New Delhi: The Indian Railways has officially announced the launch of a new Vande Bharat Express train connecting the national capital New Delhi with Firozpur in Punjab. The long-awaited high-speed train will begin operations on November 7, offering passengers a faster, more comfortable, and modern travel experience.
The new Vande Bharat train schedule has been released, detailing its timings, stops, and total journey duration. This route is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two regions while boosting regional connectivity and trade in northern India.
Inauguration and Government Response
The announcement was made by Ravneet Singh Bittu, Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries, who expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the initiative.
“It is a moment of great pride for Punjab and for all those traveling between Delhi and Firozpur. I sincerely thank Prime Minister Modi for introducing this world-class service for our people,” Bittu said during the announcement.
According to railway officials, the new Vande Bharat Express will operate six days a week, excluding Wednesdays. The introduction of this train marks another milestone in the ongoing modernization of India’s railway network, aligning with the government’s goal to make travel faster, safer, and more comfortable for passengers.
Train Route and Stations Covered
The Vande Bharat Express between Delhi and Firozpur will run via Bathinda and Patiala, covering several major stations across Punjab and Haryana. The route has been carefully designed to cater to passengers from key industrial and agricultural hubs in the region.
Key Stops on the Delhi–Firozpur Route:
- Firozpur Cantt
- Faridkot
- Bathinda Junction
- Dhuri Junction
- Patiala
- Ambala Cantt
- Kurukshetra
- Panipat Junction
- New Delhi
Morning Journey: Firozpur to Delhi
According to the Vande Bharat train schedule, the morning service will depart from Firozpur Cantt at 7:55 AM and arrive in New Delhi at 2:35 PM, completing the journey in just 6 hours and 40 minutes.
Detailed Timetable (Firozpur to Delhi):
| Station | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Firozpur Cantt | — | 07:55 AM |
| Faridkot | 08:23 AM | 08:25 AM |
| Bathinda Junction | 09:10 AM | 09:15 AM |
| Dhuri Junction | 10:26 AM | 10:28 AM |
| Patiala | 11:05 AM | 11:07 AM |
| Ambala Cantt | 11:58 AM | 12:00 PM |
| Kurukshetra | 12:28 PM | 12:30 PM |
| Panipat | 01:05 PM | 01:07 PM |
| New Delhi | 02:35 PM | — |
This schedule ensures that commuters from smaller cities in Punjab and Haryana can reach Delhi comfortably in a single morning journey—ideal for business, education, and medical travel.
Evening Journey: Delhi to Firozpur
The return service from New Delhi to Firozpur Cantt will leave at 4:00 PM and reach Firozpur at 10:35 PM.
Detailed Timetable (Delhi to Firozpur):
| Station | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | — | 04:00 PM |
| Panipat | 05:00 PM | 05:02 PM |
| Kurukshetra | 05:17 PM | 05:42 PM |
| Ambala Cantt | 06:30 PM | 06:32 PM |
| Patiala | 07:13 PM | — |
| Dhuri Junction | 07:56 PM | — |
| Bathinda Junction | 09:15 PM | 09:20 PM |
| Faridkot | 10:03 PM | 10:05 PM |
| Firozpur Cantt | 10:35 PM | — |
The train’s well-balanced schedule caters to both day travelers heading to Delhi and evening passengers returning to Punjab.
Journey Time and Distance
The total distance between Delhi and Firozpur is approximately 486 kilometers, which the Vande Bharat Express will cover in just 6 hours and 40 minutes. Traditionally, this journey takes around 8–9 hours by conventional express trains, making this new service nearly two hours faster.
Comfort and Features
As with other Vande Bharat Express services, the Delhi–Firozpur train offers a range of world-class features, ensuring a comfortable experience for passengers of all categories.
Highlights Include:
- Fully air-conditioned coaches with ergonomic seating
- Wi-Fi connectivity and infotainment screens
- Automatic doors and touch-free facilities
- CCTV surveillance for enhanced safety
- Bio-vacuum toilets and hygienic restrooms
- GPS-based passenger information systems
- Onboard catering with high-quality meals
Passengers can expect the same level of convenience and technological sophistication seen on other successful routes such as Delhi–Varanasi, Delhi–Chandigarh, and Mumbai–Ahmedabad.
Economic and Social Impact
The new train is expected to have a strong positive impact on trade, tourism, and regional connectivity across Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. Firozpur, known for its historical importance and proximity to the India–Pakistan border, will now be more accessible for travelers, students, and business professionals.
The service also supports the Indian Railways’ ongoing “Make in India” initiative, as the Vande Bharat trains are fully designed and manufactured in India by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai.
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Strategic Importance of the Route
The Delhi–Firozpur corridor is one of northern India’s most vital routes, linking the national capital with Punjab’s key economic zones. With the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express, connectivity between Firozpur, Bathinda, Patiala, and Delhi will greatly improve, benefiting commuters, farmers, and entrepreneurs alike.
Railway analysts believe the new route will also help decongest major highways, as more passengers are expected to opt for rail over road transport due to reduced travel time and better comfort.
Weekly Operation and Ticketing Information
The Vande Bharat train schedule specifies that the train will run six days a week, with Wednesdays reserved for maintenance. Ticket booking is already open on the IRCTC website and through official mobile apps.
Passengers can choose between Executive Chair Car (EC) and AC Chair Car (CC) classes. Fares are yet to be officially confirmed, but they are expected to align with existing Vande Bharat routes, offering good value for the premium facilities onboard.
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Part of India’s Expanding Vande Bharat Network
The launch of the Delhi–Firozpur service takes the total number of Vande Bharat Express routes in India to over 40. These semi-high-speed trains have become symbols of India’s growing infrastructure and technological prowess.
Every new route strengthens connectivity between metro cities and smaller towns, bringing efficiency and modernity to India’s transportation sector.
Public Reactions and Expectations
Residents of Punjab have welcomed the new service with enthusiasm. Many expressed excitement about shorter travel times to Delhi for work, business meetings, and medical appointments.
Social media platforms are already buzzing with images and discussions about the train’s route, with travelers praising the government’s continued focus on railway modernization.
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Conclusion: A Major Step Forward for Northern India’s Rail Network
The Delhi–Firozpur Vande Bharat Express represents another leap forward in India’s high-speed rail journey. With a carefully planned Vande Bharat train schedule, world-class amenities, and significant time savings, this route promises to transform travel between Punjab and the national capital.
The introduction of this service is more than just a transportation upgrade—it is a statement of India’s growing commitment to innovation, regional connectivity, and passenger comfort.
