Digital News Guru Bihar Desk:
India’s 71st Vande Bharat: Patliputra–Gorakhpur Express Begins Journey
On June 20, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Gorakhpur–Patliputra Vande Bharat Express—India’s 71st train of this premium fleet—via video link from Siwan, Bihar. Designated train numbers 26501/26502, the semi‑high-speed service connects Patliputra Junction in Patna to Gorakhpur Junction in Uttar Pradesh, covering a distance of 384 km in just over 7 hours.
Launched amidst the Prime Minister’s visit to Siwan—also featuring foundation-stones for multiple infrastructure projects—this train marks a significant leap forward in regional rail connectivity.
Schedule & Frequency
- Departure & Arrival: From Gorakhpur at 5:40 AM, arriving at Patliputra by 12:45 PM; return departs Patliputra at 3:30 PM, reaching Gorakhpur around 10:30 PM.
- Operation: Six days a week—running Monday through Friday and Sunday (no service on Saturdays).
- Commencement of Commercial Services: Though ceremonially flagged off June 20, regular scheduled services begin on June 22, 2025 .
Route & Stops
Covering eight intermediate stops, the train enhances intercity links across Bihar and eastern UP. Key halts include:
- Kaptanganj
- Bagaha
- Narkatiaganj
- Bettiah
- Sagauli
- Bapudham Motihari
- Muzaffarpur
- Hajipur
This route represents a strategic corridor facilitating trade, education, and tourism between Patna and Gorakhpur.
Rolling Stock & Amenities
This model is part of the Mini Vande Bharat 2.0 series, encompassing eight coach units with seating for approximately 1,130 passengers—available in both Executive Class and Chair Car.
Passengers on board enjoy:
- Airline-style rotatable seats, large windows, and overhead storage
- On-board Wi‑Fi and infotainment systems including LED displays for journey updates
- Bio‑vacuum toilets, electric outlets, and reading lights at every seat
- Safety features: Kavach collision avoidance system, four emergency windows per coach, platform-side & rear cameras, aerosol‑based fire suppression, and flood‑proofing for under‑carriage equipment.
These enhancements ensure both comfort and security for all passengers.
Fare Structure & Travel Time
- Executive Class Fares range between Rs 715 (Gorakhpur–Kaptanganj) and Rs 1,820 (full route).
- Chair Car fares span from Rs 380 to Rs 925
At seven hours for 384 km, the Vande Bharat trims travel time by roughly 2 hours compared to existing express services—streamlining connectivity across neighboring states.
Flagging Off From Siwan: More Than Just a Train
The event was part of a broader push by PM Modi, who inaugurated numerous projects from Siwan:
- Vaishali–Deoria railway line (approx. Rs 400 crore)
- Export of the first diesel locomotive from Marhaura factory to Guinea
- Six sewage treatment plants under Namami Gange (~Rs 1,800 cr)
- Rs 3,000 cr+ water and sanitation programs
- 55,000 km rural roads, electrification, water connections, and 45,000+ common service centres in Bihar.
These infrastructure initiatives—totaling over Rs 5,700 crore—underscore a region-centric development agenda ahead of Bihar’s Assembly elections.
Community Engagement on Maiden Run
In a thoughtful outreach, Kendriya Vidyalaya and railway school students from Khagaul and other locales were granted complimentary rides on the inaugural journey—symbolizing a focus on youth and accessibility. The sight of delighted students boarding the state-of-the-art train captured broad public sentiment .
Strategic Significance
- Regional Connectivity Boost
Drastically enhancing Patna–Gorakhpur connectivity, the train strengthens socio-economic ties across Bihar‑UP, benefiting commuters, businesses, and travellers. - Infrastructure Demonstration
The Vande Bharat’s top-tier amenities and sleek design send a message of modernity—elevating travel standards in smaller cities and towns. - “Make in India” Momentum
Integrating domestic manufacturing—like the Marhaura locomotive export—this launch aligns with the “Make in India, Make for the World” initiative. - Electoral Optics
Launched days before Bihar’s elections, this showcase of development plays into the government’s narratives on growth, sanitation, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.
Snapshot Summary
| Aspect | Detail |
| Launch Date | June 20, 2025 (virtual); commercial from June 22 |
| Operators | Eastern Central Railway & North Eastern Railways |
| Train Type | Mini Vande Bharat 2.0 (8 coaches) |
| Distance & Duration | 384 km in ~7 hours, saving ~2 hours |
| Frequency | 6 days/week (no Saturday) |
| Major Stops | Kaptanganj, Bagaha, Narkatiaganj, Bettiah, Sagauli, Motihari, Muzaffarpur, Hajipur |
| Passenger Amenities | Wi‑Fi, infotainment, bio‑vacuum toilets, rotatable seats, LED screens, electric outlets |
| Safety Systems | Kavach, emergency exits/windows, fire suppression, flood‑proofing |
| Fare (EC/CC) | Rs 715 – Rs 1,820 / Rs 380 – Rs 925 |
| Regional Impact | Strengthens Bihar‑UP link, supports youth & trade, aligns with national infrastructure strategy |
In Perspective
This train is more than a sleek addition to the Indian Railways—it symbolizes the push toward fast, safe, modern travel for key regions. By eliminating extended journey times, it enhances daily life for commuters and families. Moreover, its integration within a broader $5,700 cr+ package of development projects highlights an ambitious infrastructural vision—particularly poignant in an election year.
Final Thoughts
The Gorakhpur–Patliputra Vande Bharat Express sets a high standard for regional rail travel—fusing speed, sophistication, and strategic planning. As commercial services begin June 22, the train heralds a new era for cross‑border connectivity between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
I’d be happy to further elaborate—whether you’d like a seat-by-seat fare breakdown, comparisons with other Vande Bharat routes, or deeper insights into the concurrent projects from the Siwan launch.
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