In a major boost for central India’s railway connectivity, Indian Railways is all set to launch two new Vande Bharat Express trains from Bhopal’s Rani Kamlapati (RKMP) station—one to Patna and the other to Lucknow—within the next two months, as per a report from Times of India.

These trains will significantly improve interstate travel between Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, three of India’s most populous and politically important states.
RKMP to Patna: A Long Journey Gets Shorter
Currently, the train journey between Bhopal and Patna takes about 18 to 20 hours, forcing many passengers to endure overnight or multi-leg travel. The new Vande Bharat service will cut this time down to 12–13 hours, providing a faster, smoother, and more direct connection between the two capital cities.
The Patna division will manage the service, while final operational responsibilities will be shared with Bhopal. Timetables and fares are expected to be announced shortly.
RKMP to Lucknow: A Quick 6–8 Hour Ride
Similarly, the new Bhopal to Lucknow Vande Bharat Express will slash travel time from up to 12 hours to just 6 to 8 hours. This will offer a great convenience to passengers traveling for business, education, or family reasons.
What to Expect Onboard
Each train will feature:
- 8 coaches, including AC Chair Car and Executive Class
- The Kavach Protection System for enhanced safety
- Energy-efficient design, consuming 25 percent less electricity
- Comfortable seating, modern amenities, and real-time information systems
Conclusion
These new Vande Bharat Express routes are expected to alleviate waiting lists, reduce journey times, and transform rail travel for passengers in central and northern India. With semi-high-speed performance, better safety systems, and modern comforts, they mark another step in Indian Railways’ ongoing modernization.