Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the new Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express on Monday. The virtual flag-off ceremony was conducted from Ahmedabad, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw participating through video conferencing. The inaugural event, held at Raipur railway station, was attended by Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka, Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, and other prominent leaders.
Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express travel time and speed
This semi-high-speed air-conditioned train promises to cover the distance between Durg in Chhattisgarh and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh in just eight hours, a notable reduction from the current 11-hour journey time. Although the train is capable of reaching speeds up to 160 kilometers per hour (99 mph), it will currently operate at 130 kilometers per hour to optimise safety and efficiency.
Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express schedule
The new Vande Bharat Express will operate six days a week, excluding Thursdays. This addition aims to strengthen connectivity between Durg and Visakhapatnam, two cities pivotal for tourism and business.
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Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express train route and stoppages
Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express stops at 9 stations – Durg Junction (DURG), Raipur Junction, Mahasamund (MSMD), Khariar Road (KRAR), Kantabanji (KBJ), Titlagarh Junction (TIG), Kesinga (KSNG), Rayagada (RGDA), Parvatipuram (PVP), Vizianagaram Junction (VZM) and Visakhapatnam Junction (VSKP).
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Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express train timings
- Durg Junction (DURG) – Departure: 05:45
- Raipur Junction – Arrival: 06:13; Departure: 06:18
- Mahasamund (MSMD) – Arrival: 06:53; Departure: 06:55
- Khariar Road (KRAR) – Arrival: 07:28; Departure: 07:30
- Kantabanji (KBJ) – Arrival: 08:13; Departure: 08:15
- Titlagarh Junction (TIG) – Arrival: 08:43; Departure: 08:45
- Kesinga (KSNG) – Arrival: 08:55; Departure: 08:57
- Rayagada (RGDA) – Arrival: 11:00; Departure: 11:02
- Parvatipuram (PVP) – Arrival: 11:30; Departure: 11:32
- Vizianagaram Junction (VZM) – Arrival: 12:35; Departure: 12:37
- Visakhapatnam Junction (VSKP) – Arrival: 13:45
Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express key features
Key features of the train include reclining seats with ample legroom, automatic doors, smoke alarms, CCTV surveillance, bio-vacuum toilets, and the ‘Kavach’ signalling technology—a sophisticated train protection system.
The Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express is the second such train introduced in Chhattisgarh, following the Bilaspur-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express launched earlier. Since the debut of the first Vande Bharat Express in February 2019, these semi-high-speed trains have become a symbol of modern Indian rail transport, offering a blend of speed, comfort, and safety to passengers across the country.
By enhancing travel efficiency, the train is expected to stimulate economic growth, promote tourism, and support health and education sectors in the region. The Vande Bharat Express is renowned for its modern features, including higher speeds, improved comfort, and advanced safety systems.
