## Policy Summary: Strengthening Vande Bharat Connectivity to New Jalpaiguri
This document summarizes the Indian Ministry of Railways' response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 4492, addressed on August 20, 2025, regarding the enhancement of Vande Bharat Express services to New Jalpaiguri. The question specifically addresses concerns about high passenger demand and potential augmentation of existing services.
**Key Issues Raised:**
* **High Passenger Demand:** Inquiry into the government's awareness of consistently high passenger demand for Vande Bharat services to New Jalpaiguri, particularly during peak seasons.
* **Howrah-New Jalpaiguri Expansion:** Proposal to expand the Howrah-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express (22301/02) from a 16-coach configuration to a 20-coach configuration.
* **Patna-New Jalpaiguri Expansion:** Proposal to increase the Patna-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express (22233/34) from an 8-coach configuration to a 16-coach configuration.
**Government Response:**
The Minister of Railways, Information Broadcasting and Electronics Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, stated that the introduction of new trains and service augmentation depends on several factors: section capacity, path availability, rolling stock availability, matching infrastructure, and maintenance requirements.
Currently, New Jalpaiguri is served by 148 Mail/Express trains, including six Vande Bharat services:
1. **22301/02 New Jalpaiguri-Howrah Vande Bharat Express:** Introduced December 30, 2022.
2. **22227/28 New Jalpaiguri-Guwahati Vande Bharat Express:** Introduced May 29, 2023.
3. **22233/34 Patna-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express:** Introduced March 14, 2024.
The Ministry assesses that the existing 16-coach configuration for the New Jalpaiguri-Howrah Vande Bharat Express (22301/02) and the 8-coach configuration for the Patna-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express (22233/34) are currently adequate to meet passenger demand on those routes.
The government is undertaking network expansion works to increase rail network capacity, which will facilitate running more trains and service augmentation in the future.
Key Entities Referenced
Vande Bharat Express: A type of semi-high-speed, intercity electric multiple unit train operated by Indian Railways.
New Jalpaiguri: A city in West Bengal, India, and a major railway hub, particularly for connectivity to Northeast India.
SHRI JAGANNATH SARKAR: A Member of Parliament (MP) who raised the question regarding Vande Bharat connectivity to New Jalpaiguri.
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS: The Indian government ministry responsible for the country's railway transport.
Howrah: A city in West Bengal, India, connected to New Jalpaiguri by the Vande Bharat Express.
Patna: The capital and largest city of the state of Bihar in India, connected to New Jalpaiguri by the Vande Bharat Express.
SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW: The Minister of Railways, Information Broadcasting and Electronics Information Technology who provided the answer to the question.
Guwahati: A city in Assam, India, connected to New Jalpaiguri by the Vande Bharat Express.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4492
TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.08.2025
STRENGTHENING VANDE BHARAT CONNECTIVITY TO NEW JALPAIGURI
4492 SHRI JAGANNATH SARKAR :
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware of the consistently high passenger
demand for Vande Bharat Express services to New Jalpaiguri, especially
during the summer and festive seasons, and if so, the steps being taken to
enhance connectivity on this sector;
(b) whether the Government proposes to expand the existing Howrah–New
Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express from a 16-coach rake to a 20-coach
configuration to cater to growing demand and reduce waitlist issues during
peak travel periods and if so, the details thereof; and
(c) whether the Government proposes to increase the Patna–New Jalpaiguri
Vande Bharat Express from the present 8-coach rake to a 16-coach
configuration in view of the rising passenger volume on this route and if so,
the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCATING AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)
(a) to (c) Introduction of new trains, augmentation of services on any
route/section depends on various factors which include:
● Capacity of that section,
● Availability of path,
● Availability of required rolling stock,
● Availability of matching infrastructure for rolling stock,
● Maintenance requirement of railway tracks and other assets
---2/--2-
Considering the above factors, New Jalpaiguri station is presently being
served by 148 Mail/Express including the following 06 Vande Bharat train
services:
1. 22301/02 New Jalpaiguri - Howrah Vande Bharat Express (introduced
w.e.f. 30.12.2022)
2. 22227/28 New Jalpaiguri - Guwahati Vande Bharat Express (introduced
w.e.f. 29.05.2023)
3. 22233/34 Patna - New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express (introduced w.e.f.
14.03.2024).
22301/02 New Jalpaiguri - Howrah Vande Bharat Express and 22233/34
Patna - New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express, presently operating with 16
coaches and 08 Coaches respectively, are adequately catering to the needs
of passengers of the respective sectors.
To increase the capacity of the rail network and hence to run more
trains/facilitate augmentation, Indian Railways have taken up network
expansion works in a big way.
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