Indian Railways has made remarkable strides in modernizing and accelerating its services, with high-speed, premium trains like Vande Bharat Express and Shatabdi Express leading the charge. But have you ever wondered who the real owner of these sophisticated trains is? Are they managed by private companies or wholly government-owned? The truth is, Vande Bharat, Shatabdi, and Rajdhani Express are entirely owned and operated by Indian Railways, a public sector entity under the Government of India. These trains symbolize the technological and service excellence of Indian Railways, serving millions with pride.

The Vande Bharat Express, previously known as Train 18, was fully designed and manufactured in India at Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF) under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Its ownership and operations are exclusively handled by Indian Railways. Similarly, Shatabdi Express, launched in 1988, and Rajdhani Express, introduced in 1969, were created to offer fast, comfortable, and punctual travel. Both are managed by Indian Railways, with ticketing, maintenance, and operations overseen by its various departments. “These trains are a testament to Indian Railways’ commitment to innovation and passenger comfort,” says railway expert Ajay Singh.

Despite common misconceptions that these premium trains might be privately run, Vande Bharat, Shatabdi, and Rajdhani remain firmly under government control. While Indian Railways may explore private partnerships for certain operations in the future, these iconic trains currently stand as national assets, serving the public with world-class facilities. “These trains are not just transport; they’re a symbol of India’s progress,” notes rail analyst Reena Mehta. By continuing to invest in such services, Indian Railways is driving the modernization of the nation’s transport network, ensuring reliable and efficient travel for all.