Northeast India Welcomes Its First Vande Bharat Express Connecting New Jalpaiguri to Guwahati
Operating Six Days a Week, the Third Vande Bharat in West Bengal
New Jalpaiguri-Guwahati Vande Bharat Express: The Northeastern region of India is eagerly anticipating the arrival of its first Vande Bharat Express train, which is set to connect New Jalpaiguri to Guwahati. This latest addition to the Vande Bharat fleet will enhance connectivity between Assam and West Bengal. Sanjay Chilwarwar, the Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM) of Katihar, Northeast Frontier, made the exciting announcement on Saturday. The tentative plan is to virtually flag off the train on Thursday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi overseeing the event.
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Enhancing Connectivity in Northeast India
With its inauguration, the New Jalpaiguri-Guwahati Vande Bharat Express will become the third of its kind in West Bengal, joining the ranks of the NJP-Howrah and Howrah-Puri trains. Operating six days a week, this semi-high speed train, with the identification numbers Up-22227 and Down-22228, will cover a distance of approximately 410 kilometers within a remarkable timeframe of just six hours.
Impressive Trials and Expansion Plans
In preparation for its launch, the eight-coach train successfully conducted its first trial run on Sunday. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had previously announced the goal of having the Vande Bharat Express operational in almost all states by June. “Vande Metro,” designed for distances of less than 100 kilometers and daily commuting, is part of the broader plan to revolutionize rail travel across the country.
The Expanding Network of Vande Bharat Routes
The Vande Bharat Express has already established its presence on sixteen different routes, showcasing its versatility and importance in connecting major cities. These existing routes include:
- New Delhi – Varanasi
- New Delhi – Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (J&K)
- Gandhinagar – Mumbai
- New Delhi – Amb Andaura
- Chennai – Mysuru
- Nagpur – Bilaspur
- Howrah – New Jalpaiguri
- Secunderabad – Visakhapatnam
- Mumbai – Solapur
- Mumbai – Shirdi
- Hazrat Nizamuddin – Rani Kamlapati Station
- Secunderabad – Tirupati
- Chennai – Coimbatore
- Ajmer – Delhi Cantt
- Thiruvananthapuram – Kasargod
- Puri – Howrah
Setting New Standards in Train Travel
The Vande Bharat Express sets itself apart with its remarkable features and modern amenities. Built at the renowned Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, this self-propelled train offers a truly hassle-free travel experience. Passengers can expect state-of-the-art facilities and comfort, making their journey a memorable one.
Exciting Developments and Challenges
Recently, Odisha proudly introduced its first Vande Bharat train, which runs between Puri and Howrah. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated this new route via video conferencing. Unfortunately, the train faced an unexpected setback when it encountered lightning and hailstorm near Bhadrak railway station, resulting in a cracked windscreen in the driver’s cabin. However, such challenges are met with swift action and repair to ensure the safety and reliability of these advanced trains.
Conclusion
The introduction of the New Jalpaiguri-Guwahati Vande Bharat Express marks a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity in Northeast India. As the Vande Bharat fleet continues to expand and connect major cities across the country, it sets new standards for comfortable and efficient rail travel. With its cutting-edge design and state-of-the-art facilities, the Vande Bharat Express is poised to transform the way people experience train journeys in India.
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