The inaugural run of the first Vande Bharat Express, operating between Ranchi and Patna, took place on June 27.
Ranchi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express via video conferencing on Sunday, marking Jharkhand’s second Vande Bharat Express launch. The first one, which operates between Ranchi and Patna, was inaugurated on June 27.
The regular service for the train will commence on September 27, according to an official announcement.
Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan, along with Rajya Sabha MPs Mahua Maji and Aditya Sahu, attended the inauguration ceremony at Ranchi railway station.
“Our prime minister is on a mission for the country’s development,” stated the governor. “The party represented by Modi may not be in power in Jharkhand, Bihar, and West Bengal, but the needs of the people are being met. Despite political differences, we should work for the development of the nation.”
The train will run six days a week and cover the 463-kilometer distance between Ranchi and Howrah in West Bengal in seven hours.
Rajya Sabha MP Maji called for a reduction in fares to benefit the general public.
The fares for the Ranchi-Howrah route are ₹2,045 for executive AC chair car and ₹1,030 for AC chair car without meals.
Ranchi MP Sanjay Seth has requested the Railway Ministry to introduce a Ranchi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express and an Antyodaya Express from Ranchi to South India. Anil Kumar Mishra, the general manager of South Eastern Railway, stated, “The decision for another Vande Bharat will be made by the railway board. There is a high demand for the train between Ranchi and Varanasi. We hope the train will be provided very soon.”
The Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express can accommodate 530 passengers and will take 40 minutes less than the Ranchi-Howrah Shatabdi Express to reach its final destination, according to Mishra.
On its inaugural day, approximately 70 school students, teachers, and principals were provided a free ride on the train from Ranchi.
“I feel very lucky to get a chance to travel on the train on its inaugural day. I have been selected for the journey through a painting competition. Vande Bharat reflects the progress of new India,” said Ishita Kumari, a class 9 student.
During its regular operation, the train will depart from Ranchi at 5:15 am and arrive in Howrah at 12:20 pm. On the return journey, it will leave Howrah at 3:45 pm and reach Ranchi at 10:50 pm.
The Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat will make stops at Muri, Kotshila, Purulia, Chandil, Tatanagar, and Kharagpur, as per the statement.
