In an uplifting turn of events for travelers, reports indicate that a distinctive Vande Bharat Express service will commence operations from Gomtinagar in the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, to the capital of Bihar, Patna, starting March 18.
Sources reveal that this Vande Bharat Express service will be operational six days a week, excluding Fridays. The railway authorities have finalized the fares for this service, which has also commenced advance bookings.
An official source disclosed that the fare for the AC chair car on train number 22346 of the Vande Bharat Express from Lucknow to Patna will amount to Rs 1465, inclusive of a catering charge of Rs 308. Similarly, the fare for the executive class will be set at Rs 2700, inclusive of a catering charge of Rs 369.
Furthermore, officials mentioned that the fare for the chair car from Lucknow to Varanasi is set at Rs 865, while the executive class fare is fixed at Rs 1680. Additionally, the fare for the journey from Gomtinagar to Patna on the Vande Bharat Express to Ayodhya Dham will be lower compared to the Lucknow-Gorakhpur route. The AC chair car fare for the Lucknow-Gorakhpur route to Ayodhya Dham stands at Rs 725, with the executive fare at Rs 1210, as per official sources.
The AC chair car fare from Gomtinagar to Patna on the Vande Bharat Express to Ayodhya Dham has been pegged at Rs 545, with the executive fare at Rs 1040. Similarly, the AC chair car fare from Lucknow to Arrah is set at Rs 1365, with the executive fare at Rs 2485.
Ahead of the special Vande Bharat Express operations, Sachindra Mohan Sharma, the Divisional Railway Manager of Northern Railway’s Lucknow Division, along with other divisional officials, conducted a thorough review of the preparations and security measures.
Sharma scrutinized the security arrangements along the Lucknow-Utrethia-Transport Nagar-Alamnagar-Lucknow railway section. Upon reaching Transport Nagar station, the Divisional Railway Manager gathered information regarding the security measures implemented at the station.
He also assessed the progress of construction works at the Goods Cargo Terminal. Prior to inspecting Transport Nagar, Sharma meticulously examined the tracks at Charbagh railway station and the related works at Uttarethiya station. He issued necessary directives to ensure the proper maintenance and safety of the tracks.
Furthermore, he visited the panel room and security-related offices, where he scrutinized records and closely monitored the ongoing construction works. Engaging with employees in the VIP lounge of Charbagh Railway Station, the Divisional Railway Manager discussed Automated Ticket Vending Machines (ATVM), the UTS on Mobile App, and passenger amenities.