Patna: A proposed Sleeper Vande Bharat Express service between Bhagalpur and Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi, via Patna, is awaiting final approval from the Railway Board, according to railway sources.
Eastern Railway has reportedly prepared and submitted the technical and operational reports sought by the Railway Board for the proposed service.
The launch date, timetable, final route and stoppages are expected to be announced after the proposal receives approval.
Railway Board To Finalise Schedule
The proposed service is expected to provide an additional premium rail option for passengers travelling between the Bhagalpur region and the National Capital Region.
Railway officials are expected to finalise the intermediate stations and operational schedule as part of the approval process.
The report submitted by Eastern Railway is currently under consideration, according to the information available.
Relief Expected During Festival Travel
The proposed service could provide additional capacity on the Bhagalpur-Delhi route during the festival season, when regular trains often experience high passenger demand.
Passengers from Bhagalpur, Banka, Munger and nearby districts are expected to benefit from the service once it becomes operational.
The final impact on passenger availability, however, will depend on the approved timetable, frequency and number of coaches.
First Sleeper Vande Bharat In Eastern Railway Zone
If introduced as proposed, the train would be among the first Sleeper Vande Bharat services in the Eastern Railway zone.
Eastern Railway currently operates a chair car Vande Bharat service between Howrah and Jamalpur.
The proposed Bhagalpur-Anand Vihar service would use Sleeper Vande Bharat coaches designed for longer-distance journeys.
Route And Stoppages Yet To Be Announced
The Railway Board is yet to officially announce the final route, intermediate stops or the commencement date for the proposed train.
The service is expected to feature air-conditioned sleeper coaches and modern onboard facilities, though the final coach composition and operational details will be confirmed after official approval.
Passengers have been advised to wait for the Railway Board’s formal announcement regarding the service’s schedule and launch.
