Patna: Bihar is set to receive a new semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express connecting Patna and Gorakhpur, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to virtually flag off the service from his proposed Siwan rally on June 20, according to railway officials.
The new 16-coach train will enhance connectivity between Bihar’s capital and North Bihar districts via Muzaffarpur, Motihari, Bettiah and Narkatiaganj, before entering Uttar Pradesh. Preparations for its launch are already underway at both Patna Junction and Gorakhpur, with the train’s maintenance planned at Gorakhpur Junction.
Though the final timetable is yet to be officially released by the Railway Board, tentative timings suggest the train will depart from Gorakhpur at 6 am, reach Patna by 11 am, and return from Patna at 3 pm, arriving back in Gorakhpur by 8–9 pm. The journey, covering a distance of approximately 400 km, is expected to take around 5 hours, making it the fastest rail service on this route.
The Vande Bharat Express will operate six days a week, offering improved rail options for commuters and travellers across north and central Bihar. Passengers from Hajipur, Muzaffarpur, Motihari, Bettiah, and surrounding areas will benefit significantly from the addition, which is also expected to relieve pressure on other long-distance trains.
Railway sources said the initial plan was to launch the train during one of the Prime Minister’s recent visits to Bihar. However, the proposal was delayed due to pending approvals from the Railway Board. With the electoral spotlight now on Bihar, the launch has gained political significance.
If confirmed, the Vande Bharat rollout will mark Bihar’s third such train after services connecting Patna to Ranchi and Howrah were inaugurated earlier. The upcoming service further signals the Centre’s continued push to expand the Vande Bharat network across eastern India.
