Indian Railways is working on a plan to launch a new Vande Bharat Express train to connect Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The Samastipur division is currently evaluating potential routes for this semi-high-speed train to provide better connectivity for people in North Bihar. Once operational, this train is expected to reduce the travel time between Darbhanga and Varanasi by approximately three to four hours while offering more seating capacity for passengers.
Which routes are being considered for the Darbhanga-Banaras Vande Bharat?
Railway officials are discussing two possible routes for this service. The first and most likely route will pass through Darbhanga, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Hajipur, Chhapra, and Ballia. This path is being favored because it covers major towns and avoids the heavy traffic of the Patna line. The second option being considered goes via Samastipur, Barauni, Mokama, and Patna, but the high congestion on this route makes it a less probable choice. A final decision on the time table and the specific route will be taken soon after the ongoing discussions.
What are the other upcoming Vande Bharat services for Bihar?
Apart from the Darbhanga-Banaras route, several other Vande Bharat trains have been announced or have recently started operations to improve regional connectivity. These trains link key cities in Bihar to important destinations in Uttar Pradesh and within the state itself. The following table provides details of the recent developments in these services.
| Train Route | Status | Major Stations Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Patna-Ayodhya | Announced | Hajipur, Muzaffarpur, Motihari, Gorakhpur |
| Purnia-Danapur | Announced | Saharsa, Khagaria, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur |
| Patna-Gorakhpur | Operational | Bettiah, Bapudham Motihari, Muzaffarpur |
| Patna-Lucknow | Operational | Buxar, DDU, Varanasi, Ayodhya |
The Railway Board Chairman and the Railway Minister have already given assurances regarding these new services. The Patna-Ayodhya train is expected to cover a distance of 565 kilometers in about seven and a half hours, while the Purnia-Danapur train will provide a faster travel option for passengers in the Seemanchal and Kosi regions.