Which Trains Are Affected?
The schedule change affects two popular Vande Bharat Express services that originate from Varanasi Junction. The first is the Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 20888), a crucial link for passengers heading towards Jharkhand. The second is the Varanasi-Deoghar
Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22500), another important service connecting the holy city of Varanasi with the temple town of Deoghar, also in Jharkhand. Passengers booked on these specific trains for travel on or after September 2 should take careful note of the new timings.
The New Departure Timings
Both trains will now depart from Varanasi Junction 10 minutes earlier than their previous schedule. The Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express (20888), which used to depart at 4:05 PM, will now leave at 3:55 PM. Similarly, the Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat Express (22500), which had a scheduled departure of 6:20 AM, will now depart at 6:10 AM. While a ten-minute change might seem minor, it can be the difference between catching your train and missing it, especially for those with tight travel plans.
Why Was the Schedule Changed?
According to reports from Northern Railway, the revision has been made for operational reasons. Tweaking train schedules is a common practice for railway authorities to improve punctuality, streamline traffic on busy routes, and enhance the overall efficiency of the network. These adjustments are often made after studying the train's performance over a period and identifying opportunities to optimise its run. This ensures that the high-speed service maintains its reputation for speed and reliability.
Important Information for Passengers
Indian Railways has clarified that the change in timing is applicable only for the departure from Varanasi Junction. The schedule at all subsequent stations along the routes to Ranchi and Deoghar will remain unchanged. This means the arrival and departure times at intermediate stops like Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Gaya, Koderma, and Bokaro Steel City will be the same as before. Passengers boarding from Varanasi are the only ones who need to adjust their plans. The Varanasi-Ranchi service, which was inaugurated in March 2024, operates six days a week (except Tuesdays) and covers the 536-kilometre distance in about 7 hours and 50 minutes.
What You Should Do Before You Travel
If you are scheduled to travel on either of these Vande Bharat trains from Varanasi on or after September 2, it is highly recommended that you re-verify the departure time. Passengers should check their ticket details and consult official Indian Railways sources like the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) website or app for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Arriving at the station based on the old timetable could result in missing the train. Planning to reach Varanasi Junction a little earlier than usual is a safe strategy to avoid any last-minute rush or inconvenience.
