Patna: Around nine Vande Bharat Express Trains linking several states, including West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand, were flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a virtual ceremony held on Sunday. According to (PMO).
After a considerable waiting period, the operations of two semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express trains commenced concurrently, connecting Bihar’s capital, Patna, with Jharkhand’s capital, Ranchi, to Howrah in West Bengal. With this addition, West Bengal now boasts a total of five Vande Bharat trains. Senior officials from Eastern and South Eastern Railways were present at the inauguration ceremonies held at Patna-Ranchi and Howrah stations.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that Vande Bharat Express trains have not only provided a boost to tourism but have also invigorated economic activities in the regions they serve. These trains have led to a surge in tourist numbers at their destinations, subsequently generating employment opportunities. He noted that the newly inaugurated trains offer enhanced modernity and comfort compared to their predecessors.
#WATCH आज बहुत ऐतिहासिक दिन है। आज पटना से दूसरी वंदे भारत ट्रेन को हरी झंडी दिखाई गई है। मैं इसके लिए प्रधानमंत्री मोदी को धन्यवाद देना चाहता हूं: भाजपा सांसद रवि शंकर प्रसाद, पटना pic.twitter.com/gzmbcrJcgQ
— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) September 24, 2023
On the same occasion, Ravi Shankar Prasad, a BJP leader and former Union Minister, expressed his delight, labeling the day as a historic one. He extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for the commencement of the second Vande Bharat train from Patna. Prasad highlighted the long-anticipated launch of Vande Bharat Express services from Patna, reflecting the satisfaction of the local populace. He also voiced his intention to advocate for the extension of Vande Bharat Express services from Patna to Delhi.
While acknowledging the event, Prasad took the opportunity to critique Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, suggesting that his presence at the ceremony would have been appreciated. He stated that Nitish Kumar, a former Railway Minister, had displayed a magnanimous spirit during his tenure, and his participation would have added value to the occasion.
According to official information, the Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat Express will operate six days a week, excluding Wednesdays, and will make stops at seven locations en route between Howrah and Patna. These stops include Durgapur, Asansol, Jamtara, Jasidih, Lakhisarai, Mokama, and Patna Sahib. The train with the identification number 22348 (Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat) will depart from Patna at 8 am, arriving at Howrah station at 2.35 pm on the same day. In the reverse direction, the train numbered 22347 (Howrah-Patna Vande Bharat) will leave Howrah at 3.50 pm, reaching Patna station at 10.40 pm on the same day.
Furthermore, it has been disclosed that the fare for a Chair Car (CC) seat on this train between Howrah and Patna is set at Rs 1450, while the fare for an Executive Class (EC) ticket stands at Rs 2675.