New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to launch Lucknow-Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express train today, making it Uttar Pradesh’s second semi-high train beginning from Gorakhpur. The Vande Bharat Express, connecting 2 big cities Lucknow & Gorakhpur, will not only improve connectivity but will give impetus to pilgrimage on the route. Ayodhya, the city where grand Lord Ram Mandir is coming up, will see huge influx of tourists and this Vande Bharat would cater to those devotees converging in the city for Ram Lalla darshan. This will be eight-coach trains, unlike the 16 coach train and comes ahead of Ayodhya airport project. The semi-high speed train will not reduce travel time between these cities but will also increase footfalls in the holy city by many thousand numbers. Stations and travel time After its launch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at around 3.40 PM today, the Vande Bharat Express will reach its destination in little over four hours. The major stations where train will have halts are Ayodhya, Barabanki, Basti, Mankapur, Khalilabad. Ticket Fare of Gorakhpur-Lucknow Vande Bharat: The ticket rate will vary for chair car & executive class. Those opting for the chair will have pay Rs 724/ticket while the ticket for executive class costs Rs 1470 per passenger. Meals, snacks & tea will be included and no extra payment is needed for this. The train will accommodate more than 500 passengers, which has more than 7 chair cars and 1 executive class in the train. Those travelling from Lucknow to Ayodhya will have to shell out Rs 725 for chair class while executive class ticket will cost Rs 1210. Train timings The train will begin its official journey on July 9. It will leave Lucknow in the evening at 7.15 PM and will reach Gorakhpur at 11.25 PM. The return journey would be on next morning as the train would depart from Gorakhpur at 6.05 AM and reach Lucknow by 10.20 AM. In both side tours, Ayodhya will fall in between, taking about 2 hours to reach the ‘land of Lord Ram.’ The Vande Bharat Express will operate for 6 days a week, except Saturday.
