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The much-awaited Vande Bharat train service between Varanasi and Agra has officially begun, promising a swift travel time of seven hours. The Indian Railways announced that the Banaras-Agra Vande Bharat train will start its regular operations on Monday, 23rd September. Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated this service on 16th September 2024, along with five other Vande Bharat trains.
Speedy Travel Between Varanasi and Agra
The Vande Bharat train, with eight coaches, is set to cover the distance between Banaras and Agra in just seven hours. According to Ashok Kumar, the public relations officer for the Varanasi division of North Eastern Railway (NER), the train's schedule has been meticulously planned to ensure smooth travel between these two important cities.
Train Schedule and Stops
Train number 20175 departs from Banaras station at 3:20 PM and reaches Agra Cantonment by 10:20 PM. On its way, the train makes stops at Prayagraj at 4:50 PM, Kanpur Central at 6:57 PM, Etawah at 8:17 PM, and Tundla at 9:32 PM. The return journey, on train number 20176, departs from Agra Cantonment at 6 AM and arrives in Banaras at 1 PM. The return trip also includes stops at Tundla at 6:48 AM, Etawah at 7:40 AM, Kanpur Central at 9:15 AM, and Prayagraj at 11:25 AM.
This Vande Bharat service will run every day except Friday, giving passengers a fast and comfortable travel option between these two cities.
Inauguration and Purpose
The inauguration of the Banaras-Agra Vande Bharat train is part of a broader initiative to enhance religious tourism across India. During the virtual event, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated six Vande Bharat trains aimed at improving access to important pilgrimage sites like Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, and Kalighat and Belur Math in Kolkata.
In addition to the train services, the Prime Minister distributed sanction letters for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G) beneficiaries in Tatanagar, Jharkhand, and released the first instalment of financial aid for these trains.
A Comfortable Travel Experience
The Vande Bharat train offers a modern and efficient travel experience. While the fares for chair car and executive class coaches are yet to be finalised, the new service promises comfort and speed, making it an ideal choice for passengers traveling between Varanasi and Agra. This new addition to India's railway network is expected to significantly reduce travel times and enhance the overall travel experience for many.
