Dumka: A trial run of the Vande Bharat train, operating between Bhagalpur and Howrah, took place on Friday, extending the route up to Dumka. The train reached Dumka station at 2:30 PM at a speed of 100 km/h and returned to Bhagalpur after a 30-minute halt. However, the train’s speed significantly reduced before reaching the station.
Manish Kumar Gupta, the DRM (Divisional Railway Manager) of Malda Division, inspected the track and other aspects. Inside the train, he gathered additional information from station master TV Yadav. The DRM shared that except for Fridays, the train will run six days a week. The train consists of eight coaches, with four executive class coaches and four chair cars. The fare for an executive class seat is approximately ₹1700, and for a chair car, it’s around ₹800.
Inauguration on September 15
The train’s inauguration will take place on September 15 at 11 AM in Bhagalpur. It will reach Howrah by 8 PM on the same day. Regular operations will commence from September 17.
Route and Timings
On September 17, the train will depart from Howrah at 7:45 AM, arriving in Dumka at 11:23 AM. After a two-minute stop, it will proceed to Bhagalpur, reaching there by 2:05 PM.
The train will depart from Bhagalpur at 3:20 PM and reach Dumka by 5:17 PM, and from there, it will continue to Howrah, arriving at 9:20 PM. The train will have nine stops in total.
Strict Action Against Vandalism
The DRM stated that the train is equipped with modern safety features. It has an automatic braking system that activates in case of an impending accident.
Moreover, every coach is equipped with CCTV cameras, and four cameras are installed on the exterior of the train to monitor suspicious activities. In the past, incidents of stone-pelting have occurred on Vande Bharat trains, but thanks to the cameras, the main culprit was apprehended.
