Passengers travelling between Patna and Howrah have reason to celebrate.
The popular Patna to Howrah Vande Bharat Express has been upgraded from 16 coaches to a massive 20-coach rake.
This makes it the longest Vande Bharat Express operated by the East Central Railway (ECR) zone.
The train was initially flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 24, 2023.
Why More Coaches Were Added
A senior railway official confirmed to Indianexpress.com that the upgrade was driven by rising passenger demand.
More travellers are choosing the Vande Bharat for its speed, comfort, and convenience.
The official said:
“Train number 22348/22347 Patna-Howrah-Patna Vande Bharat Express is running with 20 coaches instead of 16 now.”
Railways want to ensure passengers face less congestion and get confirmed seats.
Coaches Built by Chennai’s ICF
The new coaches are a product of India’s own Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. These ultra-modern coaches boast sleek designs, faster acceleration, and advanced safety systems.
The Vande Bharat trains represent a significant leap in Indian Railways’ efforts to modernise its fleet. The upgraded train aims to offer a smoother ride with superior facilities for passengers.
Journey Time and Speed
The Patna to Howrah Vande Bharat Express is a semi-high-speed train.
It covers around 532 kilometres between Patna Junction and Howrah Junction. The journey time ranges between 6 hours and 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on operational conditions.
This train saves significant time compared to conventional express trains on the same route.
Ticket Price and Classes
Travellers are keen to know about fares on the expanded train.
For the Patna to Howrah Vande Bharat Express, ticket prices vary by class.
An Executive Chair Car ticket costs approximately ₹2,275.
A Chair Car ticket costs around ₹1,220.
These prices include catering charges, but passengers have the option to opt out of meals while booking.
Stoppages on Route
The Patna to Howrah Vande Bharat Express halts at key stations along its route.
The train currently stops at Patna Junction, Bakhtiyarpur, Mokama, Lakhisarai, Jhajha, Jasidih, Madhupur, Asansol, and Durgapur before reaching Howrah. These strategic stops help serve both major cities and smaller towns in Bihar and West Bengal.
Passengers from intermediate towns benefit from faster connectivity to both Patna and Kolkata.
Passenger Reactions Positive
Rail passengers have largely welcomed the news of the 20-coach upgrade.
Frequent travellers say the train’s punctuality and speed are major advantages.
A regular commuter said:
“It’s comfortable, clean, and saves me hours of travel time.”
The extra coaches should reduce waitlists and help more passengers get confirmed seats, especially during festive seasons.
India’s Push for Modern Trains
Indian Railways has been aggressively rolling out the Vande Bharat series across the country.
Also, these trains are part of the government’s push to modernise passenger travel and compete with airlines on short to medium distances.
Prime Minister Modi has often highlighted the Vande Bharat Express as a symbol of India’s technological progress.
With the Patna to Howrah Vande Bharat Express now boasting 20 coaches, it sets a record in the ECR zone.
Future Expansion on the Horizon
Railway officials hinted that more routes could see similar coach expansions. The goal is to accommodate rising demand and improve passenger experience on popular corridors.
Several new Vande Bharat services are planned in the coming months, including routes connecting major cities in eastern India.
Passengers can expect even more capacity and faster services soon.
Conclusion: Bigger, Better Vande Bharat
The Patna to Howrah Vande Bharat Express stands as a prime example of Indian Railways’ evolving vision. The increase to a 20-coach rake shows the railways’ commitment to meeting growing passenger needs.
Travellers on this bustling route can look forward to smoother journeys, more seat., However, the pride of riding one of India’s flagship trains.
For anyone planning a trip between Patna and Kolkata, the newly expanded Patna to Howrah Vande Bharat Express might just be the perfect choice.