Which Trains Are Affected?
The revision affects two key services originating from Varanasi Cantt station. The first is the Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 20888). The second is the Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22500). Both trains are popular
among pilgrims and business travelers, connecting the holy city of Varanasi with important destinations in Jharkhand. This change only applies to the departure timing from Varanasi; the schedule at all subsequent stations on both routes will remain unchanged.
New Schedule for Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat
The Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express (20888), which runs on all days except Tuesday, will now depart 10 minutes earlier. The new departure time from Varanasi is 3:55 PM, revised from the previous 4:05 PM. This service, which was inaugurated in March 2024, covers the 536-kilometer distance in approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes. It passes through several key stations, including Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Gaya, Koderma, and Bokaro Steel City before terminating in Ranchi.
Updated Timings for Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat
Similarly, the Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat Express (22500) will also see its departure time moved forward by 10 minutes. The train will now leave Varanasi at 6:10 AM, instead of the current 6:20 AM. This service provides a crucial link for pilgrims traveling to Deoghar, home to the revered Baba Baidyanath Jyotirlinga temple. The train covers its route in the morning hours, making it a convenient option for travelers. As with the Ranchi service, arrival and departure times at all other stations en route remain the same.
Why Have the Timings Been Changed?
According to railway officials, the adjustment has been made for operational reasons. Such minor revisions to departure times are often implemented to improve the overall punctuality of train services and to optimize traffic flow along congested railway corridors. By creating a slightly earlier departure window, the railways can better manage the sequence of trains and reduce the chances of delays further down the line. Even a small 10-minute shift can have a significant positive impact on the network's efficiency, ensuring that semi-high-speed services like the Vande Bharat Express maintain their time performance.
What This Means for Passengers
For passengers booked on these two services from September 2 onwards, the message is simple: arrive at the station earlier than you might have previously. A 10-minute change may seem minor, but it can be the difference between catching your train and missing it. Someone arriving at 6:15 AM for the Deoghar service would miss the new 6:10 AM departure. Passengers are strongly advised to verify their train's departure time through the official IRCTC website, the NTES app, or by calling the railway enquiry service before heading to the station. This is especially important for those with tight schedules or connecting travel plans.
