The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) officials have disclosed that the first Vande Bharat train in the region will officially commence operations from May 14, 2023, between Guwahati and New Jalpaiguri. The train is scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, although it is not yet clear whether he will be present in person or virtually. Additionally, several other railway projects for the Northeast, including Assam, are scheduled to be inaugurated and have their foundation stone laid on the same day.
The list of stations at which Vande Bharat will stop between Guwahati to NJP is expected to be disclosed soon. On the other hand, IRCTC & NF Railway will operate its first Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train from Dibrugarh on May 27, 2023.
According to reports, it will cover popular religious tourist circuit, covering Shree Mata Vaishnodevi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj and Varanasi. Passengers can get on and off the train in stations at Dibrugarh, Simaluguri, Mariani, Dimapur, Lumding, Guwahati, Rangiya, New Bongaigaon, New Coochbehar, New Jalpaiguri, Katihar, Barauni Jn, Hajipur and Sonpur.
Spanning over 10 nights and 11 days, the first stop of this train will be at Katra where tourists will visit Mata Vaishnodevi Temple. This train will further depart for Ayodhya where tourist will visit Ram Janma Bhoomi, Hanumangarhi followed by Aarati at Sarayu River.
