The 20978 Chandigarh-Ajmer Vande Bharat Express is India’s fourteenth (14th) semi-high-speed train, enhancing rail connectivity between the Union Territory of Chandigarh, which also serves as the capital of Punjab and Haryana, and the state of Rajasthan. Departing from Chandigarh Junction, the train travels towards Ajmer Junction, halting at eight key stations along its route. The 20977 Vande Bharat Express is an extended version of the earlier service that operated between Delhi Cantt and Ajmer Junction. The train was officially inaugurated on 12 April 2023, and its regular commercial operations for passengers began on 13 April 2023.
Train Timetables and Schedules
Station Name | Arrival | Departure | Halt Time | Distance |
Chandigarh Junction | Start | 03:15 PM | -- | 0 km |
Ambala Cantt Junction | 03:53 PM | 03:55 PM | 02 min | 45 km |
Delhi Cantt | 06:23 PM | 06:28 PM | 05 min | 248 km |
Gurgaon | 06:50 PM | 06:52 PM | 02 min | 265 km |
Rewari Junction | 07:40 PM | 07:42 PM | 02 min | 317 km |
Alwar Junction | 08:22 PM | 08:24 PM | 02 min | 391 km |
Gandhi Nagar Jaipur | 09:53 PM | 09:55 PM | 02 min | 536 km |
Jaipur Junction | 10:05 PM | 10:10 PM | 05 min | 541 km |
Kishangarh | 11:18 PM | 11:20 PM | 02 min | 651 km |
Ajmer Junction | 11:55 PM | End | -- | 675 km |
Table of Contents
General Overview
The table below highlights key details of the 20978 Chandigarh-Ajmer Vande Bharat Express, including its train type, number, series, generation, manufacturer, operator, inaugural run, and other specifications. This information provides passengers with a clear and concise understanding of the train’s design, features, and operations.
| Train Service | Vande Bharat Express (formerly known as Train18) |
| Train Type | Semi-High-Speed |
| Train Name | Chandigarh-Ajmer Vande Bharat Express |
| Train Number | 20978 |
| No. of Coaches | 20 |
| Train Series | Fourteenth (14th) Vande Bharat Express Train |
| Train Generation | Twelfth 2nd Generation 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 | North Western Railway (NWR) |
| Inaugural Run | 12 April 2023 |
| Commercial Run | 13 April 2023 |
| Reverse Route | 20977 Ajmer-Chandigarh Vande Bharat Express Train |
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Platform Number and Stops
The table below provides details of the halts, station names, station codes, and platform numbers for the 20978 Chandigarh-Ajmer Vande Bharat Express. This information helps passengers easily identify their boarding points and stops along the route.
| Halt/Stops | Station Name | Station Code | *Platform Number |
| Start | Chandigarh Junction | CDG | 1 |
| First | Ambala Cantt Junction | UMB | 1 |
| Second | Delhi Cantt | DEC | 1 |
| Third | Gurgaon | GGN | 1 |
| Fourth | Rewari Junction | RE | 1 |
| Fifth | Alwar Junction | AWR | 2 |
| Sixth | Gandhi Nagar Jaipur | GADJ | 2 |
| Seventh | Jaipur Junction | JP | 3 |
| Eighth | Kishangarh | KSG | 2 |
| End | Ajmer Junction | AII | 1 |
Note: *Platform numbers for the 20978 Vande Bharat Express may change. Please verify the platform information at the station before boarding.
Coach Position and Its Components
The table below presents a detailed breakdown of the 20978 Chandigarh-Ajmer Vande Bharat Express’s coach composition, including serial numbers, positions, colors, seating capacities, and travel classes. It also outlines the seating arrangements for each coach, providing passengers with essential information to plan their journey comfortably.
| Coach Serial Number | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| Coach Position |  C18 | C17 | C16 | C15 | C14 | C13 | C12 | E2 | E1 | C11 | C10 | C9 | C8 | C7 | C6 | C5 | C4 | C3 | C2 | C1 |
| Coach Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Pink Color | Pink Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color |
| Seating Capacity | 44 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 52 | 52 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 44 |
| Travel Class | CC | CC | CC | CC | CC | CC | CC | EC | EC | CC | CC | CC | CC | CC | CC | CC | CC | CC | CC | CC |
| Seating Arrangement | 3×2 | 3×2 | 3×2 | 3×2 | 3×2 | 3×2 | 3×2 | 2X2 | 2X2 | 3X2 | 3X2 | 3X2 | 3X2 | 3X2 | 3X2 | 3X2 | 3X2 | 3X2 | 3X2 | 3X2 |
Train Routes and Frequency
The table below contains all the essential details about the 20978 Chandigarh-Ajmer Vande Bharat Express’s route, frequency, and running days. This information helps passengers understand the train’s schedule and select the right day for their journey.
| Train Routes | Chandigarh Junction 🡒 Ambala Cantt Junction 🡒 Delhi Cantt 🡒 Gurgaon 🡒 Rewari Junction 🡒 Alwar Junction 🡒 Gandhi Nagar Jaipur 🡒 Jaipur Junction 🡒 Kishangarh 🡒 Ajmer Junction |
| Frequency | Six days a week (excluding Wednesdays) |
| Running Days | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday |
Speed and Distance
To better understand the operational performance of the 20978 Chandigarh-Ajmer Vande Bharat Express, the table below provides key details, including its average speed, maximum speed, total distance covered, and travel time. This information helps passengers plan their journey efficiently.
| Speed | Average: 80 km/h | Maximum: 130 km/h |
| Distance | 675 km |
| Travel Time | 8 hours 40 minutes |
Fares
Passengers traveling on the 20978 Chandigarh-Ajmer Vande Bharat Express can choose between AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC) seating options. The table below provides fare details from the source to the destination, including fares for intermediate stations.
| Station (From/To) | CC Fare (₹) | EC Fare (₹) |
| Chandigarh Junction to Ambala Cantt Junction | 440 | 825 |
| Chandigarh Junction to Delhi Cantt | 795 | 1535 |
| Chandigarh Junction to Gurgaon | 820 | 1590 |
| Chandigarh Junction to Rewari Junction | 895 | 1740 |
| Chandigarh Junction to Alwar Junction | 1240 | 2240 |
| Chandigarh Junction to Gandhi Nagar Jaipur | 1475 | 2730 |
| Chandigarh Junction to Jaipur Junction | 1495 | 2760 |
| Chandigarh Junction to Kishangarh | 1630 | 3065 |
| Chandigarh Junction to Ajmer Junction | 1665 | 3120 |
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 20978 Chandigarh-Ajmer Vande Bharat Express provides a well-structured journey for passengers. The table below offers clear details about the connecting states, cities, journey days, stops, and the number of intermediate stations. This ensures travelers have all the necessary information to plan their trip smoothly.
| Connecting State/UT | Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan |
| Connecting City | Chandigarh and Ajmer |
| Journey Days | Single Day |
| Intermediate Stations | 8 halts and 115 Intermediate Stations between Chandigarh Junction and Ajmer Junction |
Features and Facilities
Travel in comfort and style on the 20978 Chandigarh-Ajmer Vande Bharat Express, designed with modern features for a pleasant journey. The table below provides details about the train’s coaches, class of service, seating arrangements, and total capacity. Additional amenities such as catering, entertainment, charging stations, baggage handling, and coach colors are also outlined to ensure a seamless travel experience.
| No. of Coaches | 20 |
| Coach Class(es) | The Vande Bharat Express is equipped with two types of coaches: AC Chair Car coaches, numbered from C1 to C18, and AC Executive Chair Car coaches designated as E1 and E2. |
| Coach Positions | The 20-coach position layout of the 20978 Chandigarh-Ajmer Vande Bharat Express is as follows: C18 → C17 → C16 → C15 → C14 → C13 → C12 → E2 → E1 → C11 → C10 → C9 → C8 → C7 → C6 → C5 → C4 → C3 → C2 → C1. In the 20-coach Vande Bharat Express, Coaches No. 1 to 7 (C18 to C12) are designated as Chair Car (CC). Coach No. 8 and 9 (E2 and E1) is reserved for Executive Class (EC), while Coaches No. 10 to 20 (C11 to C1) are also allocated as Chair Car (CC). |
| No of AC Chair Coach Classes | 18 |
| Seating Arrangement AC Chair Car | 3×2 |
| No of AC Executive Chair Car Coach Classes | 2 |
| Seating Arrangement AC Executive Chair Car | 2×2 |
| Total Passenger Seating Capacity | 1440 |
| Seating Passengers Capacity by Coach No | In the seating arrangement, both C18 and C1 coaches are designed for 44 passengers each. Moving to C17 through C2 coaches, these compartments offer spacious seating for 78 passengers each. Additionally, E2 and 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 20978 Chandigarh-Ajmer Vande Bharat Express start its journey and when does it arrive?
The 20978 Chandigarh-Ajmer Vande Bharat Express departs from Chandigarh Junction at 03:15 PM and arrives at Ajmer Junction at 11:55 PM on the same day.
Can you tell me when the 20978 Chandigarh-Ajmer Vande Bharat Express operates?
The 20978 Chandigarh-Ajmer Vande Bharat Express operates six days a week. It runs on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It does not operate on Wednesday.
How many halts does the 20978 Chandigarh-Ajmer Vande Bharat Express make, and where are these halts?
The train makes eight scheduled halts at the following stations: Ambala Cantt Junction, Delhi Cantt, Gurgaon, Rewari Junction, Alwar Junction, Gandhi Nagar Jaipur, Jaipur Junction, and Kishangarh, before reaching its final destination at Ajmer Junction.
What are the distance, time, and speed details for the 20978 Chandigarh-Ajmer Vande Bharat Express?
The 20978 Vande Bharat Express covers a distance of approximately 675 kilometers in 8 hours and 40 minutes, maintaining an average speed of around 80 km/h. Its maximum permissible speed is 130 km/h on certain routes.
What are the starting and ending stations of the 20978 Chandigarh-Ajmer Vande Bharat Express, and what is its route?
The 20978 Vande Bharat Express begins its journey from Chandigarh Junction and terminates at Ajmer Junction. The complete route of the train is: Chandigarh Junction → Ambala Cantt Junction → Delhi Cantt → Gurgaon → Rewari Junction → Alwar Junction → Gandhi Nagar Jaipur → Jaipur Junction → Kishangarh → Ajmer Junction.
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