Bollywood is set to witness a unique blend of cinematic storytelling and modern engineering as the Vande Bharat Express, India’s flagship semi-high-speed train, takes center stage in Shoojit Sircar’s upcoming film. This marks the first time the iconic train has been featured in a commercial film production, with shooting taking place at Mumbai Central Station.

A Cinematic First for Indian Railways

The Indian Railways has opened its doors to cinematic endeavors once again, but this time with a twist. For the first time ever, the Western Railway has permitted the use of a Vande Bharat Express for a film shoot. The production was carried out at platform number five of Mumbai Central Station, with acclaimed filmmaker Shoojit Sircar at the helm.

Why Vande Bharat?

The selection of the Vande Bharat Express for this feature was motivated by its representation of India’s advancements in rail transportation technology. The train's elegant design, state-of-the-art technology, and opulent interiors serve as an impressive visual backdrop, enhancing the authenticity and modernity of cinematic storytelling.
 

Scheduling Without Disruption

The shooting schedule was strategically planned to avoid disrupting passenger services. One of the two Vande Bharat trains operating on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route remains non-operational on Wednesdays for maintenance. In order to cause the least amount of disruption to passengers, Western Railway took advantage of this chance to provide the train for the movie filming.

Boosting Revenue Through Innovation

The Indian Railways earned a significant Rs. 23 lakh from this single shoot, surpassing the daily revenue of Rs. 20 lakh generated by the train during its regular journey between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. This is in line with Indian Railways' plan to increase non-fare income by making railway assets—like trains and stations—available for business use.

According to Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, “This marks a historic first for Vande Bharat Express. In addition to bringing in more money, filming helps the public see the Railways' contemporary innovations and forges a strong emotional bond with trains.

Film Fraternity Simplified Permissions
 

By providing a single-window system to enable hassle-free access to railway assets, Western Railway has simplified the permissions process for filmmakers. Officials highlighted that such collaborations are mutually beneficial, as trains provide realistic settings for cinematic narratives while earning additional funds for infrastructure development.

Bollywood’s Ongoing Love Affair with Railways

This isn’t the first time Indian Railways has starred in films. Over the years, several movies and web series, such as Railway Men, Heropanti 2, Gaslight, and Ek Villain Returns, have featured railway premises as pivotal elements of their stories. However, the debut of the Vande Bharat Express adds a new chapter to this partnership, symbolizing the evolving relationship between Bollywood and Indian Railways.

A Gateway to Cinematic Excellence

The use of Vande Bharat Express signifies a leap forward in showcasing India’s progress through the medium of cinema. By allowing the integration of advanced infrastructure into visual storytelling, Indian Railways continues to highlight its role as more than just a transport provider—it is a canvas for the nation’s dreams and aspirations.

As Shoojit Sircar’s film unfolds on screen, audiences can look forward to a journey that merges the thrill of Bollywood with the pride of India’s engineering marvel.