India To launch Two New Vande Bharat Trains In Bihar
Patna is preparing for a significant upgrade in rail infrastructure as Bihar is expected to receive two new Vande Bharat Express services this year, marking a transformative phase in the state’s transport network. Both trains will originate from Patna and are designed to drastically cut travel time, improve regional connectivity, and offer modern travel comfort.
One of the planned routes will connect Patna to Ayodhya, covering 565 kilometres in under eight hours. The train is expected to stop at several key stations including Muzaffarpur, Bettiah, Gorakhpur and Basti before reaching Ayodhya. This will provide a major boost for religious tourism, making pilgrimages to Ayodhya more accessible for passengers from North Bihar.The second service will link Purnia in eastern Bihar to Danapur, near Patna. The route will travel through towns such as Madhepura, Saharsa, Khagaria, Samastipur and Muzaffarpur before concluding at Danapur. Rail officials suggest this east-to-west connection could be a gamechanger for passengers, particularly those dependent on existing overcrowded routes. The new service is anticipated to ease pressure on conventional express trains and bring faster, more reliable travel options.
Experts note that these announcements come amid rising public demand for modern mobility and reflect the government’s push for sustainable, energy-efficient transport systems. The semi-high-speed Vande Bharat trains, equipped with advanced safety features and built-in energy efficiency, align with India’s ambition to create a low-carbon, eco-friendly transport sector.There is also growing anticipation over the proposed debut of the Vande Bharat Sleeper, expected to launch in September. Railways insiders suggest that the first sleeper service may connect Bihar either to Delhi or West Bengal, catering to long-distance overnight travel. The move would be especially significant for Bihar, a state where passenger density on long-haul routes remains among the highest in the country.
While the official launch dates for the new Patna–Ayodhya and Purnia–Danapur services are yet to be finalised, railway planners indicate they are likely to be operational before the end of the year. Analysts highlight that with the introduction of these services, Bihar’s rail connectivity could move closer to bridging long-standing infrastructure gaps, making travel faster, more inclusive, and more sustainable.For millions of passengers in the state, these trains promise not only shorter journeys but also a modern, cleaner alternative to conventional travel. By investing in high-speed, energy-efficient rail, officials are signalling a shift towards a greener mobility future, in line with national goals of reducing emissions and creating equitable, accessible urban and regional transport.
