PM Modi Inaugurates Vande Bharat Trains to Bikaner & Jodhpur

Post by : Meena Rani

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated two new Vande Bharat trains that will enhance connectivity between the national capital and Rajasthan cities Bikaner and Jodhpur. According to Railway Ministry officials, the trains will start commercial operations this weekend, with the Jodhpur service commencing on Saturday and the Bikaner service on Sunday.

Faster Travel to Bikaner

Previously, the fastest train from Delhi to Bikaner was the Intercity Express (22472), covering the distance in seven hours and 35 minutes. The new Vande Bharat train (26471) will reduce this journey time to just six hours and 20 minutes.

• Bikaner to Delhi: Departs at 5:40 am, arrives at Delhi Cantt at 11:55 am

• Return (Delhi to Bikaner): Departs at 4:45 pm, arrives at 11:05 pm

• Stops en route: Sri Dungargarh, Ratanagarh, Churu, Sadulpur, Loharu, Mahendragarh, and Gurgaon

• Days of operation: Daily except Wednesday

• Fares: Executive Class Rs 2,140 | Chair Car Rs 1,125

Bikaner MP and Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal recently announced on social media that the train had received Indian Railways’ approval, marking the first time Bikaner is connected by a Vande Bharat service.

Jodhpur Gets Its Second Vande Bharat

For Jodhpur, this will be the second Vande Bharat train following the Sabarmati (Ahmedabad) service. The new Jodhpur–Delhi Cantt train will run six days a week, covering the distance in eight hours and 10 minutes.

• Jodhpur to Delhi: Departs at 5:25 am, arrives at Delhi Cantt at 1:30 pm

• Return (Delhi to Jodhpur): Departs at 3:10 pm, arrives at 11:20 pm

• Stop en route: Jaipur

• Fares: Executive Class Rs 2,880 | Chair Car Rs 1,610

Expanding Vande Bharat Network in Rajasthan

Before these services, the only Vande Bharat connection in Rajasthan was the Ajmer–Chandigarh train, which connects Jaipur and Alwar to Delhi. Additionally, Udaipur is served by two Vande Bharat trains – one to Jaipur and another to Agra. With the addition of the Bikaner and Jodhpur services, Rajasthan will now have a total of five Vande Bharat trains.

India’s Vande Bharat network has steadily expanded since the first train was launched on February 15, 2019, between New Delhi and Varanasi. The trains now operate in 8-car, 16-car, and 20-car configurations depending on route demand. In August, India added three more trains, bringing the total to 75, while this month, a new Vande Bharat service between Danapur and Jogbani was also inaugurated.

Modern Travel Experience

These new Vande Bharat trains promise not only speed but also comfort and convenience for commuters, tourists, and business travelers. By significantly reducing travel time between Delhi and Rajasthan cities, the trains are expected to boost connectivity, tourism, and economic exchange, offering a truly modern rail journey experience.

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