PM to flag off Vande Bharat train on Patliputra-Gorakhpur route
Patna: Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi is likely to flag off a new Vande Bharat Express train between Patliputra Junction and
Gorakhpur
via videoconferencing from Siwan during his visit on June 20.
The much-awaited semi-high-speed train is expected to improve connectivity in north Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, much to the relief of residents in both states.
Danapur divisional railway manager (DRM) Jayant Kumar Choudhary said preparations were underway for the launch of the new Vande Bharat Express. "The function will be held on platform number 1 at Patliputra Junction. Other details are still awaited," he said, adding that the Danapur division is already operating Vande Bharat trains on the Patna-Ranchi, Patna-Howrah, Patna-New Jalpaiguri, Patna-Tatanagar and Patna-Lucknow routes.
According to sources, the new train will have eight modern coaches and cover the 234-km distance in just about five hours, almost half the time taken by conventional passenger trains, which usually take up to nine hours. The train will offer 1,130 seats with each coach featuring four emergency windows for passenger safety.
A railway official from the Danapur division said the new Vande Bharat Express would run via Bettiah, Bapudham Motihari and Muzaffarpur with scheduled halts at eight stations between Patliputra Junction and Gorakhpur.
Preparations for the inaugural run, including track inspections, station readiness and security arrangements, are already in progress.
The addition of this new train is seen as a major step toward improving intra-state travel in Bihar and improving connectivity with eastern Uttar Pradesh. Sources said the train's advanced features, such as reduced travel time, modern amenities and enhanced safety, are expected to draw a substantial number of passengers on the Patna-Gorakhpur route. Fare details and the final list of stoppages are currently being finalised by the Railway Board.
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