Bhagalpur/ Patna: Preparations are underway for the launch of the Vande Bharat Express between Bhagalpur and Patna, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to inaugurate the service on February 24. Final preparations are being carried out at the pit line, with a test run scheduled for Tuesday. However, railway officials have remained tight-lipped about the development.
A similar situation unfolded during the launch of the Bhagalpur-Howrah Vande Bharat Express, when officials initially cited a lack of facilities before the service was abruptly introduced. Now, with the yard fully electrified, Bhagalpur is poised to handle primary maintenance of Vande Bharat train rakes, increasing the likelihood of more such services from the city.
High-Level Meeting Discusses Railway Upgrades
According to railway sources, the Bhagalpur-Patna Vande Bharat Express will be the second Vande Bharat service from Bhagalpur. A recent high-level meeting involving railway officials and MPs saw demands raised for Vande Bharat trains to Patna and Delhi. Other key demands included:
- Replacement of AC coaches in the Bhagalpur-Malda Intercity Express
- Timetable revisions for the Bhagalpur-Deoghar route
- Additional stoppages for the Kaviguru Express at Dhanauri
Railway sources have confirmed that preparations are being made in anticipation of the Prime Minister’s visit to Bhagalpur later this month.
