News Brief
Arun Dhital
May 23, 2025, 03:33 PM | Updated 03:44 PM IST
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A new 16-coach semi-high-speed Vande Bharat train has arrived at Gorakhpur Junction and is likely to be deployed on the Gorakhpur–Ayodhya–Lucknow–Prayagraj route, Jagran reported.
The train underwent cleaning and inspection on Friday (23 May) before its expected rollout, though the official launch date is yet to be announced.
The new train is expected to increase passenger capacity and significantly improve the travel experience along the Gorakhpur–Lucknow–Prayagraj corridor.
The current 8-coach Vande Bharat train operating on the Gorakhpur–Prayagraj route will be shifted to the Gorakhpur–Patna corridor.
The new route will take the train through Bettiah, Narkatiaganj, and Muzaffarpur, departing Gorakhpur at 4 am and returning by 9.30 pm the same day.
The move is part of the Indian Railways' broader plan to expand Vande Bharat services across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
The Vande Bharat trains, known for their modern amenities, faster travel times, and improved safety features, have been a success story for Indian Railways.
Built with indigenous technology, these trains come in 8 and 16-coach variants, with sleeper versions under development for long-distance travel.
The first 8-coach Vande Bharat from Gorakhpur was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2023.
The North Eastern Railway zone, headquartered in Gorakhpur, is preparing to introduce 17 new trains, including seven more Vande Bharat services and two Amrit Bharat trains.
According to reports, plans also include a pink-colored sleeper Vande Bharat to run between Gorakhpur and Delhi, and expanded service via Varanasi to Prayagraj.