- By Kamal Kumar
- Sun, 15 Sep 2024 08:35 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Vande Bharat Launch Update: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off six new Vande Bharat Express trains, which will run on different routes in eastern India, on Sunday. Although he was originally set to reach Jharkhand's Tatanagar for the launch, the inclement weather resulted in a cancellation of the plan. The Railway Ministry said these trains will offer faster connectivity, safe journeys, and a range of amenities to passengers. The six new Vande Bharat trains will cover the Tatanagar-Patna, Brahmapur-Tatanagar, Rourkela-Howrah, Deoghar-Varanasi, Bhagalpur-Howrah and Gaya-Howrah route, a PTI report stated.
PM Modi was to launch the new, flagship trains at 10 am today at Tatanagar Junction Railway Station in Jharkhand. However, he virtually flagged the trains later
"We are determined for the rapid development of Jharkhand. Today at around 10 am, I will have the privilege of flagging off six 'Vande Bharat' trains at Tatanagar, laying the foundation stone and inaugurating many more projects. Apart from this, I will also be a part of the program related to the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin," PM Modi wrote in an X post.
New Vande Bharat Trains: Timings, Ticket Prices And Other Details
Tatanagar-Patna Vande Bharat Express
- Operation: Six days a week
- Schedule: Departs Tatanagar at 6:00 AM, arrives in Patna at 1:00 PM. The return journey leaves Patna at 3:00 PM and reaches Tatanagar at 11:00 PM.
- Journey Time: Approx. 7 hours
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Deoghar-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express
- Operation: Six days a week (except Tuesdays)
- Route: Via Kiul-Gaya, with a stop at Nawada
- Schedule: Timings will be announced before launch
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Tatanagar-Berhampur Vande Bharat Express
- Operation: Six days a week (except Tuesdays)
- Significance: Fourth Vande Bharat service for Odisha
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Bhagalpur-Dumka-Howrah Vande Bharat Express
- Operation: Six days a week
- Route: Connecting Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal
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Gaya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express
- Operation: Six days a week (except Thursdays)
- Route: Via Koderma, Parasnath, Dhanbad, Asansol, and Durgapur
- Schedule: Timings to be confirmed
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Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express
- Operation: Six days a week
Vande Bharat Fleet Rises To 60
With the launch of six new Vande Bharat trains by PM Modi in Jharkhand's Tatanagar today, the fleet of modern, semi-high-speed trains of Indian Railways will rise to 60 from the existing 54. These trains cover a total of 280 districts across 24 Indian states and union territories, the Ministry said while adding that they make an average of 120 trips across the country.
With faster commute times, advanced safety features, and world-class amenities, Indian Railways is setting new benchmarks in travel," the ministry said highlighting the benefits.
It added, "Indian Railways, a cornerstone of the nation's transportation infrastructure, is experiencing a significant transformation with the expansion of the Vande Bharat train fleet."
3.17 Crore Passengers Used Vande Bharat Since Launch
The ministry further said the train is capable of reaching a speed of up to 160 kmph, offering an unparalleled travel experience for millions of passengers.
"As of date (September 14, 2024), with a fleet of 54 trains (108 services), Vande Bharat has completed a total of around 36,000 trips and carried over 3.17 crore passengers,” the Railway Ministry said as quoted by PTI.