On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Vande Bharat Express in Assam. This signified the beginning of Vande Bharat services in the Northeast region.
The Vande Bharat Express will connect Guwahati to New Jalpaiguri and is expected to reduce travel time on this route by approximately one hour compared to the quickest train currently in service. In five and a half hours, the train will traverse 410 kilometres over a distance of 410 kilometres. It will be the eighteenth Vande Bharat Express service in operation.
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flags off the inaugural run of Northeast’s first Vande Bharat Express train in Assam. The northeast-bound Vande Bharat will run between New Jalpaiguri Station in West Bengal and Guwahati in Assam. pic.twitter.com/xEjbXVMYAX
— ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2023
Scheduling and stops
The train will operate six days per week and stop at New Alipurduar, Kokrajhar, New Bongaigaon, Kamakhya, New Jalpaiguri, and Guwahati junctions.
The train is scheduled to depart New Jalpaiguri at 6:10 am and arrive in Guwahati at noon. The return trip from Guwahati will depart at 4:30 pm and arrive in New Jalpaiguri at 10:20 pm.
Three versions of Vande Bharat trains by February-March next year: Ashwini Vaishnaw
Other inaugurations in addition to Vande Bharat Express
In addition to launching the Vande Bharat Express, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate 182 kilometres of electrified sections. This innovation will make pollution-free transport possible, allowing trains to operate faster and reducing their operating time. In addition, this initiative will make it possible for trains with electric propulsion to access Meghalaya.
New DEMU/MEMU storage facility to be unveiled
PM Modi will also open a newly constructed DEMU/MEMU building in Assam’s Lumding. This facility will enhance the maintenance of DEMU rakes functioning in the region, resulting in enhanced operational viability.
The initiatives undertaken by PM Modi seek to improve regional connectivity, reduce travel times, and provide eco-friendly and efficient transport options.
