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Will Jharkhand soon see a network of Vande Bharat trains connecting it to major cities like Delhi, Pune, and Raipur? The South Eastern Railway’s new proposal sparks excitement among passengers awaiting faster, premium travel.
Routes include Ranchi–Delhi, Ranchi–Pune, Ranchi–Varanasi, and others.
Ranchi: In a major development for train passengers, six new Vande Bharat Express trains are likely to be introduced in Jharkhand soon. The South Eastern Railway (SER) has sent a proposal to the Railway Board to operate these semi-high-speed trains on six new routes connecting Ranchi with major destinations across India.
According to reports, the proposal was submitted following recommendations from the South Eastern Railway Consumer Advisory Committee. The committee highlighted the increasing passenger demand and the need for faster, more comfortable trains from Jharkhand’s capital.
Sources indicate that the SER has written to the Railway Board twice this year, first in February 2025 and again in October 2025 — pressing for approval of these routes.
If approved, the following routes are expected to be operational soon:
Additionally, the Ranchi–Puri Vande Bharat Express, which has already been announced, is expected to begin operations soon after a delay. The SER has also proposed launching an Amrit Bharat Express between Ranchi and SMVB (Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal, Bengaluru).
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According to railway sources, the ticket fares are still under discussion, with authorities aiming to keep them affordable for all categories of travelers. Given the increasing demand, the move is expected to bring relief to passengers, especially during the festive season when popular routes such as Ranchi–Patna and Ranchi–Varanasi Vande Bharat trains are routinely sold out.
For example, on November 10, 2025, tickets for the Ranchi–Varanasi route were fully booked, reflecting the soaring demand for these modern trains.
Ranchi is already well-connected with several major cities through express trains such as:
However, the introduction of new Vande Bharat trains would significantly cut travel time and enhance passenger comfort, marking a major infrastructure upgrade for Jharkhand.
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Meanwhile, the Railway Ministry has flagged issues in the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, which is set to become India’s first 16-car high-speed sleeper rake. According to a recent letter from the Railway Board, concerns were raised about furnishings, workmanship, and design flaws, including sharp edges, poorly fitted curtain handles, and cleaning issues around berth connectors.
The Ministry has directed that corrective measures be implemented and design improvements introduced in future rakes. It has also asked zones to strictly follow RDSO guidelines for trains running up to 160 kmph.
Officials revealed that the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) submitted its compliance report on September 1, 2025, while the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) is reviewing the train before granting operational clearance.
The final route of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is yet to be decided, but once approved, it will represent a major step toward enhancing long-distance travel comfort in India.
