The new year is expected to bring faster and easier journeys for Kolkatans planning a vacation in North Bengal this winter. West Bengal is expected to get its first Vande Bharat Express train, running from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri on 30 December.

likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister is also expected to inaugurate a host of projects during his expected visit to the city for a meeting of the National Ganga Council that day. The new train service is expected to bring down the travelling time from Howrah station to New Jalpaiguri to about seven hours and fifty minutes.

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Since the launch of the Vande Bharat Express trains in 2019, this will be the seventh Vande Bharat Express overall and the first in eastern India. On its journey of about 550 km, the train will have stoppages at only two stations en route, namely Bolpur and Malda Town. Ahead of the expected inauguration which could take place during this year’s end, preparations in full swing are being carried out at Howrah Station and the car shed.

According to sources, the coaches of the train have been shipped and are expected to be in the city by tonight. After its arrival, the rake is also likely to undergo various tests and trials. As informed by sources, even though the final schedule is yet to come, the tentative timings have been given the Railway Board. As per the tentative schedule, the train is likely to leave Howrah Station at 5.50 a.m. and reach NJP at 1.50 p.m. The premium train is to be operated on six days of the week except Wednesday.