Patna: The route for the Vande Bharat Express train from Patna to Purnia and Jogbani has received official approval, paving the way for the introduction of this much-awaited train service. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has provided an update confirming the advancement of this project.
Demand for Vande Bharat Express operations on the Katihar-Jogbani rail line, which passes through Purnia, has been strong. With other parts of India already benefiting from Vande Bharat trains, the absence of such a service on this line had led to several public appeals and formal requests to the Railway Board. Recently, the East Railway Board, based on feasibility studies and technical reports, gave assurance that they are considering operating the train on this route. If the Railway Board grants final approval, the service could commence soon.
Officials have suggested a practical plan to meet the high demand: by adding eight additional coaches to the existing New Jalpaiguri-Katihar Vande Bharat train, it can be extended to operate between Jogbani and Katihar, and then from Katihar to Patna as a 16-coach train. This will not only fulfill the longstanding public demand for a Vande Bharat connection from Purnia to Patna via Jogbani but also optimize resource utilization and revenue for Indian Railways.
Purnia, one of Bihar’s major cities by population and area, is a key beneficiary of this development. The new train will improve connectivity for residents of the entire region—including those in Jogbani near the Nepal border and crucial trade hubs like the Gulabbagh mandi—bringing faster and more convenient rail travel for thousands of daily commuters.
