Guwahati, May 21: In a major stride towards improved rail connectivity, Northeast India is gearing up for the launch of its inaugural Vande Bharat Express, announced Sanjay Chilwarwar, Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM) of Katihar, Northeast Frontier.
The highly anticipated train, identified as Up-22227 and Down-22228, will ply the route between New Jalpaiguri and Guwahati, covering an impressive distance of approximately 410 kilometers in just six hours.
According to the ADRM, the Vande Bharat Express will commence its journey from New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri, traversing the scenic landscapes of Northeast India, and culminating in the bustling city of Guwahati, Assam.
With its semi-high-speed capabilities, this new train is expected to substantially reduce travel time between the two cities, situated around 700 kilometers apart. At present, the Rajdhani Express holds the distinction of being the fastest train on this route, completing the journey in eight and a half hours.
The recent virtual inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the launch of Odisha’s first Vande Bharat train, connecting Puri and Howrah.
Building on this success, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared PM Modi’s ambitious goal of expanding the Vande Bharat train network to nearly all states by June this year.
“PM Modi has set a target that Vande Bharat should reach almost all the states by June. Vande Metro is being designed for a distance of less than 100 km, catering to daily commuters,” Vaishnaw said.
Having personally experienced the comfort and convenience of the Puri-Howrah Vande Bharat Express, Vaishnaw expressed his satisfaction, highlighting the engaging interactions with fellow passengers and young individuals as the highlights of his journey. This endorsement by the Union Minister further validates the exceptional quality and passenger-centric approach of the Vande Bharat Express.
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express in Northeast India marks a significant milestone in the region’s railway infrastructure development. Commuters can anticipate reduced travel times, enhanced comfort, and improved connectivity between New Jalpaiguri and Guwahati. With the ambitious target of nationwide coverage by June, India’s rail network is poised for a transformative change, ensuring greater convenience and efficiency for passengers across the country.
Also Read: Anand Mishra Takes Charge as New SP of North Lakhimpur, Assam
The Vande Bharat Express, popularly known as Train 18, introduces a groundbreaking concept in Indian railways as the country’s first engineless train.
Unlike conventional trains, Train 18 incorporates an integrated engine, resembling the technology utilized in bullet trains and metro systems. It comprises 16 fully air-conditioned chair car coaches, offering passengers a choice between Economy and Executive class. The Executive class boasts a fascinating feature of revolving chairs that can rotate a full 180 degrees.
Another noteworthy aspect of the Vande Bharat Express is the implementation of automatic doors with sliding footsteps, akin to centralized control systems found in metro trains. Passengers can also enjoy onboard Wi-Fi access, providing them with internet services for infotainment purposes.
Additionally, the train incorporates a GPS-based advanced passenger information system, providing timely updates on upcoming stations and relevant information.