Vande Bharat expres to start between NJP and Howrah by end of 2023

SILIGURI
DECEMBER 05

A new train service vande Bharat express from New Jalpaiguri to Howrah is set to start by the end of next year, said the railway officials. 

General Manager of North East Frontier Railway, Ansul Gupta said in Phase II of Vande Bharat NF railways is set to get five services among which one is between NJP to Howrah. 

Vande Bharat express is on phase II NFR railway 5 services one of them is the services between NJP to Howrah.

" The maintenance facility for vande Bharat will be developed in Siliguri. Since vande Bharat is a high speed train we are laying the tracks for it to run at a speed of 130 km .we are planning to lat the tracks between NJP to Malda by March. And within eight to nine months we will develop the maintained faculty. Most probably by next November to December we will be able to operate the services", said Gupta. 

Gupta further said that by 2024 NJP station will be given a face lift . Illegal encroachment settlements will be vacated under the legal process. 

 Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has taken up the task to modernise the New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station , the largest station of this region and the busiest of the NFR zone.

A sum of Rs 334.72 crore would be spent for the modernisation of the station. The work has already commenced.The new station will have modern facilities like a large covered parking area, round-the-clock power backup, drinking water facilities, an air-conditioned lobby, spaces for offices and shops, highspeed escalators, lifts and space for hotels, said the railway officials. 

Meanwhile, Darjeeling BJP MP Raju Bista said  Permission has been given by the Ministry of Railways to start this service. At present, the railway department is working to improve the railway track from NJP to Howrah. 

"Vande Bharat Express service will start from NJP to Kolkata by the end of year 2023.The Darjeeling mail is being run from Haldibari instead of NJP since a few months back. Due to which many people got angry. In view of the displeasure of the people, a big change is being brought from the railway side. The second service of Vande Bharat Express is about to start from the biggest railway station of North East India. Railways have also received a proposal for rail service from Mirik to Kalimpong. That too is under consideration" said Bista after the inauguration of Footover Bridge, and AC Executive Lounge at Siliguri Junction. initiated by the Ministry of Railways, NE Frontier Railways in Siliguri.

Bista further added that a new platform is currently undergoing construction, which is expected to be completed within the next two months. Once completed, the Siliguri Junction will have a total of five platforms, which will enable more trains to stop here.(EoM)

photo@google