**Subject:** Response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 687 Regarding Vande Bharat Express Between Thanjavur to Chennai
**Summary:**
This document summarizes the Ministry of Railways' response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 687, addressed on July 23, 2025, concerning the potential introduction of a Vande Bharat Express service between Thanjavur and Chennai, and the allocation of Amrit Bharat Express rakes to the Southern Railway Zone.
The Minister of Railways, Information Broadcasting and Electronics Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, stated that currently, the Thanjavur-Chennai sector is served by 10 pairs of train services. Additionally, 12 Vande Bharat Express services already cater to passengers in the Chennai area.
Regarding Amrit Bharat Express services, the response indicated that 8 out of 14 such services operating on the Indian Railways network were introduced effective July 18, 2025. The response clarified that the introduction of new train services, including Vande Bharat trains, and the allocation of coaches are continuous processes, contingent upon traffic justification, operational feasibility, competing demands, and the availability of rolling stock.
Key Entities Referenced
Vande Bharat Express: A semi-high-speed, intercity rail service in India.
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu: A city in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, mentioned as a potential origin point for a Vande Bharat Express.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu: A major metropolitan city and the capital of Tamil Nadu, India, mentioned as a potential destination point for a Vande Bharat Express.
SHRI MURASOLI S: Member of Parliament who raised the question regarding the introduction of Vande Bharat Express.
RAILWAYS: The ministry to which the question is addressed.
Amrit Bharat Express: A type of train service on Indian Railways.
Southern Railway Zone: One of the 19 railway zones in India.
SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW: Minister of Railways, Information Broadcasting and Electronics Information Technology, who provided the answer to the question.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 687
TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.07.2025
VANDE BHARAT EXPRESS BETWEEN THANJAVUR TO CHENNAI
687. SHRI MURASOLI S:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has any plans to introduce a New Vande Bharat
Express between Thanjavur to Chennai, if so, the details thereof and if not,
the reasons therefor;
(b) whether unused Amrit Bharat rake has been allocated to the Southern
Railway Zone, the details thereof; and
(c) whether the Government has any plans to allocate the unused Amrit
Bharat Express rake and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons
therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)
(a) to (c) Presently,Thanjavur – Chennai sector is being served by 10 pairs of
train services. Besides, 12 Vande Bharat Express services are catering to
the needs of the passengers of Chennai area.
Of the 14 Amrit Bharat Express services operating on the Indian Railways
network, 08 services have been introduced w.e.f 18th July, 2025.
Moreover, introduction of train services including Vande Bharat train
services as well as allotment of coaches are continuous and on-going
processes on Indian Railways, subject to traffic justification, operational
feasibility, competing demands, availability of rolling stock etc.
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