Indian Railways is preparing to introduce a new Vande Bharat Express between Howrah and New Delhi via Dhanbad, a development set to transform long-distance travel on one of the busiest rail corridors in the country. The semi-high-speed train, equipped with world-class amenities, is expected to reduce the journey time by up to two hours compared to the Rajdhani Express, giving passengers a faster and more comfortable alternative.
Modern Connectivity for Eastern India
The new Vande Bharat Express will operate six days a week (excluding Sunday) and will stop at key stations including Dhanbad, Gaya, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Prayagraj, and Kanpur Central. This route is one of the most travelled stretches in the Eastern Railway zone, linking major commercial, cultural, and educational hubs.
Currently, the Howrah–New Delhi Rajdhani Express takes around 17 hours 15 minutes from Howrah to the national capital, while Dhanbad to New Delhi takes about 14 hours 05 minutes. With the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express, passengers are likely to save 1.5 to 2 hours of travel time, completing the 1449 km journey in under 15 hours.
Timetable Almost Finalized
Railway officials have indicated that the timetable is nearly ready, and the proposal is in its final stages of approval at the Railway Board level. An official announcement is expected soon, after which the trial run and regular operations will commence.
Reduced Passenger Pressure on Rajdhani Trains
With the Vande Bharat coming into service, trains such as the Howrah–New Delhi Rajdhani, Sealdah–New Delhi Rajdhani, and Sealdah–Bikaner Duronto are likely to witness reduced passenger load. This will not only improve the travel experience for passengers on these premium trains but also offer a new high-speed option for travelers from Dhanbad and surrounding regions.
Significance for Trade, Tourism, and Mobility
The Howrah–New Delhi corridor is crucial for business, tourism, and interstate movement. Introducing a Vande Bharat on this stretch demonstrates the government’s continued effort to boost connectivity and modernize transport infrastructure. Faster travel times, improved punctuality, and modern amenities such as automatic doors, comfortable seating, better suspension, and onboard infotainment will make long-distance travel smoother and more efficient.
A Boost for Eastern Rail Passengers
Once launched, this Vande Bharat Express is expected to become one of the most demanded trains in the region, offering a perfect combination of speed, comfort, and reliability. For lakhs of passengers who travel between Howrah, Dhanbad, and Delhi every month, this semi-high-speed service will mark a significant upgrade in rail travel experience.
