Railways to launch Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat service in August

1 Aug 2023 , 01:43 AM

The East Central Railway (ECR) proposes to turn 55 stations into model stations with expanded amenities. According to a TOI report, a thorough plan has been developed to renovate these stations, making them more convenient and comfortable for passengers. The prominent stations include Patna Junction, Rajendra Nagar Terminal, and Patna Sahib.

Railways also intends to boost rail connections by introducing the Vande Bharat Express and raising the speed restriction of certain trains to 160 km/h.

The railways intend to launch a semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express train between Patna and Howrah in the first or second week of August. Following the successful debut of the train on the Patna-Ranchi line on June 27, this would be Bihar’s second Vande Bharat Express.

The Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat Express will take approximately seven hours to travel 535 kilometres. Though the price has not been determined, it is estimated to cost Rs 2,650 for the AC Executive Class and Rs 1,450 for the AC Chair Car for a single voyage, including meals/breakfast.

The railway platform reconstruction proposal will include free Wi-Fi, shops selling local products, an updated passenger information system, executive lounges, specialized conference areas, and improved landscaping.

The ambitious proposal also includes station building renovations on both sides of the city, fostering multimodal integration, catering to the needs of divyangjans (those with disabilities), assuring an environmentally pleasant setting, and creating a roof plaza for the convenience of travellers.

Patna Junction, Rajendra Nagar Terminal, Patna Sahib, Danapur, Bakhtiyarpur, Biharsharif, Jamui, Jhajha, Kiul, Lakhisarai, Rajgir, Ara, Buxar, Mokama, Nalanda, Nawada, Barh, and Phulwarisharif are among the important stations scheduled for upgrade in the Danapur division.

Begusarai, Bettiah, Gaya, Hajipur, Motihari, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Sonepur, Raxaul, Saharsa, Madhubani, Dalsinghsarai, Barauni, Darbhanga, Dehri on Sone, Koderma, and Sheikhpura are also recognized as important stations in the ECR planned for full upgrade.

For feedback and suggestions, write to us at [e-mail]