Chhapra : In a significant move to ease passenger congestion during the summer holidays, Indian Railways has introduced a Vande Bharat Special train service between Chhapra and Lucknow. Operated by the North Eastern Railway, the service promises a faster, more comfortable journey for travellers in the Purvanchal region — and is the first of its kind on this route.
The semi-high-speed service, fitted with modern Vande Bharat technology, will run six days a week — excluding Tuesdays — until July 11, 2025. With a total of eight coaches offering air-conditioned comfort and upgraded seating, the train is designed to offer a premium travel experience, previously unavailable on this corridor.
Train number 02270 departs from Lucknow at 2:15pm, arriving in Chhapra by 9:30pm. On its return journey, train number 02269 leaves Chhapra at 11:00pm and reaches Lucknow at 6:30am the following morning. En route, the train halts at key stations including Sultanpur, Varanasi Junction, Ghazipur City, Ballia and Suraimanpur — serving a broad swathe of eastern Uttar Pradesh.
The launch has been met with enthusiasm by local residents and public representatives, who view it as a much-needed upgrade to the region’s transport infrastructure. With the summer rush in full swing, the train offers a timely solution for families and holidaymakers heading to popular cities like Varanasi and Lucknow.
