Commuters and pilgrims travelling between Tatanagar in Jharkhand and the coastal city of Puri in Odisha can anticipate a significantly enhanced travel experience with the imminent introduction of the Vande Bharat Express.
This semi-high-speed train promises to reduce the journey duration to approximately eight hours, a considerable saving in time that underscores the Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to modernise its network and improve inter-state connectivity. Covering a distance of 514 kilometres, this new service offers a blend of speed, contemporary amenities, and a convenient schedule. Operating six days a week, excluding Thursdays, the Tatanagar to Puri Vande Bharat Express is scheduled to depart Tatanagar at 6:10 AM, arriving in Puri by 2:10 PM. The return journey will commence from Puri at 2:40 PM, reaching Tatanagar at 10:40 PM. This timetable is designed to cater to both day-trippers and those undertaking longer stays, facilitating smoother travel for a variety of purposes.
The train will be configured with eight coaches, offering both AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car options, allowing passengers to choose according to their preferences and budget. Strategically planned stoppages at key stations including Jhargram, Ghatsila, Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and Khurda Road will ensure that the benefits of this faster transit are accessible to a wider populace, connecting not only major urban centres but also smaller towns along the route. The Vande Bharat Express is synonymous with modern rail travel, and the new Tatanagar to Puri service will uphold this reputation. Passengers can expect a range of premium features designed for comfort and convenience, including ergonomically designed seating, advanced air conditioning systems, automatic doors for enhanced safety, onboard infotainment systems to make journeys more enjoyable, and hygienic bio-vacuum toilets.
With fares ranging from approximately ₹1,500 for the AC Chair Car to ₹2,400 for the Executive Chair Car, the service aims to provide value by combining speed with a comfortable and hassle-free travel environment. This pricing structure seeks to accommodate different segments of travellers, making modern rail travel more accessible. The introduction of this Vande Bharat Express is poised to provide a notable impetus to regional travel and tourism between Jharkhand and Odisha. Puri, a significant centre for pilgrimage and a popular tourist destination, will become more easily accessible to individuals from Jharkhand and neighbouring regions. The substantial reduction in travel time is expected to encourage more frequent short trips and weekend getaways, thereby supporting local economies and the tourism sector in both states.
This initiative aligns with the broader vision of the Indian Railways to upgrade the travel experience across the country. By deploying modern, faster trains like the Vande Bharat Express, the railways are not only improving efficiency but also fostering greater connectivity and convenience for passengers, contributing to a more interconnected and vibrant regional landscape. The enhanced speed and comfort offered by this new train service represent a significant step forward in facilitating movement and strengthening ties between these eastern states.
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