A recent data study conducted by the Indian Railways has revealed a significant shift in the demographics of passengers choosing Vande Bharat trains. Notably, around 56% of the passengers on these trains are young adults and individuals from the working class. This surge in popularity among the youth marks a remarkable trend in rail travel.
Shifting Age Demographics
The data findings show that the 25-34 years age group constitutes an average of 27.5% of passengers in Vande Bharat trains. Furthermore, passengers in the age bracket of 35-49 years, on average, make up 28.6% of those opting for Vande Bharat Express over other modes of transport. This demonstrates a broad appeal of Vande Bharat trains across different age groups.
Impact on Airfares
One of the most significant consequences of the introduction of Vande Bharat trains has been the effect on airfares. Airfares on specific routes have experienced a substantial drop, estimated at around 20-30% from April 2023 levels. These routes include Chennai-Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod, Mumbai-Pune, Jamnagar-Ahmedabad, and Delhi-Jaipur.
Changing Dynamics in Travel Preferences
The success of Vande Bharat trains has not only shifted passenger demographics but also transformed the dynamics of airfare competition. The senior Railway Ministry official noted that approximately 10-20% of the customer base of airlines has migrated to Vande Bharat trains. This transition has led to considerably lower airfares on the routes serviced by Vande Bharat, compared to the pricing levels before the introduction of these trains.
The Future of Vande Bharat Trains
The data study and the observed trends indicate a promising future for Vande Bharat trains. As these trains continue to capture the preference of the youth and the working class,
they are simultaneously reshaping the economics of air travel in India. It will be interesting to observe how this transformation influences the broader transportation industry and the evolving travel behaviors of the Indian populace.
