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The Vande Bharat Express, one of India's most iconic trains, has made history by being featured in a film shoot for the first time. This event took place at Mumbai Central station, highlighting the train's growing importance not only as a means of transportation but also as a cultural symbol. The shoot was conducted under the Western Railway's permission, showcasing its openness to innovative and commercial collaborations.
First Film Shoot on Vande Bharat Express
Acclaimed director Shoojit Sircar became the first filmmaker to use the Vande Bharat Express for a film shoot. The filming was conducted at platform number five of Mumbai Central Station. This marked a significant moment, reflecting the train's potential as a stunning backdrop for cinematic productions.
On a Wednesday, one of the two Vande Bharat trains operating on the busy Mumbai-Ahmedabad route was kept stationary for maintenance purposes. This allowed the filming to take place without disrupting passenger services. Western Railway displayed its flexibility and innovative resource management by utilizing this downtime effectively.
Commercial Use of Railway Properties
Western Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer, Vineet Abhishek, explained that railways often allow trains, stations, and other facilities to be used for commercial purposes. These activities are conducted following established guidelines to ensure minimal disruption. This strategic approach helps generate non-fare revenue, which supports the improvement of railway services.
The film shoot on the Vande Bharat Express generated approximately ₹23 lakh for the railways, surpassing the ₹20 lakh earnings of a single Mumbai-Ahmedabad trip by the train. This significant financial gain highlights the potential of such collaborations to contribute to the railway's revenues.
Future Prospects
Vineet Abhishek assured that future requests for similar projects would be considered, provided they do not inconvenience passengers. This balanced approach prioritizes passenger comfort while exploring new opportunities for creative and commercial partnerships.
The decision to feature the Vande Bharat Express in a film shoot represents a pioneering step in blending India's railway heritage with the entertainment industry. It reflects the potential for innovative uses of railway assets, offering unique opportunities for filmmakers and contributing to the railways' non-fare revenue.
By allowing the Vande Bharat Express to debut in a film shoot, Western Railway has set a new standard for utilizing railway assets creatively. This initiative not only promotes India's modern railway infrastructure but also paves the way for more collaborations that can enhance the cultural and economic value of the railways. Such steps ensure continuous improvement of facilities and enrich the travel experience for passengers while celebrating the train's growing prominence.
