Uttar Pradesh is set to strengthen its premium rail network with the launch of its 15th Vande Bharat Express, scheduled to begin commercial operations next week. With 14 such semi-high-speed trains already running across the state and connecting more than 20 cities, the new service will further boost fast, modern intercity travel.
The upcoming Vande Bharat will operate between Gomtinagar and Saharanpur, and will be maintained by the Northern Railway.
Gomtinagar–Saharanpur Vande Bharat: Launch Date and Route
The new service will run as Train No. 26503/26504 (Saharanpur–Gomtinagar–Saharanpur). According to the announcement, the train will start operations:
- From Saharanpur: December 9
- From Gomtinagar: December 10
The train will halt at seven key stations along the route:
Daliganj, Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Najibabad, and Roorkee—offering fast connectivity across major commercial and administrative centres of western and central Uttar Pradesh.
Faster Travel With Modern Onboard Facilities
Like other services under the Vande Bharat Express network, the new train is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Lucknow and western UP. It will feature modern amenities such as:
- Ergonomic seating
- Automatic doors
- Onboard infotainment
- Enhanced safety systems
- Improved acceleration and braking
These features aim to deliver a smoother, safer and more comfortable travel experience compared to conventional express trains.
Uttar Pradesh: First State to Receive Vande Bharat
Uttar Pradesh holds the distinction of being the first state in India to operate a Vande Bharat Express, with the inaugural service running between Varanasi and New Delhi. Since then, the network has expanded rapidly across religious, administrative and commercial corridors.
Full List of Vande Bharat Trains Connected to Uttar Pradesh
With this addition, the state’s premium train network connects routes such as:
- Varanasi–New Delhi
- Ayodhya–Anand Vihar Terminal
- Lucknow–Dehradun
- Gorakhpur–Prayagraj
- Patna–Gomtinagar
- Udaipur–Agra Cantt
- Agra Cantt–Banaras
- Gorakhpur–Patliputra
- And several others
The Gomtinagar–Saharanpur service will further expand access to education hubs, industrial belts, and pilgrimage centres across the Ganga-Yamuna region.
A Major Boost to Regional Mobility
Railway officials say the growing Vande Bharat footprint reflects rising passenger demand for fast, reliable, and premium rail services. The new addition is expected to benefit students, office commuters, traders, and tourists, while easing pressure on conventional express trains and road transport.
