Which Trains Are Affected?
Indian Railways has revised the timings for two popular Vande Bharat Express trains originating from Varanasi Junction. The affected services are the Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express and the Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat Express. Both trains will
now depart 10 minutes earlier than their previous schedules. According to the Northern Railway, this change is for operational reasons and aims to improve the overall efficiency of the network. The schedule revision is only for the departure from Varanasi; timings at all subsequent stations on both routes will remain unchanged.
New Schedule: Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat
The Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express, train number 20888, will now depart from Varanasi at 3:55 PM instead of its previous time of 4:05 PM. This service, which was inaugurated in March 2024, is a vital link between Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. It operates six days a week, excluding Tuesdays, and completes the 536-kilometre journey in approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes. The key stops along this route include Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Gaya, Koderma, Hazaribagh Road, Bokaro Steel City, and Muri. Passengers are advised to arrive at the station earlier to accommodate this new departure time and avoid any last-minute rush.
New Schedule: Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat
For early morning travellers, the Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat Express, train number 22500, also has a new timetable. Effective September 2, this train will leave Varanasi at 6:10 AM, which is 10 minutes earlier than its former 6:20 AM departure. This service is particularly important for pilgrims travelling to the revered temple town of Deoghar in Jharkhand. Just like the Ranchi service, the timings for this train at all stations beyond Varanasi remain the same. Passengers who are used to the 6:20 AM timing should update their travel plans to ensure they do not miss the train.
Why A Ten-Minute Change Matters
While a 10-minute adjustment might seem minor, it can be the difference between catching your train and missing it. For reserved express services like the Vande Bharat, doors often close a few minutes before the scheduled departure to complete safety checks. Arriving at the old time, especially for the 6:20 AM service, could mean finding the train has already left the platform. This change is particularly relevant for passengers who have connecting transport to the station, such as local autos or buses. Factoring in potential traffic, security queues, and navigating the station itself makes those 10 minutes a crucial buffer.
What Passengers Should Do
Indian Railways has advised all passengers booked on these two services to take careful note of the advanced departure times to prevent any inconvenience. It is recommended to double-check your journey details on the official railway enquiry systems. Passengers who booked tickets before the change was announced may find that their tickets still show the old timings. The most reliable source for the latest schedule will be the official railway websites and apps. It is also a good practice to update any travel reminders or inform family members of the new schedule to avoid confusion on the day of travel.
