How many trains does the Indian Railway operate daily? Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says, ‘Number of Express services…,Vande Bharat sleeper variant…’

How many trains does the Indian Railway operate daily? Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw makes big announcement.

The Indian railway system is commonly called the backbone of India, as it connects millions of individuals across the country daily. From big cities to the most remote cities and towns, the railway system provides vital transportation services to all people. Over the past decades, the Indian railway system has transformed into one of the largest and busiest systems in the world, providing millions of journeys every day; it has also adapted to contemporary technology, safety standards, and upgraded infrastructure. In addition to being a mode of transportation, the Indian railway system represents the cultural heritage of India, highlighting the diversity and tenacity of its citizens and providing insight into how they live their lives day by day. But have you ever wondered how many trains run daily on the Indian Railway network?

What is the total number of trains running daily on the Indian Railways network?

Earlier on Wednesday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Parliament that around 164 Vande Bharat train services having chair cars are operational on the Indian Railways network. He even stated that the daily average number of train services on the Indian Railways network was 11,740 in November, as against 11,283 services operating prior to Covid-19. In addition, the daily average number of Mail/Express services on the Indian Railways network is 2,238 (November 2025), as against 1,768 services operating before the deadly COVID-19.

On the Indian Railways, the Vande Bharat Express and its variants are being developed and added to the rail service network as new services become available. The introduction of new rail services is determined by many factors, including: 1) available capacity; 2) available time slots; 3) available rolling stock; 4) available supporting infrastructure for rolling stock; 5) maintenance requirements of railway tracks and other asset maintenance.

When did Indian Railways start rationalizing train schedules post-COVID?

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Indian Railways (IR) suspended all normal passenger operations and began operating special trains only. In addition, Indian Railways also undertook rationalisation of the timetable, including rationalisation of train services and stoppages, in a scientific manner with the assistance of IIT-Bombay.

“The exercise has been undertaken inter alia to provide for better passenger safety by creating maintenance corridor blocks, speeding up train services and improving punctuality. Since November 2021, express train services have been operated as per the rationalised timetable and regular numbers,” the Railway minister was quoted as saying by news agency ANI in an official statement.

Why is the Vande Bharat sleeper variant being introduced?

Vaishnaw stated that an indigenous sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Train has been designed to cater for long to medium-distance travel overnight. Two sleeper rakes have been manufactured and are currently undergoing testing/commissioning, the ministry said.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains have multiple safety features, with some of the broad technological advancements including being fitted with KAVACH, having Higher acceleration with design/operating speed of 180/160 kmph, and having Crashworthy and jerk-free semi-permanent couplers and anti-climbers. Crashworthy design of carbody complying with EN standards; EN-45545 HL3 fire safety standards; fire barrier doors at the end of each coach.