Indian Railways is all set to expand the reach of its semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express in Bihar with the introduction of two new trains, including one connecting Patna to Ayodhya. The move is being seen as a major step toward enhancing connectivity, improving travel comfort, and making religious tourism more accessible for devotees heading to Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram.
New Vande Bharat Trains to Boost Connectivity in Bihar, Patna–Ayodhya Route Announced
The first new Vande Bharat train will connect Patna to Ayodhya, covering a distance of around 565 kilometres in approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes. The route will begin from Patna’s Pataliputra station and pass through Hajipur, Muzaffarpur, Bapudham Motihari, Sugauli, Bettiah, Narkatiaganj, Bagaha, Siswa Bazar, Gorakhpur, and Basti before reaching Ayodhya Dham and terminating at Ayodhya Cantt station. This direct link is expected to provide immense relief to pilgrims from Bihar, offering them a faster, more comfortable alternative to reach the holy city.
The second Vande Bharat service will operate between Purnia and Danapur. This train will run via Madhepura, Saharsa, Khagaria, Hasanpur Road, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Hajipur, and Pataliputra before reaching Danapur. This east-to-west corridor will significantly improve regional connectivity, benefitting commuters across North and East Bihar.
Bihar has only one Vande Bharat service
Currently, Bihar has only one Vande Bharat service — the Gorakhpur to Patliputra train — which passes through Bagaha, Bettiah, Bapudham Motihari, and Muzaffarpur. The addition of two more services will not only expand the high-speed rail network in the state but also reduce travel time for passengers while providing modern facilities such as better seating, improved safety features, and faster journeys.
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently announced that the first Vande Bharat Sleeper is likely to debut in September this year. With Bihar assembly polls expected around October-November, speculation is high that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could dedicate the sleeper service either on the Bihar–Delhi or Bihar–West Bengal route. However, an official confirmation from the Ministry of Railways is still awaited.
The expansion of Vande Bharat services is being seen as a strategic move ahead of elections, with both development and connectivity at the centre stage. For the people of Bihar, it represents not only faster trains but also greater opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange.
