Kolkata: West Bengal’s first Vande Bharat Express, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ease the connectivity was hit on the first day of its commercial operation, which began on
Sunday as it expected to usher a new dimension in business and tourism in north Bengal, especially in the Darjeeling hills.
Eastern Railway sources said the semi-super-fast train was hit on the opening day of its commercial run as all its 1112 seats ( AC Chair -Economy Class- and Executive Chair -Premium Class)- were packed as the white line chugged off from Howrah state on scheduled time 05 55 hours. It has 88 executive classes and the rest are chair cars.
The white liner with 16 coaches would reach the New Jalpaiguri Station, the gateway of north Bengal, in designated seven and hour hours to cover 587 kms. The train would reduce travel time by three and half hours.
PM Modi flagged off the train on December 30, losing no time to ease the connectivity of West Bengal despite his mother died on the day in Gujarat.
After attending the last rites, Modi on line unveiled the train and said this would revolutionise the connectivity as well as the economic activity of the state.
The train would halt at Bolpur, Malda, and Barsoi in Bihar and finally at the NJP station, the gateway of north Bengal and the neighbouring state of Sikkim.
The NJP has also a vital link with neighbouring countries of Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. North Bengal provides corridors to all these three friendly nations.
The down train from NJP would start from 2 30 hours and reach Howrah at around 22: 00 hrs.
However, due to foggy conditions, the timing may vary in reaching the two terminals, sources added.
ER sources said the booking of the train is fully up to January 5.
Barring Wednesday, the train will run six days a week,
