Tatanagar in Jharkhand could shortly become a key center for long-distance Vande Bharat services. The South Eastern Railway (SER) has suggested two new Sleeper Vande Bharat Express trains linking the city to Mumbai and Varanasi. If accepted by the Railway Board, the trains are expected to improve overnight travel while boosting connectivity across eastern, central and western India. Here’s what we know so far.
Jharkhand’s Tatanagar To Soon Get Two Vande Bharat
According to a report by Avenue Mail, the South Eastern Railway has presented a detailed proposal to the Railway Board for two new Sleeper Vande Bharat Express services. The first planned train will run between Shalimar (West Bengal) and Mumbai, which will pass through Tatanagar and Chakradharpur. The route will also cross Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh, providing passengers a faster and more comfortable travel option between eastern and western India.
The second proposal is for a Tatanagar-Varanasi Sleeper Vande Bharat Express, a project that was first proposed in 2024. The service is intended to improve connectivity between Jharkhand, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The proposal had already been delayed due to insufficient maintenance infrastructure at Tatanagar station, but local MP Bidyut Baran Mahato has continued to push for its approval.
Also Read: Vande Bharat Express To Expand In Karnataka, Connecting Bengaluru And Mangaluru
South Eastern Railway To Propose ₹283 Crore Coaching Depot
To help with the operation of additional Sleeper Vande Bharat trains, South Eastern Railway has proposed a ₹283-crore state-of-the-art coaching depot at Tatanagar. At present, the station depends on a single upgraded washing line, upgraded in August 2024, for the maintenance of existing Vande Bharat trains. Railway authorities believe the new depot, along with the current redevelopment of Tatanagar station, will remove operational bottlenecks and enable the station to handle multiple high-speed train services.
If both routes receive acceptance, Tatanagar will have five Vande Bharat connections, which will make it one of eastern India’s major Vande Bharat hubs. The station currently has direct Vande Bharat services to Patna and Berhampur, while the Ranchi-Howrah and Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express trains also travel through Tatanagar six days a week.
Also Read: Vande Bharat Train Moves Along Snow-Covered Tracks In Kashmir, Netizens: “Looks Like Switzerland”
Railway officials are expecting the proposed Sleeper Vande Bharat services to witness strong demand, driven by their faster travel times, advanced amenities and improved comfort for long-distance passengers.
Good news for Tatanagar people!
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FAQs
What are the Vande Bharat routes?
India’s Vande Bharat Express network features over 60 active high-speed and overnight sleeper routes, connecting major economic, industrial, and pilgrimage centers across the country.
What is the cost of a ticket in Vande Bharat?
Vande Bharat Express ticket prices range between ₹700 and ₹3,500 depending on your route, class, and catering choices.
Is food free in Vande Bharat?
No, the food on the Vande Bharat Express is not free.
