Jagran Correspondent, Jamshedpur: Good news for rail passengers in Jharkhand! The state is likely to get two new Sleeper Vande Bharat Express trains, making long-distance travel to Mumbai and Varanasi faster and more comfortable.
As part of Indian Railway’s efforts to enhance long-distance connectivity, the industrial city of Tatanagar is set to become a key hub for two Sleeper Vande Bharat Express services.
According to a report by Jagran.com, the South Eastern Railway (SER) has submitted a detailed proposal to the Railway Board to operate these high-speed sleeper trains from Tatanagar to Mumbai, the country’s financial capital, and Varanasi, one of India’s most important cultural and spiritual cities.
To support the project, preparations are also underway to construct a modern coaching depot in Tatanagar at an estimated cost of Rs 283 crore, ensuring efficient maintenance of the new trains.
Jharkhand Vande Bharat Trains: Direct Connectivity to Mumbai and Varanasi
– Shalimar-Mumbai Sleeper Vande Bharat
The first proposed Sleeper Vande Bharat train will operate between Shalimar (West Bengal) and Mumbai. The train will pass through Tatanagar and Chakradharpur, linking Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh before reaching Maharashtra, providing faster connectivity for passengers across these states.
– Tatanagar-Varanasi Sleeper Vande Bharat
The second proposed service will directly connect Tatanagar with Varanasi. Although the proposal was initially drafted in 2024, it was put on hold due to the lack of adequate maintenance infrastructure at Tatanagar station.
Once operational, the train will significantly improve connectivity for passengers travelling across Jharkhand, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
Rs 283-Crore Coaching Depot to Support Operations
To facilitate the maintenance of the new Sleeper Vande Bharat trains, the South Eastern Railway is developing a state-of-the-art coaching depot in Tatanagar at an estimated cost of Rs 283 crore.
The new facility will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of the high-speed sleeper trains while strengthening Tatanagar’s rail infrastructure.
Tatanagar Set to Become a Major Vande Bharat Hub
With the introduction of these two new Sleeper Vande Bharat services, Tatanagar Railway Station is set to emerge as one of Eastern India’s major railway hubs.
At present, Tatanagar has direct Vande Bharat Express services to Patna and Berhampur. In addition, the Ranchi-Howrah and Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat trains pass through the station six days a week.
The addition of the proposed Sleeper Vande Bharat trains will further expand Tatanagar’s network, making it an important hub for five Vande Bharat services and significantly improving long-distance rail connectivity for passengers in the region.