PM Modi to Flag Off Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express on Monday

Raipur
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off the Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express via video conferencing on Monday. The special inaugural run of the train will take place from Raipur station, with regular services commencing from Durg on September 20. This will be the second semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express introduced in Chhattisgarh, following the Bilaspur-Nagpur route.
A typical train journey on this route takes around 12 to 14 hours, but the Vande Bharat Express, known for its speed and efficiency, is expected to complete the journey in approximately 8 to 9 hours. However, the exact travel time will be confirmed once the final schedule and stoppages are announced.

From September 20 onwards, the Durg-Visakhapatnam-Durg Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 20829/20830) will operate regularly six days a week, excluding Thursdays. The train will feature 16 coaches for passenger convenience.

The 20829 Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express will depart from Durg at 5:45 AM, arriving in Visakhapatnam at 1:45 PM the same day.
The 20830 Visakhapatnam-Durg Vande Bharat Express will leave Visakhapatnam at 2:50 PM, reaching Durg at 10:50 PM.
The train will have seven stops along its route: Raipur, Mahasamund, Khariar Road, Kantabanji, Titlagarh, Kesinga, Rayagada, and Vizianagaram.

For the inaugural run on Monday, the train will depart from Raipur at 4:15 PM, according to a railway spokesperson.

The launch of the Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express represents a major step in enhancing rail connectivity between Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. As part of India’s premier Vande Bharat series, this semi-high-speed train promises improved travel comfort and efficiency, according to a South East Central Railway (SECR) spokesperson.

Key Highlights:
The Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express will connect central and eastern India, improving accessibility between Chhattisgarh’s industrial hubs and Visakhapatnam, an important port city in Andhra Pradesh.
Faster than conventional trains, the Vande Bharat Express will significantly reduce travel time.
The train features 16 coaches, offering modern amenities like reclining seats, onboard infotainment, and automated doors. Both executive class and chair car seating options will be available, emphasizing passenger comfort and safety.
Capable of reaching speeds up to 160 km/h, this train will drastically shorten journey times between key cities along the route.
Advanced safety features, including India’s indigenous Kavach Train Collision Avoidance System, will enhance operational safety.
The train’s energy-efficient traction system will reduce its environmental impact.
This service will boost tourism, trade, and connectivity between Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh, benefiting regional economic development.
Chhattisgarh already benefits from the Bilaspur-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express, which connects Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh with Nagpur in Maharashtra. The train operates six days a week and has significantly improved travel between the two states.

Trial Run, passing through Sarona station