Patna: A new Vande Bharat Express is likely to soon connect Patliputra Junction in Patna with Gorakhpur Junction, significantly reducing travel time between the two cities. The proposed semi-high-speed service has been approved in principle by the Railway Board following a joint proposal submitted by the East Central Railway and the North Eastern Railway zones.
Covering a distance of 397 kilometres, the new Vande Bharat is expected to complete the journey in just five to six hours, compared to the current travel time of eight to ten and a half hours by existing trains. The proposed route will pass through Sheetalpur, Khaira, Mashrakh, Gopalganj, Thawe Junction, and Kaptanganj Junction—linking several important towns and districts along the way.
At present, three passenger trains operate between Patliputra and Gorakhpur. Train number 55007 departs from Patliputra at 5 am and arrives in Gorakhpur at 4:30 pm, taking nearly 11.5 hours. Another service, 05079, covers the distance in nearly 9 hours, while 15079, leaving at 3:15 pm, reaches Gorakhpur by 11:55 pm.
The proposed Vande Bharat will provide a much-needed faster alternative for passengers travelling along this busy corridor. Discussions are currently underway within both railway zones to finalise operational details and schedule planning.
If launched, this will become the sixth Vande Bharat Express service from Patna. The capital already operates five Vande Bharat trains connecting to Howrah, Ranchi, Lucknow, Tatanagar, and New Jalpaiguri, making it one of the most well-connected cities in eastern India by premium train services.
