Two Major Routes Affected
The schedule adjustment does not apply to all Vande Bharat trains but specifically targets two services that connect Varanasi to important destinations in Jharkhand. The affected trains are the Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express and the Varanasi-Deoghar
Vande Bharat Express. Indian Railways has confirmed that the change involves an earlier departure time for both trains from their originating station, Varanasi. Passengers holding tickets for these services on or after September 2 are advised to take careful note of the new timings to avoid inconvenience.
Varanasi-Ranchi Express: New Afternoon Departure
The first train with a revised schedule is the Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express, designated by train number 20888. Previously, this popular service departed from Varanasi at 4:05 PM. Starting September 2, the train will now depart 10 minutes earlier, at 3:55 PM. This service, which was inaugurated in March 2024, operates six days a week (except Tuesdays) and is a vital link between Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, covering the 536-kilometre distance in approximately seven hours and 50 minutes. The stops along its route include Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, Gaya, Bokaro Steel City, and Muri.
Varanasi-Deoghar Express: An Earlier Start
The second affected service is the Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat Express, train number 22500. This train is particularly significant for pilgrims travelling to the revered Baidyanath Jyotirlinga temple in Deoghar. Its schedule has also been moved forward by 10 minutes. The train, which used to depart from Varanasi at 6:20 AM, will now leave at 6:10 AM, effective September 2. Passengers planning an early morning start on this route will need to adjust their travel plans to reach the station in time for the new departure. This adjustment is aimed at streamlining morning operations out of the busy station.
Why This Small Change Matters
According to Northern Railway, the revision has been made for operational reasons, a common practice to improve punctuality and optimize track utilisation. An important detail for passengers to note is that these changes are only applicable to the departure time from Varanasi. The arrival and departure timings at all subsequent stations on both the Ranchi and Deoghar routes will remain unchanged. While a 10-minute adjustment might seem minor, it can make the difference between catching a train and missing it entirely. Passengers arriving at the station based on the old schedule will find their train has already left.
What Passengers Should Do Now
Indian Railways has strongly advised all passengers booked on these two Vande Bharat services to double-check their travel details. Before heading to the station, reconfirm the departure time on your ticket and cross-reference it with official sources like the IRCTC website or the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app. It is prudent to adjust your commute to the station to account for the earlier departure. Arriving at least 30-45 minutes before the new, earlier departure time is recommended to allow for a smooth boarding process. Informing anyone who may be picking you up or seeing you off about the revised schedule is also a good practice to avoid confusion.
