A new chapter in North India’s railway modernisation is unfolding with the arrival of a 16-coach Vande Bharat train at Gorakhpur Junction.
This high-capacity, semi-high-speed service is poised to reshape regional rail travel, linking key urban and cultural centres including Ayodhya, Lucknow, and Prayagraj. The train, now undergoing final cleaning and safety checks, is expected to enter service soon, delivering a faster, greener, and more comfortable travel alternative for thousands of daily passengers. The arrival of this advanced train marks a strategic upgrade from the existing 8-coach Vande Bharat currently operating on the Gorakhpur-Prayagraj corridor. Once the 16-coach version is operational, the smaller unit will be reassigned to a new route connecting Gorakhpur with Patna. The revised plan aims to optimise rail infrastructure while meeting growing demand on high-density routes.
The Gorakhpur-Patna service, part of the railway’s regional connectivity enhancement plan, will include critical stops at towns such as Bettiah, Narkatiaganj, and Muzaffarpur. The train will begin its journey from Gorakhpur at 4 AM and return by 9:30 PM, substantially reducing travel time and offering a seamless commute with state-of-the-art facilities. For residents in eastern Uttar Pradesh and north-west Bihar, this service is set to enhance both personal mobility and regional economic ties. Built with cutting-edge Indian engineering, the 16-coach Vande Bharat train is fully air-conditioned, energy-efficient, and designed with passenger comfort in mind. Its aerodynamic build, faster acceleration, and regenerative braking system not only improve speed and reliability but also contribute to Indian Railways’ broader sustainability goals.
In a bid to scale up modern rail services, the North Eastern Railway zone headquartered in Gorakhpur is charting an ambitious expansion. Proposals for 17 new trains—including seven additional Vande Bharat and two Amrit Bharat trains—are currently under review. Among the standout plans is the introduction of a pink-coloured sleeper-class Vande Bharat between Gorakhpur and Delhi, which would be a first for long-distance comfort on this prestigious line. Plans also include route extensions via Varanasi to enhance connectivity further toward Prayagraj and beyond. The initial 8-coach Vande Bharat train was inaugurated mid-2023, covering the Gorakhpur-Ayodhya-Lucknow route before its extension to Prayagraj. It quickly became popular among passengers for its punctuality, onboard amenities, and reduced travel time—factors that this new 16-coach version seeks to build upon.
With ongoing efforts to enhance last-mile connectivity and reduce carbon emissions across its network, Indian Railways is aligning with the vision of smart, inclusive, and eco-conscious mobility. The new services not only promise infrastructural development but also improve access to education, healthcare, and employment, particularly in under-served regions. As the final regulatory and safety protocols are completed, residents of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar can look forward to a transformative shift in how they travel faster journeys, modern amenities, and a greener way forward.
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