KKN Gurugram Desk | A new chapter in Bihar’s railway connectivity began on June 20, 2025, with the virtual flag-off of the Patna-Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a public address at Jasauli, Siwan. This modern train is not just about speed and comfort—it is a strategic move to link the capital city of Patna with the economically and culturally significant regions of North Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

The Vande Bharat Express, designed under the Make in India initiative, promises 100% safety, modern amenities, and reduced travel time. The train will run six days a week—excluding Saturdays—and will cover the route from Pataliputra Junction to Gorakhpur via major towns like Muzaffarpur, Motihari, Bettiah, and Narkatiaganj.

High-Speed Rail Connectivity: A Boon for North Bihar and Eastern UP

The new Vande Bharat Express will initially operate at a maximum speed of 110 km/h, with plans to gradually increase this to 130 km/h, then 140 km/h, and potentially 160 km/h in the future. This upgradation aims to significantly cut travel time between Patna and Gorakhpur to approximately 5 to 6 hours.

Jayant Sinha, the loco pilot of the new Vande Bharat Express, stated during the inauguration that the train is fully equipped with the latest safety systems, ensuring there is no risk of accidents. He described the train as “100 percent safe,” calling it a proud achievement of Indian engineering.

“This is a world-class train, made in India, and fitted with state-of-the-art technology. It is capable of high-speed performance while ensuring passenger safety and comfort,” said Sinha.

Detailed Route of Patna-Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express

The new semi-high-speed train will serve some of the most populous and underserved regions of North Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, making it an important milestone in regional development. The route includes strategic stops that will benefit commuters, business travelers, and tourists alike.

Stops on the route from Patna (Pataliputra Junction) to Gorakhpur:

• Hajipur Junction

• Muzaffarpur Junction

• Bapudham Motihari

• Sagauli

• Bettiah

• Narkatiaganj

• Bagaha

• Kaptanganj

• Gorakhpur Junction

The train will operate six days a week, excluding Saturdays. Its regular operations will begin from June 22, 2025. On June 20, it was run as a special inaugural service.

Train Timings and Schedule

Gorakhpur to Patna (Up Direction):

• Departs Gorakhpur at 5:40 AM

• Arrives Bagaha at 7:30 AM

• Reaches Narkatiaganj at 8:03 AM

• Halts at Bettiah at 8:35 AM

• Stops at Sagauli at 8:50 AM

• Arrives Motihari at 9:08 AM

• Halts at Muzaffarpur at 10:50 AM

• Stops at Hajipur at 11:40 AM

• Final arrival at Pataliputra Junction at 12:45 PM

Patna to Gorakhpur (Down Direction):

• Departs Pataliputra Junction at 3:30 PM

• Arrives Gorakhpur Junction at 11:30 PM

This schedule is designed to accommodate both business and leisure travelers, allowing for same-day return options and efficient planning for intercity movement.

Ticket Fare and Classes

The Patna-Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express offers two classes of travel: AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car. The fare has been kept reasonable, considering the enhanced facilities and reduced travel time.

• AC Chair Car: ₹925

• Executive Class: ₹1820

These fares include catering and reservation charges. The train also features automatic doors, onboard Wi-Fi, GPS-based passenger information systems, bio-vacuum toilets, and comfortable seating for a premium experience.

A Regional Development Milestone

The launch of this Vande Bharat Express is not just a technological feat but a symbol of regional development and improved connectivity. By linking Pataliputra (Patna) with Gorakhpur, the government aims to:

• Boost inter-state travel between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh

• Improve business, tourism, and education connectivity for towns along the route

• Support regional employment and industrial movement

This is especially important for the Tirhut and Champaran regions, which have long awaited better rail services. The new train is expected to reduce the dependency on slow-moving express trains and crowded buses.

Safety First: A Fully Secured Journey

Addressing concerns about railway safety, Loco Pilot Jayant Sinha assured that the new Vande Bharat Express follows the highest safety standards. The train is powered by:

• Kavach (anti-collision system)

• Automatic Train Protection (ATP) systems

• Fire detection and suppression systems

• Earthquake and derailment sensors

With these technologies in place, the train is positioned as one of the safest high-speed rail options in India.

Public Response and Future Expansion

Early feedback from the public has been overwhelmingly positive. Passengers have praised the train’s cleanliness, punctuality, and comfortable seating. There are expectations that more Vande Bharat trains will soon be launched in Bihar, enhancing the state’s railway modernization drive.

Loco Pilot Sinha, reflecting the sentiment of Indian Railways staff, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and Railway Ministry for prioritizing Bihar in this major national project.

The Patna-Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express is more than just a train—it is a leap toward modernizing India’s rail network and connecting tier-2 and tier-3 cities with major urban centers. With its top-class features, reliable safety, and improved schedule, this train is set to become the preferred mode of travel for passengers between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Stay connected with dimgrey-bison-994082.hostingersite.com for updates on Vande Bharat services, ticket booking information, and future routes planned for Bihar and beyond.