India to have 4,500 Vande Bharat trains by 2047: Jyotiraditya Scindia

Union Minister Scindia lays foundation for Rs 350 crore new terminal at Rajamundry Airport

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on December 8 said that India will have 4,500 Vande Bharat trains running across the country by 2047. “In 2023, 23 Vande Bharat trains are running in the country. Our mission is to run 4,500 Vande Bharat trains by 2047,” Scindia said. The union minister added that between 2026 and 27, India will have its first high-speed bullet train. He further said that the second airport in Navi Mumbai will be operational by the end of 2024.

At the same time, the Noida International Airport will be opened in Jewar by the end of next year. Another airport in Ayodhya will be ready by the end of December and will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Apart from the boost in Vande Bharat Express and Bullet trains, Scindia added that the Indian government would also be working towards ensuring the carbon emission from trains is reduced to net zero in the coming years.

He also said that before 2014, there was a lack of leadership and vision for the country. With the coming of PM Narendra Modi, the minister stated that India embarked on a new phase of growth from 2014 onwards.

"There was a lack of vision and leadership in the country. A new phase ‍started in 2014. Rs 10 lakh crore capital expenditure project is underway. The Indian railway system is growing the fastest in the world. The world's highest railway bridge is being built in Jammu and Kashmir. PM Modi made the most neglected parts of the country - J&K and Northeastern states, the centre of development of the country. He made J&K the crown of the country," Scindia added.

He added that now there has been increased coordination between departments to speed up approval of front-foot government investment and private sector funding. However, he also said that the government will have to step forward to attract investment.

Scindia had on December 7 informed the Lok Sabha about measures taken to sensitise airlines on the need for price moderation and passenger-centric fare policies.

Responding to concerns raised during the Question Hour in Lok Sabha about escalating airfares, Scindia assured that airlines have committed to avoiding surges, especially during events such as natural disasters and calamities.

To address the demand-supply gap in busy sectors, Scindia outlined the government's encouragement for airlines to acquire more aircraft, including widebody planes, and increase flight operations. He explained that this strategy aims to enhance supply and positively impact airfares as the aviation sector grows.

During consultations with airlines, Scindia emphasised the importance of self-regulation and urged carriers to consider passenger interests when setting airfares. The minister informed the House that the number of air passengers has risen from 6 crore in 2014 to 14.5 crore at present.

Scindia pointed out that current airfares are competitive with the AC First Class of Indian Railways and predicted a further increase in air travel. He estimated that by 2030, the sector would accommodate 42 crore air passengers, experiencing threefold growth.