Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the second Vande Bharat Express on the Delhi-Varanasi route on Monday. The saffron-colored train, the second in its series, comes with a host of new features, according to a statement by the Northern Railway (NR).
The train will depart from Varanasi at 6 am, reaching New Delhi at 2:05 pm every Wednesday to Monday. For its return journey to Varanasi, it will start from New Delhi at 3 pm and reach its destination at 11:05 pm on all days except Tuesday.
Enhancing passenger comfort with innovative features the Vande Bharat Express offers superior passenger amenities, including onboard Wi-Fi infotainment, a GPS-based passenger information system, plush interiors, bio-vacuum toilets with touch-free conveniences, diffused LED lighting, charging points beneath every seat, individual touch-based reading lights, and concealed roller blinds, as highlighted in the NR statement.
The train will also have improved heat ventilation and air-conditioning system, which includes a UV lamp for germ-free air supply. The auto-climate air-conditioning system adjusts cooling based on climate conditions and occupancy.
Starting its journey from the spiritual city of Varanasi, the train will pass through Prayagraj, Kanpur, and reach the national capital, New Delhi.
This new service will particularly benefit pilgrims heading to Prayagraj and professionals traveling between the industrial hub of Kanpur and the bustling city of New Delhi.
Regular operations for the Vande Bharat Express are scheduled to commence on December 20, 2023. Departing from Varanasi at 6:00 AM, the train will reach Prayagraj at 07:34 AM, Kanpur Central at 09:30 AM, and finally, New Delhi at 2:05 PM.
The existing Vande Bharat Express on the Delhi-Varanasi route departs from New Delhi at 6 am and arrives at Varanasi at 2 pm. The return journey starts at 3 pm and concludes at 11 pm. With the addition of the second train with overlapping schedules, passengers now have greater flexibility in their travel options.
(Inputs from ANI)
