Patna: The people of the Kosi division are set to receive the Vande Bharat Express soon, with the train scheduled to run between Saharsa and Sealdah. The railways have begun preparations for this new route. Vinay Srivastava, DRM of the Samastipur division, confirmed that the Railway Ministry has given instructions regarding this service and that the route is currently being surveyed.
The train will travel via Mansi, Khagaria, and Barauni, with the East Central Railway already making the necessary arrangements. Technical training for the route is being provided to the train manager and loco pilot, who will head to Jhajha for the train’s operation. This marks the first time a Vande Bharat train will run between Saharsa and Sealdah, offering an additional option to passengers in Saharsa, Supaul, and Madhepura.
Passengers traveling to and from Deoghar will also benefit from this new service. While the Hate Bazar Express currently runs on this route, Vande Bharat will offer a faster and more modern alternative. Previously, Bihar received four Vande Bharat trains, all inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Despite the higher fares, Vande Bharat trains have seen increasing demand in Bihar. In just one year, nine Vande Bharat trains have been introduced in the state. The trains are particularly popular for their comfort, high-tech facilities, and reduced travel time. Seats in both the chair car and executive class remain consistently full, even though the fare is 50-60 percent higher than the regular 3-tier AC.
The first Vande Bharat service in Bihar was launched between Patna and Ranchi on June 27, 2023, and was quickly followed by more routes due to high demand. East Central Railway CPRO Saraswati Chandra attributes the popularity of Vande Bharat to its modern technology, faster travel times, and comfortable seating arrangements, making it a preferred choice for passengers across the state.
