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Railway passengers in West Bengal are in for a treat as the Vande Bharat Express is set to begin operations from Sealdah station in the near future. According to railway sources, the necessary infrastructure for running the semi-high-speed train on this route is under construction and expected to be completed within the next three months.
A modern coaching depot is being developed at Kashipur near Kolkata Terminal to support Vande Bharat operations. This depot, estimated to cost around ₹250 crore, will include advanced facilities to maintain the train. Additionally, railway track upgrades for the route are progressing swiftly, with senior officials, including the General Manager of Eastern Railway, conducting inspections to ensure timely completion.
The introduction of Vande Bharat Express from Sealdah is part of the Government of India’s larger plan to expand the network of this modern train across the country. West Bengal was among the early beneficiaries of the initiative, with the state’s first Vande Bharat Express launched on the Howrah–New Jalpaiguri route.
Currently, Vande Bharat trains operate on nine routes from Bengal, including Howrah–New Jalpaiguri, Howrah–Puri, and Howrah–Ranchi. The addition of Sealdah as a departure point is expected to provide passengers with faster and more comfortable travel options while easing congestion at Howrah station.
Railway officials are optimistic about the benefits of this expansion. The improved infrastructure will not only make operations more efficient but also enhance passenger experiences with the modern features and amenities of the Vande Bharat Express.