger amenities, Vande Bharat Express offers a range of facilities to enhance the travel experience. From spacious coaches with ample leg space to bigger bathrooms, passengers can expect a higher level of comfort during their journey.
The longer distance covered by Vande Bharat Express provides an opportunity for passengers to relax and enjoy the journey to their destination.
Number of Cities Connected
Shatabdi Express:
- Operates on 21 routes
- Connects only metro cities
Vande Bharat Express:
- Operates on more than 25 routes
- Connects some smaller cities as well
This is a significant difference between the two trains in terms of their accessibility to different cities.
Let's take a closer look at this comparison:
This means that Vande Bharat Express provides a wider reach and offers connectivity to smaller cities, making it a more convenient option for travelers who want to explore beyond the metro areas.
In contrast, Shatabdi Express primarily caters to the major metro cities, limiting its accessibility to smaller towns and cities.
With Vande Bharat Express, passengers have the opportunity to visit and experience the charm of these smaller cities along its routes.
Travel Time
The difference in travel time between the two trains can be attributed to the higher speed of Vande Bharat Express, resulting in a shorter duration of the journey compared to Shatabdi Express.
Vande Bharat Express has an average speed of 180 km/h, while Shatabdi Express can only reach a maximum speed of 150 km/h. This means that Vande Bharat Express can cover the same distance in a shorter amount of time compared to Shatabdi Express.
The comparison of journey duration clearly shows that Vande Bharat Express is the faster option for travelers who want to reach their destination quickly. With its higher average speed, passengers can enjoy a shorter and more efficient journey on Vande Bharat Express.
Route Covered
Frequently, the train routes of Shatabdi Express cover only 21 destinations, while Vande Bharat Express is set to operate on a much wider network of 75 routes, including tier 2 and tier 3 cities. This expansion in route coverage brings both pros and cons for passengers.
Let's take a look at a comparison with other trains:
- Pros of Vande Bharat Express:
- Increased accessibility to smaller cities, providing better connectivity.
- Opportunities for economic growth in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
- More travel options for passengers, leading to increased convenience.
- Cons of Vande Bharat Express:
- Longer travel times due to additional stops in smaller cities.
- Potential overcrowding on popular routes.
- Increased maintenance and operational costs for Indian Railways.
Digital Display
Additionally, Vande Bharat Express features a digital display that shows upcoming station names. This modern technology provides several benefits to passengers. Firstly, it allows travelers to have better control over their journey as they can easily track their progress and know when their destination is approaching. Secondly, the digital display eliminates the need for constant announcements, reducing noise pollution inside the train. Moreover, compared to Shatabdi Express, which lacks a digital display, Vande Bharat Express offers a more advanced and convenient travel experience. The table below compares the digital display technology of the two trains:
| Vande Bharat Express | Shatabdi Express | |
|---|---|---|
| Upcoming Station Display | Yes | No |
| Progress Tracking | Yes | No |
| Noise Pollution Reduction | Yes | No |
With the digital display, Vande Bharat Express ensures a smoother and more efficient journey for passengers who desire control over their travel experience.
Spaciousness
While Vande Bharat Express seats can move up to 360 degrees, providing a more comfortable and spacious experience, Shatabdi Express seats do not have this feature. This difference in seat functionality greatly impacts the comfort level and passenger experience on both trains.
The ability to adjust the seat position according to one's preference allows passengers on Vande Bharat Express to find their ideal seating position, whether it be for sleeping, working, or simply relaxing. On the other hand, passengers on Shatabdi Express are limited to fixed seat positions, which may not cater to everyone's comfort needs.
The spaciousness of Vande Bharat Express seats also contributes to a more relaxed and enjoyable journey, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
