ER prepares for more Vande Bharat trains

Kolkata: Eastern Railway (ER) is intensifying preparations to accomodate more Vande Bharat Expresses, with the possibility that these trains could begin operating from Sealdah Station within the next three to three-and-a-half months. The Railway zone is swiftly upgrading its infrastructure to accommodate the high-speed trains, with coaching depots currently under development at Sealdah and Kolkata station terminals. Additionally, a new depot is planned for Cossipore.

ER’s General Manager (GM) Milind Deouskar confirmed the progress, stating: “There is a large coaching complex in the new yard. We have shortlisted and after preparing a detailed project report costing around Rs 240 crore, we will submit it to the Railway Board for approval. Once sanctioned, we will be able to operate several trains, including Vande Bharat.

Without the necessary infrastructure, it is unrealistic to expect trains to be allocated. Therefore, we are focusing on developing these facilities.” Additionally, a terminal at Bhagatpur is being developed to further boost the region’s capacity. Deouskar stated that the

introduction of Vande Bharat trains in Kolkata or Sealdah is just a matter of time, but emphasised that the priority is to complete the necessary infrastructure to support these high-speed services.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Deouskar outlined ER’s significant achievements for the fiscal year 2024-25, including marked improvements in safety, passenger services and punctuality. He also announced plans for a satellite terminal at Bandel. Furthermore, work is underway to implement the Kavach safety system on the Howrah-Chhota Ambona section. A successful passenger trial on the Howrah-Barddhaman stretch was conducted on January 5, and the trial for the Barddhaman-Chhota Ambona section is expected in March 2025.

Eastern Railway reported substantial growth in both passenger and freight revenues. From April to December 2024, passenger traffic surged to 918 million, up from 855 million in the previous year, while freight loading increased to 71 million tonnes. The total revenue for ER reached Rs. 10,163 crore, marking a 21 per cent increase from the previous year.

ER has also introduced new services, including three Vande Bharat Express routes and expanded infrastructure across stations. Key upgrades include the extension of platforms at Sealdah to accommodate 12-coach EMU rakes, new train connectivity, and the installation of 11 new foot overbridges, 34 platform sheds, improved surfaces at 69 stations and 12 lifts and 6 escalators.