The 22304 Gaya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express is the 59th Vande Bharat train in India. It offers a quick and comfortable journey between Gaya, a well-known religious city in Bihar, and Howrah, an important railway hub near Kolkata in West Bengal. This modern semi-high-speed train was launched on September 15, 2024, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inaugurated it through video conferencing from Ranchi.
Train Timetables and Schedules
Station Name | Arrival | Departure | Halt Time | Distance |
Gaya Junction | Start | 03:15 PM | -- | 0 km |
Koderma Junction | 04:15 PM | 04:17 PM | 02 min | 76 km |
Parasnath | 05:08 PM | 05:10 PM | 02 min | 152 km |
Dhanbad Junction | 06:00 PM | 06:02 PM | 02 min | 199 km |
Asansol Junction | 06:38 PM | 06:40 PM | 02 min | 257 km |
Durgapur | 07:01 PM | 07:03 PM | 02 min | 299 km |
Howrah Junction | 09:10 PM | End | -- | 456 km |
Table of Contents
General Overview
The table below provides an overview of the 22304 Gaya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express, covering its type, number, series, generation, manufacturer, operator, inaugural run, and other key specifications. This detailed information helps passengers understand the train’s essential details.
| Train Service | Vande Bharat Express (formerly known as Train18) |
| Train Type | Semi-High-Speed |
| Train Name | Gaya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express |
| Train Number | 22304 |
| No. of Coaches | 16 |
| Train Series | Fifty-Ninth (59th) Vande Bharat Express Train |
| Train Generation | Fifty-Sixth 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 | Eastern Railways (ER) |
| Inaugural Run | 15 September 2024 |
| Commercial Run | 18 September 2024 |
| Reverse Route | 22303 Howrah-Gaya Vande Bharat Express Train |
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Platform Number and Stops
To make your journey more convenient, the table below lists all the halts for the 22304 Gaya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express, including station names, codes, and platform numbers. This ensures passengers have all the essential information for a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
| Halt/Stops | Station Name | Station Code | *Platform Number |
| Start | Gaya Junction | GAYA | 4 |
| First | Koderma Junction | KQR | 3 |
| Second | Parasnath | PNME | 2 |
| Third | Dhanbad Junction | DHN | 1 |
| Fourth | Asansol Junction | ASN | 5 |
| Fifth | Durgapur | DGR | 4 |
| End | Howrah Junction | HWH | 6 |
Note: *Platform numbers for the 22304 Vande Bharat Express may change. Please verify the platform information at the station before boarding.
Coach Position and Its Components
The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the 22304 Gaya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express coaches, including coach serial numbers, positions, colors, seating capacities, travel classes, and seating arrangements. This information helps passengers select their seats based on preference and comfort.
| Coach Serial Number | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| Coach Position |  C1 | C2 | C3 | C4 | C5 | C6 | C7 | E1 | E2 | C8 | C9 | C10 | C11 | C12 | C13 | C14 |
| 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 |
| Seating Capacity | 44 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 52 | 52 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 44 |
| Travel Class | CC | CC | CC | CC | CC | CC | CC | EC | EC | EC | 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 |
Train Routes and Frequency
For a better understanding of the 22304 Gaya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express’s operational route, frequency, and running days, refer to the table below. This provides a clear overview of the train’s journey from the source to the destination and the days it is available for travel.
| Train Routes | Gaya Junction → Koderma Junction → Parasnath → Dhanbad Junction → Asansol Junction → Durgapur → Howrah Junction |
| Frequency | Six days a week, excluding Thursdays |
| Running Days | Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays |
Speed and Distance
The table below provides comprehensive information about the speed and distance of the 22304 Gaya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express, including its average speed, maximum permissible speed, total distance covered, and travel time from source to destination. This helps passengers plan their journey more efficiently.
| Speed | Average: 77 km/h | Maximum: 130 km/h |
| Distance | 456 km |
| Travel Time | 5 hours 55 minutes |
Fares
The 22304 Gaya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express offers AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC) classes for passenger convenience. The table below provides fare details for both travel options, covering the entire route from origin to destination, including all intermediate stops.
| Station (From/To) | CC Fare (₹) | EC Fare (₹) |
| Gaya Junction to Koderma Junction | 490 | 925 |
| Gaya Junction to Parasnath | 590 | 1125 |
| Gaya Junction to Dhanbad Junction | 670 | 1285 |
| Gaya Junction to Asansol Junction | 770 | 1490 |
| Gaya Junction to Durgapur | 835 | 1620 |
| Gaya Junction to Howrah Junction | 1300 | 2365 |
Note: Fares include all additional charges, such as catering fees and other related costs, applicable only for the general quota.
Connecting State and City
For passengers traveling on the 22304 Gaya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express, detailed travel information is readily available. The table below provides key details, including connecting states and city, journey days, stops, and intermediate stations. This comprehensive information helps travelers understand the route and plan their journey smoothly.
| Connecting State/UT | Bihar, Jharjhand, and West Bengal |
| Connecting City | Gaya and Howrah |
| Journey Days | Single Day |
| Intermediate Stations | 5 halts and 110 Intermediate Stations between Gaya Junction and Howrah Junction |
Features and Facilities
Travel in comfort and style on the 22304 Gaya-Howrah 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 | 16 |
| Coach Class(es) | The Vande Bharat Express is equipped with two types of coaches: AC Chair Car coaches, numbered from C1 to C14, and AC Executive Chair Car coaches designated as E1 and E2. |
| Coach Positions | The 16-coach position layout of the 22304 Gaya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express is as follows: C1 → C2 → C3 → C4 → C5 → C6 → C7 → E1 → E2 → C8 → C9 → C10 → C11 → C12 → C13 → C14. In the 16-coach Vande Bharat Express, Coaches No. 1 to 7 (C1 to C7) are designated as Chair Car (CC). Coaches No. 8 and 9 (E1 and E2) are reserved for Executive Class (EC), while Coaches No. 10 to 16 (C8 to C14) are also allocated as Chair Car (CC). |
| No of AC Chair Coach Classes | 14 |
| 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 | 1128 |
| Seating Passengers Capacity by Coach No | In the seating arrangement, both C1 and C14 coaches are designed to accommodate 44 passengers each. Moving on to C2 through C13 coaches, these compartments offer spacious seating for 78 passengers each. Additionally, E1 and E2 coaches are tailored to comfortably accommodate a total of 52 passengers each. |
| 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)
What is the schedule for the 22304 Gaya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express, including departure and arrival times?
The train departs from Gaya Junction at 03:15 PM and arrives at Howrah Junction at 09:10 PM.
How frequently does the 22304 Gaya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express operate, and which days does it run?
The train runs six days a week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, while it does not operate on Thursdays.
How many stops are there on the 22304 Gaya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express, and which stations does it make stops at?
The train has five stops, which are Koderma Junction, Parasnath, Dhanbad Junction, Asansol Junction, and Durgapur before reaching Howrah Junction.
What is the total distance, speed, and travel time for the 22304 Gaya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express?
The train covers a total distance of 456 km in 5 hours and 55 minutes, with an average speed of 77 km/h and a maximum permissible speed of 130 km/h.
Can you tell me the entire route of the 22304 Gaya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express?
The train follows the route: Gaya Junction ➝ Koderma Junction ➝ Parasnath ➝ Dhanbad Junction ➝ Asansol Junction ➝ Durgapur ➝ Howrah Junction.
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