India’s 17th and Odisha’s first Vande Bharat Express is set to launch today, marking a significant milestone in the country’s railway network. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the train on 18 May, starting its inaugural journey from Howrah to Puri. This high-speed train will cover a distance of 500 km in approximately six and a half hours, connecting the holy city of Puri, home to the revered Lord Jagannath, with the bustling city of Howrah.

The Vande Bharat Express offers two types of coaches: AC chair and Executive chair Car. On the Puri-Howrah route, the fare for the AC chair is ₹1430, including a catering charge of ₹328, while the Executive chair Car is priced at ₹2615, including a catering charge of ₹389. For the Howrah-Puri route, the fare for the AC chair is ₹1265, with a catering charge of ₹162, and the Executive chair Car is priced at ₹2420, with a catering charge of ₹195. Passengers have the option to choose “No Food Option,” in which case the catering charge will not be added to the fare.

The train will operate six days a week, excluding Thursdays, covering the route on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The departure time from Puri is scheduled for 1:50 pm, arriving at Howrah at 8:30 pm. The train’s departure time from Howrah is set at 6:10 am, reaching Puri at 12:35 pm.

During its journey, the Vande Bharat Express will make stops at seven stations: Khudra Road Junction, Bhubaneshwar, Cuttack, Jajpur K Road, Bhadrak, Balasore, Kharagpur Junction, and finally Howrah. These strategically chosen stops will allow passengers to access important destinations along the route.

The launch of this semi-high-speed train is expected to be a hit among travelers, particularly tourists from West Bengal and its surrounding areas. Puri, being a popular pilgrimage and beach resort town, attracts a significant number of visitors. The Vande Bharat Express will provide a convenient and comfortable mode of transportation for those traveling to and from the region.

Additionally, Prime Minister Modi will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for several railway projects in Odisha. These projects, valued at over ₹8,000 crores, include the redevelopment of Puri and Cuttack railway stations to enhance passenger amenities. Furthermore, the electrification of the entire rail network in Odisha will reduce operational and maintenance costs while decreasing reliance on imported crude oil.

The launch of the Vande Bharat Express and the investment in railway infrastructure signify the government’s commitment to improving connectivity and modernizing the rail network in India. These initiatives will enhance travel experiences, boost tourism, and contribute to the overall development of the region.

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