Vande Bharat Express on Chandigarh-Jaipur in talks for commencement

23 Aug 2023 CW Team

The Northern Railways is considering the commencement of another Vande Bharat Express service, this time connecting Chandigarh and Jaipur. The idea to initiate this train route is currently being evaluated, as stated by Ambala Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Mandeep Singh Bhatia. The Ambala Division of the Northern Railway has formally requested permission to operate a Vande Bharat Express train on the Chandigarh-Jaipur railway route, passing through Delhi.

The division is optimistic that the Railway Board will grant approval for this endeavour. At present, the Ambala division hosts three Vande Bharat trains. DRM Mandeep Singh Bhatia mentioned, "The proposal is in the deliberation phase at the moment. Vande Bharat Express services have gained significant popularity within the Ambala division, particularly between Chandigarh and Delhi, where the occupancy rate ranges between 80 per cent and 90 per cent."

Currently, there are two trains (Garib Rath and Daulatpur Chowk-Sabarmati BG Express) operating between Chandigarh and Jaipur. A railway official highlighted that introducing the new train on the Chandigarh-Jaipur route would not only offer passengers a fresh travel experience but also lead to reduced travel time.

He further explained that the duration of travel and fare for the new service would depend on the route determined by the Railway Board. Currently, the Vande Bharat Express operates on two major routes within the Ambala division. One Vande Bharat Express runs between Delhi and Katra via Ambala, while the other connects Amb-Andaura to New Delhi, with a stop in Chandigarh.

Infrastructure Urban

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