Travelers anticipating the Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat trains connecting Bhopal with Lucknow and Patna will face further delays. Originally slated to launch in October, the start date for these trains has been pushed back. The latest projections suggest the trains may commence service in December.
These high-speed trains aim to reduce travel times between Bhopal and Patna, and Bhopal and Lucknow. Presently, over fifteen trains serve the Bhopal-Lucknow route, while eight trains operate between Bhopal and Patna. Many of these existing trains experience high demand, with waiting lists of 40 to 60 passengers.
The delay stems from infrastructure completion, according to railway officials. The trains will originate from Rani Kamalapati Railway Station in Bhopal, which is undergoing preparations. Special washing pit lines are under construction at the station, along with a Routine Overhauling (ROH) shed for Vande Bharat Express maintenance. This infrastructure is targeted for completion by October.
The Amrit Bharat train will feature a 20-coach configuration. A Bhopal rail division representative confirmed that these trains will significantly improve connectivity between Bhopal and both Lucknow and Patna. The plan includes an 8-coach seating Vande Bharat train for Bhopal to Lucknow and a 20-coach sleeper Amrit Bharat for Bhopal to Patna. Both are expected to be operational by year-end.
These new services promise more comfortable and convenient journeys. The Vande Bharat from Bhopal to Lucknow will offer both chair car and executive class seating, reducing travel time to 8-9 hours. The Amrit Bharat service will similarly improve the Bhopal-Patna route with the inclusion of sleeper class accommodations, improving the travel experience for passengers.