Munger: In a major development for Munger district, residents will soon be able to board the country’s premier semi-high-speed train, the Vande Bharat Express, directly from Jamalpur to Howrah. The service, which currently runs between Bhagalpur and Howrah, has been approved for extension to Jamalpur and is expected to commence operations from October.
The move follows a meeting between Munger MLA Pranav Kumar and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Delhi, during which the MLA advocated for improved rail connectivity to boost tourism and commerce in the region. Munger, known globally for its historic Yogashram, attracts visitors from 23 countries, making enhanced rail connectivity a key demand.
Five Trains to Connect Jamalpur and Howrah
With the addition of the Vande Bharat Express, Jamalpur will now have five trains running to Howrah. Presently, four express trains operate on this route. The Railways has also released a tentative timetable for the extended service, which will operate under train number 22309/22310.
Tentative Timetable:
Howrah to Jamalpur (22309)
- Departs Howrah: 7:45 AM
- Bolpur Shantiniketan: 9:13 AM
- Rampurhat: 10:00 AM
- Dumka: 11:05 AM
- Naunihat: 11:32 AM
- Hansdiha: 11:50 AM
- Mandarhill: 12:12 PM
- Barahat: 12:30 PM
- Bhagalpur: 1:15 PM
- Arrives Jamalpur: 2:15 PM
Jamalpur to Howrah (22310)
- Departs Jamalpur: 3:30 PM
- Bhagalpur: 4:22 PM
- Barahat: 5:02 PM
- Mandarhill: 5:16 PM
- Hansdiha: 5:38 PM
- Naunihat: 5:53 PM
- Dumka: 6:25 PM
- Rampurhat: 7:18 PM
- Bolpur Shantiniketan: 7:56 PM
- Arrives Howrah: 10:05 PM
Proposal for Another Vande Bharat Route
MLA Pranav Kumar also submitted a proposal to the Railway Minister to revise the planned Saharsa–Sealdah Vande Bharat route to run via Saharsa–Khagaria–Munger–Jamalpur–Abhaypur–Kiul. He argued that the revised route would serve a larger number of passengers and reduce travel time to Sealdah, given that trains on this section can run at 130 kmph.
The proposed route aims to make Sealdah more accessible from Saharsa and Munger, and enhance rail connectivity in underserved areas.
Awaiting Final Approval for Morning Departure
The Howrah Zone Headquarters has also submitted a separate proposal to the Railway Board requesting that the Vande Bharat train originate from Bhagalpur in the morning. However, a final decision on this rescheduling is still pending, and the train currently continues to operate on its existing timetable.
This expansion is expected to provide a significant boost to local tourism, commerce, and connectivity for the residents of Munger and surrounding regions.
