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The Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express is the second such train introduced in Chhattisgarh, following the Bilaspur-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express. (Photo: Hello Vizag)
The new semi-high-speed, air-conditioned train will cut the journey between Durg in Chhattisgarh and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh to just eight hours, down from the previous 11-hour trip.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off the new Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express.
The event was held online from Ahmedabad, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw joining via video call. The ceremony took place at Raipur railway station and saw the participation of Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka and Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, among others.
According to The Financial Express, this new semi-high-speed train will cut the travel time between Durg in Chhattisgarh and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh from 11 hours to just 8 hours. The train, which can reach speeds up to 160 km/h, will initially run at 130 km/h for safety and efficiency.
Regular Schedule and Route
The Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express will run six days a week, excluding Thursdays, enhancing connectivity between these two crucial cities for tourism and business.
Stops and Timings
The train will make stops at 9 stations:
- Durg Junction (DURG) – Departure: 05:45
- Raipur Junction – Arrival: 06:13; Departure: 06:18
- Mahasamund (MSMD) – Arrival: 06:53; Departure: 06:55
- Khariar Road (KRAR) – Arrival: 07:28; Departure: 07:30
- Kantabanji (KBJ) – Arrival: 08:13; Departure: 08:15
- Titlagarh Junction (TIG) – Arrival: 08:43; Departure: 08:45
- Kesinga (KSNG) – Arrival: 08:55; Departure: 08:57
- Rayagada (RGDA) – Arrival: 11:00; Departure: 11:02
- Parvatipuram (PVP) – Arrival: 11:30; Departure: 11:32
- Vizianagaram Junction (VZM) – Arrival: 12:35; Departure: 12:37
- Visakhapatnam Junction (VSKP) – Arrival: 13:45
Modern Features
Passengers can enjoy reclining seats with ample legroom, automatic doors, smoke alarms, CCTV surveillance, bio-vacuum toilets, and advanced ‘Kavach’ signalling technology on this new train.
The Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express is the second such train introduced in Chhattisgarh, following the Bilaspur-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express.
These trains, which debuted in February 2019, symbolize modern rail transport in India, offering improved speed, comfort, and safety. This new service is expected to boost economic growth, tourism, and support local health and education sectors.