The eagerly awaited Vande Bharat Express and Amrit Bharat trains, destined to serve routes from Bhopal to Lucknow and Patna, will experience a delay in their launch. The initial plan to begin operations in October has been revised, and the commencement of services is now anticipated for December.
These new high-speed trains are designed to shorten travel durations between Bhopal and Patna, and between Bhopal and Lucknow. Presently, more than fifteen trains run on the Bhopal-Lucknow route, and eight trains operate between Bhopal and Patna. Existing trains on these routes often have waiting lists ranging from 40 to 60 passengers.
The delay is attributed to the final stages of infrastructure development, per railway sources. Both trains will originate from Bhopal’s Rani Kamalapati Railway Station. Preparations at the station include dedicated washing pit lines and a Routine Overhauling (ROH) shed for Vande Bharat Express maintenance. This work is projected to conclude by October.
The Amrit Bharat train will comprise 20 coaches. An official from the Bhopal rail division emphasized that these trains will significantly enhance connectivity. The plan involves an 8-coach seating Vande Bharat for Bhopal to Lucknow, and a 20-coach sleeper Amrit Bharat for Bhopal to Patna. The goal is to have these trains running by the end of the year.
The introduction of these trains will streamline travel between Bhopal and Lucknow, and between Bhopal and Patna. The Vande Bharat train from Bhopal to Lucknow will offer both chair car and executive class seating options, reducing the journey time to 8-9 hours. Additionally, the Amrit Bharat Express on the Bhopal to Patna route will provide sleeper accommodations, enhancing the comfort and convenience for passengers.