Ranchi, August 26, 2024 – Excitement is building among passengers as the much-anticipated Vande Bharat Express, set to connect Tatanagar with Patna and Berhampur, awaits the final nod from the authorities. The operational schedule is ready, and preparations are in full swing as the Chakradharpur division of the South Eastern Railway waits for the official order to commence services.
The groundwork for the new routes has been completed, with significant upgrades carried out at Tatanagar station and associated railway infrastructure. The washing line at Tatanagar station, essential for maintaining the Vande Bharat trains, has been upgraded with advanced traction facilities. Additionally, employees and technicians from the coaching depot have received specialized training at Hatia station, equipping them with the necessary skills to maintain the Vande Bharat trains.
Preparations in Full Swing
Senior loco pilots from Tatanagar have undergone rigorous training to operate the Vande Bharat Express on the Patna route, covering key sections like Muri, Gomoh, Gaya, Jehanabad, and Berhampur. The pilots received hands-on experience on the routes via Chaibasa and Dongaposi, ensuring smooth operations once the train services begin.
The Chakradharpur division had been hopeful that the Vande Bharat services would launch by August 25, following orders to complete the necessary upgrades by August 10. However, despite completing the preparations, the official signal to start operations is still awaited. This delay has led to numerous inquiries from eager passengers, who have been regularly calling the station’s information center to check the launch date.
High Demand for Patna Vande Bharat
Currently, the only Vande Bharat service passing through Tatanagar is the Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat, which operates six days a week. However, there is significant demand for a direct connection between Tatanagar and Patna. The existing options, including the South Bihar Express (Durg to Rajendra Nagar) and the Tatanagar-Danapur Express, have seen increased passenger load, with travelers facing difficulties securing seats.
The introduction of the Vande Bharat service will be a game changer for passengers traveling between Tatanagar and Patna. The new service promises to reduce travel time to just eight hours, a significant improvement compared to the current 11-hour journey on existing trains.
Expected Timetable
As per the proposed schedule, the Vande Bharat Express between Tatanagar and Patna will operate as follows:
- Departure from Tatanagar: 5:00 AM
- Arrival in Patna: 12:35 PM
- Departure from Patna: 1:30 PM
- Arrival in Tatanagar: 9:25 PM
For the Berhampur route:
- Departure from Tatanagar: 5:20 AM
- Return to Tatanagar: 11:55 PM
This schedule is designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers, offering a faster and more comfortable journey between these key locations.
Growing Anticipation
The launch of the Vande Bharat Express on these routes is expected to revolutionize rail travel in the region. Passengers are eagerly awaiting the service, particularly those who have been struggling with limited seating options on existing trains. The Vande Bharat’s advanced features, including high-speed capabilities and modern amenities, will provide a superior travel experience.
As the final green signal is awaited, the Chakradharpur division remains optimistic that the Vande Bharat Express will soon hit the tracks, fulfilling the long-standing demand for better connectivity in Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha. Until then, the excitement continues to build as the public waits for the official announcement.
News – Sanjana Kumari.
