PM Modi Flags Off Assam’s First Vande Bharat Express

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off Assam's first Vande Bharat Express on Monday via video conferencing. With the inauguration of the new route, India will operationalise Vande Bharat Express trains on 18 routes across the country.

The prime minister launched the 18th Vande Bharat Express on the New Jalpaiguri - Guwahati route, which also happens to be the first of such kind in the North-East region.

"Today is a big day for the rail connectivity of the entire North East including Assam. This Vande Bharat Express will make the life of the people living here easier and this will also give a boost to the tourism sector of the state," PM Modi said.

"The Vande Bharat Express will boost business and tourism by connecting key destinations such as Kamakhya Temple, Kaziranga Sanctuary, Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam, Shillong and Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh," he added.

Connecting Guwahati with New Jalpaiguri, the train will help save about an hour of journey time, when compared with the current fastest train connecting the two places.

The new New Jalpaiguri - Guwahati Vande Bharat train will cover the journey in 5 hours and 30 minutes, while the current fastest train takes 6 hours and 30 minutes to cover the same journey.

The indigenously manufactured train will run six days a week. It will have stoppages at New Alipurduar, Kokrajhar, New Bongaigaon, and Kamakhya, including New-Jalpaiguri and Guwahati junctions.

The semi-high-speed train will leave from New Jalpaiguri junction at 6.10 am and arrive at Guwahati at midday. From Guwahati, Vande Bharat Express will leave at 4.30 pm and arrive at New Jalpaiguri around 10.20 pm.

Fares

AC Chair Car: Rs 1,225 per person

Executive Chair Car: Rs 2,205 per person

NJP to Guwahati

AC Chair Car: Rs 1,075 per person including GST

Executive Chair Car: Rs 2,025 per person including GST

The Vande Bharat Express will provide people of the region the means to travel with speed and comfort. It will also boost tourism in the region.

Vande Bharat Express, first known as Train 18 has state-of-the-art passenger amenities, providing passengers with a faster, more comfortable, and more convenient travel experience.