The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced plans to introduce Vande Bharat trains on three key routes from Lucknow, aiming to provide faster and more comfortable travel options. These trains will operate between Lucknow and Jammu, Jaipur, and Bhopal, offering improved connectivity and reducing travel time.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Route Details
Authorities from Northern and Northeast Railways are working on infrastructure upgrades to support these new routes. Notable developments include the repair of the Ganga Bridge on the Kanpur route, a significant milestone since its last maintenance 29 years ago. Additionally, the Gorakhpur route is undergoing upgrades to facilitate faster and smoother train operations.
To accommodate the Vande Bharat trains, track speeds are being increased from 80-100 km/h to up to 130 km/h. This enhancement will ensure a faster and more efficient travel experience for passengers.
Operational Timeline and Approvals
The Vande Bharat trains will depart from Lucknow’s Charbagh Railway Station to Jammu, and from Gomtinagar Station to Bhopal and Jaipur. While the Railway Board’s approval for the Gomtinagar-Bhopal route is still pending, all three routes are expected to become operational within the next three months.
Impact on Train Services
During the infrastructure work, train operations on the Gorakhpur section will be affected. Automatic block signaling work will take place on March 29 and 30, leading to the cancellation and rerouting of several trains.
Canceled Trains:
- 15031/32 Lucknow Junction-Gorakhpur-Lucknow Express
- 65115/16 Bhatni-Ayodhya Dham Junction
Rerouted Trains on March 28:
- 14674 Amritsar-Jaynagar Express
- 14692 Jammu Tawi-Barauni Express
- 12565 Darbhanga-New Delhi Express
- 12557 Muzaffarpur-Anand Vihar Terminus
- 02569 Darbhanga-New Delhi Special
- 02563 Barauni-New Delhi Special
- 02570 New Delhi-Darbhanga
- 15113 Gomtinagar-Chhapra Express
- 12558 Anand Vihar Terminus-Muzaffarpur
- 15708 Amritsar-Katihar Express
- 20103 Lokmanya Tilak Terminus-Gorakhpur
- 13020 Kathgodam-Howrah Express
- 02564 New Delhi-Barauni
- 14617 Purnia Court-Amritsar
- 12556 Bathinda-Gorakhpur Express
Conclusion
Passengers are encouraged to check the updated schedules to avoid inconveniences. The introduction of Vande Bharat trains from Lucknow marks a significant step towards modernizing India’s railway network, enhancing regional connectivity, and improving travel experiences for thousands of commuters each day.
