By Avijit Biswas
Bhagalpur: A new Vande Bharat Express train connecting Bhagalpur with Howrah was introduced today. The Bhagalpur-Howrah Vande Bharat Express is one of six such new trains launched virtually across various railway routes in the country by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The new train from Bhagalpur was flagged off by Union Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, who attended a ceremony held at the Bhagalpur railway station to mark the occasion.
Train number 22310 Bhagalpur-Howrah Vande Bharat Express will depart from Bhagalpur at 15:20 hours, arriving in Howrah at 21:20 hours. Train number 22309 Howrah-Bhagalpur Vande Bharat Express will leave Howrah at 07:45 hours and reach Bhagalpur at 14:05 hours.
The train, which passes through Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, will make stops at Barahat, Mandar Hill, Hansdiha, Nonihat, Dumka, Rampurhat, and Bolpur stations. Services will be available daily, except on Fridays.
The launch of the new train fulfils a long-pending demand from railway users in Bhagalpur. However, local organisations have expressed the need to revise the train’s timing to better serve the community’s requirements. Many feel that a daytime arrival in Howrah would better accommodate the needs of passengers.
Speaking at the event, the Union Minister highlighted how the new Vande Bharat Express will boost trade and commerce in the region. He emphasised that the train will benefit those involved in the local silk industry, as well as residents of coal and mineral-rich areas in Jharkhand.
He also praised the efforts of Prime Minister Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for addressing the aspirations of railway users. The minister announced plans to introduce 50 Amrit Bharat Express trains on various routes over the next six months, focusing on the needs of general class passengers.
Manish Kumar Gupta, Divisional Railway Manager of Malda Division, along with other railway officials, was also present at the event.
