The Indian Railways continues its rapid modernization drive with the launch of another Vande Bharat Express. On 16 August 2025, the Jamalpur to Howrah Vande Bharat Express was flagged off, marking a significant step in enhancing semi high-speed rail connectivity in Eastern India. This new service is an extension of the Bhagalpur to Howrah Vande Bharat Express, offering improved travel options for passengers across Bihar and West Bengal.

The new train will cover a distance of 441 kilometers in just 6 hours and 35 minutes, making it the fastest train on this route. With its advanced design, modern facilities, and efficient service, the Jamalpur–Howrah Vande Bharat Express promises a comfortable journey for hundreds of daily passengers.

Train Number and Schedule

The Jamalpur–Howrah Vande Bharat Express will operate with train numbers 22310 and 22309. The train will run six days a week, excluding Friday.

Train number 22310 will depart from Jamalpur Junction at 3:30 PM and reach Howrah Junction at 10:05 PM. In the reverse direction, train number 22309 will start from Howrah Junction at 7:45 AM and arrive at Jamalpur Junction by 2:15 PM.

This convenient schedule has been designed to benefit both business travelers and regular passengers, allowing them to save time while enjoying modern rail facilities.

Stoppages and Route

During its journey between Jamalpur and Howrah, the Vande Bharat Express will stop at eight important stations. These include Bhagalpur, Barahat, Mandar Hill, Hansdiha, Noniyaat, Dumka, Rampurhat, and Bolpur Shantiniketan.

These stoppages have been selected to connect major towns of Bihar and Jharkhand with the cultural hub of West Bengal. The route ensures that passengers from smaller cities can also access the benefits of high-speed rail travel.

Coach Composition and Seating Capacity

The Jamalpur–Howrah Vande Bharat Express has a total of eight coaches. Out of these, one is an Executive Chair Car (EC) while the remaining seven are standard Chair Cars (CC).

The train has a total seating capacity of 590 passengers. Among them, 44 passengers can be accommodated in the Executive Chair Car and 546 passengers in the standard Chair Cars. This configuration ensures a mix of premium and affordable travel options.

The Executive Chair Car offers more spacious seating, greater comfort, and additional amenities for travelers who prefer a luxurious journey. The standard Chair Cars, on the other hand, are designed to provide affordable yet comfortable travel with advanced air-conditioning and reclining seats.

Facilities Onboard

The Vande Bharat Express trains are known for their modern design and passenger-friendly features, and the Jamalpur–Howrah train is no exception. The coaches are fully air-conditioned and equipped with automatic doors, wide windows, and comfortable seating arrangements.

Each seat is ergonomically designed to provide extra comfort during long journeys. The Executive Chair Car also offers a rotating seat option, allowing passengers to adjust seating direction as per preference.

The train also features a modern infotainment system, Wi-Fi connectivity, and bio-vacuum toilets for improved hygiene. The coaches have automatic sliding doors, spacious gangways, and enhanced safety features like the Kavach anti-collision technology.

LED lighting, improved ventilation, and aircraft-style seating arrangements further enhance the overall passenger experience. For safety, each coach is equipped with fire alarms and CCTV surveillance.

Catering and Onboard Meals

The Jamalpur–Howrah Vande Bharat Express will provide onboard catering services. Passengers can enjoy freshly prepared meals and snacks during the journey. The menu includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, with a special focus on regional flavors to cater to local tastes.

Food will be served at the seat, ensuring convenience and a premium travel experience. Passengers traveling in the Executive Chair Car will enjoy a more elaborate menu, while standard Chair Car passengers will also be provided with quality meals and beverages.

Ticket Booking Process

Tickets for the Jamalpur–Howrah Vande Bharat Express are already available. Passengers can book tickets through the IRCTC website, the IRCTC mobile application, or at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters located at railway stations.

Advance reservations are encouraged, as Vande Bharat trains usually receive high demand due to their popularity. With the growing number of passengers opting for faster and more comfortable rail travel, early booking ensures a confirmed seat.

Ticket Fares

The fare structure has been designed to provide both premium and affordable options. While the Executive Chair Car tickets are priced higher due to added comfort and luxury, the standard Chair Car tickets are kept reasonable to encourage mass travel.

The Indian Railways has not only focused on speed and comfort but also on affordability to make Vande Bharat trains accessible to a wide section of travelers.

Significance of the New Train

The Jamalpur–Howrah Vande Bharat Express holds special importance for Eastern India. Jamalpur, Bhagalpur, Dumka, and Rampurhat are key towns that lacked fast rail connectivity with Kolkata and Howrah. With this new service, passengers from these areas can now reach the cultural and economic hub of West Bengal in less than seven hours.

This is expected to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Students, professionals, and business communities will especially benefit from the improved connectivity.

The Vande Bharat Express has already gained immense popularity across India due to its speed, comfort, and modern facilities. With each new addition, the network of semi high-speed trains continues to expand, bringing more regions into the fold of faster connectivity.

A Boost to Semi High-Speed Rail in India

India has been rapidly expanding its semi high-speed train network under the Vande Bharat initiative. These trains are indigenously designed and manufactured under the Make in India project, showcasing the country’s engineering capabilities.

With speeds of up to 160 km/h and modern amenities, the Vande Bharat Express offers an experience comparable to international standards. The addition of the Jamalpur–Howrah service is another step towards transforming rail travel in India.

Railway officials have highlighted that passenger demand for faster trains continues to grow, and the success of earlier Vande Bharat routes encouraged the introduction of this new service in Eastern India.

Passenger Response and Expectations

Even before the official inauguration, ticket booking for the Jamalpur–Howrah Vande Bharat Express witnessed strong demand. Passengers expressed excitement about the reduced travel time, better facilities, and modern design of the train.

For many, this service is not only about comfort but also about pride, as it represents India’s progress in railway technology. The Vande Bharat has become a symbol of modernization and efficiency in the railway sector.

Future Expansion of Vande Bharat Services

The Indian Railways has plans to introduce more Vande Bharat Express trains across the country in the coming years. The goal is to connect major cities and regional centers with faster, more efficient rail services.

By 2030, the government aims to run hundreds of Vande Bharat trains, covering almost every important railway route. The Jamalpur–Howrah service is part of this broader vision to revolutionize passenger travel in India.

The launch of the Jamalpur–Howrah Vande Bharat Express marks a historic moment for railway passengers in Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Covering 441 kilometers in just 6 hours and 35 minutes, it is the fastest train on this route and brings unmatched comfort and convenience to travelers.

With eight modern coaches, advanced safety features, quality catering, and a well-planned schedule, this train will set new standards for passenger travel in the region. The enthusiastic response from passengers highlights the growing demand for high-speed rail connectivity in India.