On Friday (June 20), Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the train from Siwan in Bihar.
The service aims to reduce travel time by a minimum of two hours, enhancing the convenience for passengers along the route.
माननीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी ने बिहार से देवरिया-वैशाली के बीच नई रेल लाइन का उद्घाटन किया। साथ ही पाटलिपुत्र-गोरखपुर #VandeBharatExpress और नई ट्रेन सेवा व गिनी गणराज्य को निर्यात होने वाले प्रथम लोकोमोटिव को हरी झंडी दिखाकर रवाना किया। #Railinfra4Bihar pic.twitter.com/YXEJN4OHL7
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) June 20, 2025
Route, timings and frequency
The inaugural trip commenced from Patliputra station in Patna around 1 pm on June 20, according to PTI.
While the start date for its regular commercial service is yet to be confirmed, an earlier notification from the Railway Ministry indicated that the train would leave Gorakhpur at 5.40 am and arrive in Patliputra by 12.45 pm. The return journey will start at 3.30 pm, reaching Gorakhpur by 10.30 pm.
The train is set to run six days a week, except Saturdays, passing through significant stations in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh such as Hajipur, Muzaffarpur, Bapudham Motihari, Sagauli, Bettiah, Narkatiaganj, and Bagaha, as per PTI. The overall distance covered will be around 384 km.
बिहार को नई रफ्तार!
पाटलिपुत्र से गोरखपुर को रवाना होगी नई वंदे भारत एक्सप्रेस।#VandeBharatExpress pic.twitter.com/LaldIOgvgs
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) June 20, 2025
Bihar is gearing up for elections later this year.
Train’s features and safety systems
Emphasizing the importance of this new service, local BJP MLA Sanjiv Chaurasia mentioned that the train is a present from PM Modi to the people of Bihar, offering “world-class amenities” to passengers.
Chaurasia pointed out that the train boasts features such as LED display panels for speed and station information, bio-vacuum toilets, and the Kavach safety system, designed to automatically brake in the event of the loco pilot’s inaction.
However, the full advantages of Kavach have yet to be realized due to partial infrastructure along the route, as reported by PTI citing railway officials.
Read more: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban: PM Modi disburses first instalment to 53,600 beneficiaries in Bihar
Broader rail infrastructure plans
This new train marks the second Vande Bharat service for Gorakhpur, as noted by Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar during an inspection on June 19, while assessing station improvements under the ₹500-crore Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
The initiative aims to transform Gorakhpur junction, which has the world’s second-longest platform, into a modern passenger center featuring lounges, retail spaces, food courts, children’s play areas, and facilities for differently-abled individuals, including ramps, lifts, and Braille signage, according to PTI.
Kumar highlighted a budget allocation of ₹19,858-crore for railway development in Uttar Pradesh for the financial year 2025-26. He also discussed ongoing infrastructure projects like new lines and third-line construction in eastern UP, including the Khalilabad-Bahraich corridor.
Vande Bharat expansion across India
The addition of the Patliputra-Gorakhpur service brings the total count of Vande Bharat trains in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to 28, as stated by Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity at the Railway Board.
Read more: Cabinet approves two rail projects worth ₹6,405 crore, to increase network by over 300 km
Although the trains can attain speeds of 160 kmph, they are currently limited to 130 kmph due to infrastructural limitations. Ongoing upgrades are expected to gradually unlock the full speed and safety capabilities of the trains.
