Source: https://m.dailyhunt.in/news/india/english/newskarnataka-epaper-newskarn/vande+bharat+express+gains+popularity+among+bengaluru+dharwad+travelers-newsid-n625995684
Publisher: Dailyhunt
The Bengaluru-Dharwad-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express has become increasingly popular, particularly among passengers from Hubballi-Dharwad.
Over the past year, these twin cities have accounted for 85% of bookings, with holiday occupancy rates reaching as high as 110%. The train is favored for its comfort and security, according to Dr. Manjunath Kanamadi, Chief Public Relations Officer of South Western Railway.
Recent misinformation on social media claimed that most passengers were from Davangere, but railway data disproves this. It shows that the majority of bookings are from Hubballi and Dharwad. Specifically, only 15.01% of executive class seats were booked from Davangere, while 84.97% were booked from Hubballi and Dharwad combined. This trend is consistent across other classes and routes.
The Vande Bharat Express (20661) departs from Bengaluru at 5.45 AM and arrives in Dharwad at 12.10 PM, with a return trip (20662) leaving Dharwad at 1.15 PM and arriving back in Bengaluru at 7.45 PM, with stops at Yeshwantpur, Davangere, and Hubballi. The train maintains an average occupancy rate of over 85%, soaring to 115-120% during peak periods. South Western Railway is committed to enhancing passenger amenities in response to the high demand and positive reception.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 15, 2019, the Vande Bharat Express initially operated between New Delhi and Varanasi, reducing travel time by 15%. The network now includes 51 Vande Bharat trains, with plans to introduce more long-distance versions and sleeper cars by 2047.
