The 20872 Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express is India’s 58th Vande Bharat train, providing a fast and efficient rail connection between Rourkela, a leading smart city in Odisha, and Howrah, a key transportation hub near Kolkata, West Bengal. This modern semi-high-speed train was inaugurated on September 15, 2024, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who flagged it off via video conferencing from Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand.
Train Timetables and Schedules
Station Name | Arrival | Departure | Halt Time | Distance |
Rourkela Junction | Start | 01:35 PM | -- | 0 km |
Chakradharpur | 02:51 PM | 02:53 PM | 02 min | 101 km |
Tatanagar Junction | 03:45 PM | 03:50 PM | 05 min | 163 km |
Kharagpur Junction | 05:48 PM | 05:50 PM | 02 min | 298 km |
Howrah Junction | 07:50 PM | End | -- | 414 km |
Table of Contents
General Overview
The table below provides a detailed overview of the 20872 Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express, covering essential details like its train type, number, series, generation, manufacturer, operator, and inaugural journey. These details offer insights into the train’s technological and operational excellence.
| Train Service | Vande Bharat Express (formerly known as Train18) |
| Train Type | Semi-High-Speed |
| Train Name | Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express |
| Train Number | 20872 |
| No. of Coaches | 8 |
| Train Series | Fifty-Eighth (58th) Vande Bharat Express Train |
| Train Generation | Fifty-Fifth 2nd Generation | Thirty-Ninth Mini Vande Bharat 2.0 Express Train |
| Train Version | Vande Bharat 2.0 or VB2 |
| Designed By | Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) |
| Manufactured By | Integral Coach Factory (ICF) |
| Operated By | Indian Railways |
| Current Operator Zone | South Eastern Railways (SER) |
| Inaugural Run | 15 September 2024 |
| Commercial Run | 18 September 2024 |
| Reverse Route | 20871 Howrah-Rourkela Vande Bharat Express Train |
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Platform Number and Stops
This table outlines the halts, station names, station codes, and platform numbers for the 20872 Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express. Organized for easy reference, it ensures passengers have all the essential details for smooth boarding and alighting.
| Halt/Stops | Station Name | Station Code | *Platform Number |
| Start | Rourkela Junction | ROU | 5 |
| First | Chakradharpur | CKP | 2 |
| Second | Tatanagar Junction | TATA | 4 |
| Third | Kharagpur Junction | KGP | 6 |
| End | Howrah Junction | HWH | 21 |
Note: *Platform numbers for the 20872 Vande Bharat Express may change. Please verify the platform information at the station before boarding.
Coach Position and Its Components
In the table below, you’ll find the complete breakdown of the 20872 Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express’s coaches, including their serial numbers, positions, colors, seating capacities, and travel classes. This information offers a clear view of the train’s interior setup and seating arrangements.
| Coach Serial Number | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Coach Position |  C7 | C6 | E1 | C5 | C4 | C3 | C2 | C1 |
| Coach Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Pink Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color |
| Seating Capacity | 44 | 78 | 52 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 44 |
| Travel Class | CC | CC | EC | CC | CC | CC | CC | CC |
| Seating Arrangement | 3×2 | 3×2 | 2×2 | 3×2 | 3×2 | 3×2 | 3×2 | 3X2 |
Train Routes and Frequency
This table provides a comprehensive overview of the 20872 Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express’s route, frequency, and running days. It covers the train’s journey from the source to the destination, along with the days it operates, so passengers can plan their trips accordingly.
| Train Routes | Rourkela Junction → Chakradharpur → Tatanagar Junction → Kharagpur Junction → Howrah Junction |
| Frequency | Six days a week, excluding Tuesdays |
| Running Days | Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays |
Speed and Distance
In the table below, you will find key data on the speed and distance for the 20872 Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express. This includes the train’s average speed, maximum permissible speed, total distance, and the time it takes to travel from the source to the destination, offering insight into its operational efficiency.
| Speed | Average: 66 km/h | Maximum: 130 km/h |
| Distance | 413 km |
| Travel Time | 6 hours 15 minutes |
Fares
For the 20872 Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express, passengers can select between AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC). The fare table below provides detailed pricing for each class across all stops, helping travelers plan their expenses effectively.
| Station (From/To) | CC Fare (₹) | EC Fare (₹) |
| Rourkela Junction to Chakradharpur | 665 | 1105 |
| Rourkela Junction to Tatanagar Junction | 765 | 1305 |
| Rourkela Junction to Kharagpur Junction | 1055 | 1865 |
| Rourkela Junction to Howrah Junction | 1240 | 2240 |
Note: Fares include all additional charges, such as catering fees and other related costs, applicable only for the general quota.
Connecting State and City
The 20872 Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express connects important cities and states, with clear details provided in the table below. You will find information about the journey days, halts, and intermediate stations. This data ensures that passengers have a better understanding of the train’s route. The information is designed to help travelers make informed decisions and enjoy a smooth journey.
| Connecting State/UT | Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal |
| Connecting City | Rourkela and Howrah |
| Journey Days | Single Day |
| Intermediate Stations | 3 halts and 82 Intermediate Stations between Rourkela Junction and Howrah Junction |
Features and Facilities
The 20872 Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express is equipped with a range of advanced features and amenities to make your journey comfortable. The table below covers details about the train’s coaches, including the total number of AC Chair Cars and Executive Chair Cars, their seating arrangements, and passenger capacities. It also highlights the coach colors for each class and the availability of facilities like catering, entertainment, charging stations, and baggage handling, ensuring a smooth travel experience.
| No. of Coaches | 8 |
| Coach Class(es) | The Mini Vande Bharat Express is equipped with two types of coaches: AC Chair Car coaches, numbered from C1 to C7, and AC Executive Chair Car coaches designated as E1. |
| Coach Positions | The 8-coach position layout of the 20872 Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express is as follows: C7 → C6 → E1 → C5 → C4 → C3 → C2 → C1. In the 8-coach Mini Vande Bharat Express, Coaches No. 1 and 2 (C7 and C6) are designated as Chair Car (CC). Coach No. 3 (E1) is reserved for Executive Class (EC), while Coaches No. 4 to 8 (C5 to C1) are also allocated as Chair Car (CC). |
| No of AC Chair Coach Classes | 7 |
| Seating Arrangement AC Chair Car | 3×2 |
| No of AC Executive Chair Car Coach Classes | 1 |
| Seating Arrangement AC Executive Chair Car | 2×2 |
| Total Passenger Seating Capacity | 530 |
| Seating Passengers Capacity by Coach No | In the seating arrangement, both C7 and C1 coaches are designed for 44 passengers each. Moving to C5 through C1 coaches, these compartments offer spacious seating for 78 passengers each. Additionally, E1 coach is tailored to accommodate a total of 52 passengers comfortably. |
| AC Chair Coaches Color | Aqua Color |
| AC Executive Chair Coaches Color | Pink Color |
| Pantry/Catering facilities | Yes (On Board Catering/E-Catering) |
| Observation Facilities | Large Windows in All Coaches |
| Entertainment Facilities | On-board WiFi, Infotainment System, Reading Light, Electric, Outlets, Bottle Holder, Seat Pockets, and Tray Table. |
| Charging Facilities | Yes |
| Sleeping | No |
| Seating Arrangement | Airline Style, Rotatable seats |
| Baggage Facilities | Overhead Racks |
| Sleeper Classes | No |
| Other Facilities | KAVACH, Additional Parking Brakes and Traction Motor System, Smoke Alarms, CCTV Cameras, Bio-Vacuum Toilets, Sensor-based Water Taps, Roller Blinds, Automatic Doors, and Odour Control System. |
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
When does the 20872 Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express start its journey, and when does it arrive?
The 20872 Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express departs from Rourkela at 01:35 PM and arrives at Howrah at 07:50 PM.
Can you tell me when the 20872 Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express operates?
The 20872 Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express runs six days a week, excluding Tuesdays.
How many halts does the 20872 Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express make, and where are these halts?
The 20872 Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express makes three halts at Chakradharpur, Tatanagar Junction, and Kharagpur Junction before reaching Howrah Junction.
What are the distance, time, and speed details for the 20872 Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express?
The 20872 Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express covers a distance of 413 km in 6 hours 15 minutes, with an average speed of 66 km/h and a maximum permissible speed of 130 km/h.
What are the starting and ending stations of the 20872 Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express, and what is its complete route?
The 20872 Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express starts from Rourkela Junction and ends at Howrah Junction, following this route: Rourkela Junction → Chakradharpur → Tatanagar Junction → Kharagpur Junction → Howrah Junction
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