In a promising development for rail passengers in Jharkhand, the process has officially begun to launch a new Vande Bharat Express service connecting Ranchi to Puri. Regional railway authorities have initiated the required procedures, including a formal communication from the Railway Board to the regional office, to examine aspects like overcrowding on the current Tapaswini Express that operates from Hatia, its timetable, and other technical considerations, setting the stage for the proposed service.
The introduction of a Vande Bharat Express on this route is expected to dramatically reduce travel time. Whereas the Tapaswini Express currently takes a significant portion of the day to cover the journey, the new semi-high-speed train is anticipated to complete the trip in just five to six hours.
Local passenger groups and civic associations have already voiced strong demand for the new service, with many pushing specifically for the sleeper Vande Bharat variant. This model is favored for long-distance routes as it includes sleeping berths, offering better comfort for travelers on extended journeys. Advocates like JRUCC member Arun Joshi and MP Kheru Mahato have reiterated this demand repeatedly—initially in 2024, and once more as recently as February 2025. The introduction of this train is seen as especially beneficial for tourists heading to Puri and for the large number of engineering students commuting between Ranchi and educational institutions in Puri and Bhubaneswar.
Moreover, this development is part of a broader push for expanded rail connectivity from Ranchi. Proposals have also been submitted for direct train services from Ranchi to Haridwar (via Dehradun) and Ahmedabad. Though these proposals have been raised—such as at the recent railway timetable conference—they remain under consideration pending a formal response from the Railway Board.
The prospective Ranchi–Puri Vande Bharat Express marks another stride in Jharkhand’s evolving infrastructure landscape, with the potential to transform travel for residents, especially students and tourists. With improved speed, comfort, and connectivity, this initiative could well redefine convenience in regional rail transport once it moves from planning into operation.
