Bhubaneswar, July 3: Odisha's rail connectivity has received a major boost with multiple Vande Bharat Express services linking the state with key destinations in eastern and southern India. The semi-high-speed trains have significantly reduced travel time while providing passengers with modern amenities and enhanced travel comfort.
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The Vande Bharat network now connects major cities including Bhubaneswar, Puri, Brahmapur, Rourkela, Visakhapatnam, Howrah, Tatanagar and Raipur, strengthening inter-state connectivity for business travellers, tourists and daily commuters.
Most of the services operate six days a week, with specific weekly maintenance days depending on the route. Railway authorities have advised passengers to check the train's operating schedule before booking tickets.
Bhubaneswar–Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat (Train Nos. 20841/20842)
The train departs Bhubaneswar at 5:15 a.m. and reaches Visakhapatnam at 11:00 a.m. On the return journey, it leaves Visakhapatnam at 3:30 p.m. and arrives in Bhubaneswar at 9:30 p.m. The service operates six days a week and remains off on Mondays.
Howrah–Puri Vande Bharat (Train Nos. 22895/22896)
Connecting West Bengal with Odisha, the train departs Howrah at 6:10 a.m. and reaches Puri at 12:35 p.m. The return service leaves Puri at 1:40 p.m., with scheduled halts at Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, before arriving in Howrah at 8:30 p.m. The train does not operate on Thursdays.
Puri–Rourkela Vande Bharat (Train Nos. 20836/20835)
The service starts from Puri at 5:00 a.m., reaches Bhubaneswar at 6:00 a.m., and arrives in Rourkela at 12:45 p.m. On the return trip, it departs Rourkela at 2:10 p.m. and reaches Puri at 9:40 p.m. The train remains off on Tuesdays.
Brahmapur–Tatanagar Vande Bharat (Train No. 20892)
Departing Brahmapur at 5:15 a.m., the train reaches Bhubaneswar at 6:40 a.m. before arriving at Tatanagar at 2:50 p.m. The service operates six days a week, except Tuesdays.
Rourkela–Howrah Vande Bharat (Train No. 20872)
This service leaves Rourkela at 1:35 p.m. and reaches Howrah at 7:50 p.m. It operates six days a week and remains off on Tuesdays.
Raipur–Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat (Train No. 20829)
Running through Titlagarh and Rayagada in Odisha, the train departs Raipur at 5:45 a.m. and reaches Visakhapatnam at 1:50 p.m. The service operates six days a week and does not run on Thursdays.
Equipped with modern features such as automatic doors, comfortable seating, onboard passenger information systems, CCTV surveillance and enhanced safety mechanisms, the Vande Bharat Express trains have emerged as a preferred choice for faster and more convenient travel.
Railway officials have advised passengers to verify train timings, operating days and seat availability before planning their journey, as schedules may be revised periodically due to operational requirements.
