Shalimar–Mumbai sleeper Vande Bharat proposed via Tatanagar
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, July 16: South Eastern Railway (SER) has proposed the introduction of a Shalimar–Mumbai Sleeper Vande Bharat Express via Tatanagar,…
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, July 16: South Eastern Railway (SER) has proposed the introduction of a Shalimar–Mumbai Sleeper Vande Bharat Express via Tatanagar, Chakradharpur and Rourkela, a move that could make Tatanagar home to its fifth Vande Bharat service if the Railway Board grants approval.
According to railway sources, the proposal has been submitted by SER headquarters at Garden Reach and is awaiting clearance from the Railway Board. Once approved, the operational process for the premium overnight train will begin.
First Sleeper Vande Bharat for Mumbai route
If sanctioned, the train will become the first Sleeper Vande Bharat service connecting Tatanagar with Mumbai, offering passengers a faster, safer and more comfortable overnight journey than conventional long-distance trains.
The proposed service is expected to benefit passengers from Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, particularly those travelling to Mumbai for employment, business, education and medical treatment.
At present, most travellers on the route depend on long-distance Mail and Express trains.
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Tatanagar emerging as a Vande Bharat hub
Tatanagar currently has two originating Vande Bharat Express services—to Patna and Berhampur—while the Ranchi–Howrah and Rourkela–Howrah Vande Bharat trains also pass through the station six days a week.
The proposed Sleeper Vande Bharat would further strengthen Tatanagar’s position as one of eastern India’s key Vande Bharat hubs.
Railway officials said the growing popularity of Vande Bharat trains, driven by their speed, modern coaches, enhanced safety features, passenger comfort and punctuality, has encouraged Indian Railways to expand the premium service to more long-distance routes.
Demand for better Mumbai connectivity
The demand for improved rail connectivity between Tatanagar and Mumbai was also raised during the South Eastern Railway Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee (ZRUCC) meeting in June.
Committee member Arun Joshi had urged the Railways to introduce better train services on the route. Railway officials had indicated that fresh proposals were under active consideration in view of increasing passenger demand.
Infrastructure key to future expansion
Meanwhile, a proposal for the Tatanagar–Varanasi Sleeper Vande Bharat, prepared in 2024, remains pending because of inadequate washing lines and maintenance infrastructure at Tatanagar station. Local MP Bidyut Baran Mahato has repeatedly pursued the project.
To support the expansion of premium train services, South Eastern Railway is planning to develop a new coaching depot at Tatanagar at an estimated cost of ₹283 crore.
Officials believe that once the depot and the ongoing station redevelopment are completed, Tatanagar will be equipped to handle additional Vande Bharat services on new routes.
Passengers are now awaiting the Railway Board’s decision, which could significantly improve long-distance rail connectivity between the Steel City and Mumbai.
