Indian Railways has made an exciting update to the Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Vande Bharat Express, which is the first semi-high-speed train in Northeast India. Starting February 20, 2026, there will be a new stop at Gossaigaon Hat station. This change aims to improve connectivity for travelers in Lower Assam.
The Vande Bharat Express will now stop at seven stations along its route, responding to the needs of daily commuters and local business people. Here are the updated stops:
- Kamakhya
- Rangiya
- New Bongaigaon
- Kokrajhar
- Gossaigaon Hat (New Stoppage)
- New Alipurduar
- New Cooch Behar
Travelers can look forward to a total journey of 409 km, with the train completing the trip in just 5 hours and 30 minutes. This speed makes it the fastest option on this route, boosting tourism to must-see sites like Kaziranga National Park and the Maa Kamakhya Temple.
The train runs six days a week, taking a break on Tuesdays. Here are the current departure and arrival times:
- **Train Number 22228**: Guwahati to New Jalpaiguri
- Departure: 16:30 hrs
- Arrival: 22:00 hrs
- **Train Number 22227**: New Jalpaiguri to Guwahati
- Departure: 06:10 hrs
- Arrival: 11:40 hrs
This train features a mini Vande Bharat configuration, with eight coaches specifically designed for high-demand routes. The coaches include:
- 7 AC Chair Car Coaches for comfort
- 1 Executive AC Chair Car Coach with rotating seats and extra legroom
Passengers can enjoy amenities like bio-vacuum toilets, GPS-based information systems, and CCTV for safety. This update is part of Indian Railways’ broader plan to enhance services, which also saw the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains on the Guwahati–Kolkata route earlier this year.
In recent months, travel demand has surged, with statistics showing a 30% increase in rail usage in the Northeast. Local businesses have reported higher customer footfall thanks to improved train services. This shift not only makes travel easier but also supports local economies.
As the Vande Bharat network expands, experts believe it could change the travel landscape in India. With faster and more reliable trains, more people may choose rail over other forms of transport. The future of travel in the region looks promising.
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