Vande Bharat Express: Schedule and Routes Update

The much-awaited Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, is expected to begin its operations shortly. This high-speed train is set to revolutionize travel between major cities in India. Here is an updated schedule and the route details:

Departure Times and Stops For New Delhi to Varanasi Route

The first journey of the Vande Bharat Express will depart from New Delhi at 6:00 AM and is scheduled to reach Varanasi by 2:00 PM. On its way, the train will halt at Kanpur station for a brief 2-minute stop at 10:18 AM and at Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) for another 2-minute stop at 12:23 PM. The return journey will start from Varanasi at 3:00 PM and will arrive in New Delhi by 11:00 PM, with stops at Prayagraj at 4:35 PM and Kanpur at 6:30 PM.

Operating Schedule

Vande Bharat Express will run for five days a week: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. On Mondays and Thursdays, the train will undergo maintenance and will not be operational.

Route Details for New Delhi to Varanasi

The train will commence its journey on February 19, 2019, from New Delhi via Kanpur, Allahabad, and Varanasi. This route is the first launch of the Vande Bharat Express, with additional routes expected to be added gradually. The official website for booking tickets has already begun accepting reservations.

Future Extensions and Possibilities

The initial route between New Delhi and Varanasi is expected to start running by mid-January 2019 via Kanpur and Allahabad. Subsequent to this, other popular routes, such as between New Delhi and Chennai via Bengaluru, are being considered. These routes are less than 800 km, making them suitable for the high-speed service of Train 18. However, no clear statements have been made about the exact timelines for these additional routes.

Conclusion

The Vande Bharat Express promises to enhance travel experience with its punctuality, speed, and modern facilities. Future expansions aim to cater to a wider range of Indian cities, making long-distance travel more efficient and comfortable. For the latest updates and booking details, keep monitoring the official website for the Vande Bharat Express.