The 20897 Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express is India’s thirty-first (31st) semi-high-speed train, connecting Howrah in West Bengal with Ranchi in Jharkhand. The train passes through multiple cities and makes six stops along its route. This express train was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conferencing from New Delhi on September 24, 2023.
Train Timetables and Schedules
Station Name | Arrival | Departure | Halt Time | Distance |
Howrah Junction | Start | 02:35 PM | -- | 0 km |
Kharagpur Junction | 04:06 PM | 04:08 PM | 02 min | 116 km |
Tatanagar Junction | 05:45 PM | 05:50 PM | 05 min | 250 km |
Chandil Junction | 06:34 PM | 06:35 PM | 01 min | 286 km |
Purulia Junction | 07:23 PM | 07:25 PM | 02 min | 340 km |
Kotshila Junction | 08:04 PM | 08:05 PM | 01 min | 377 km |
Muri Junction | 08:25 PM | 08:27 PM | 02 min | 400 km |
Ranchi Junction | 10:00 PM | End | -- | 463 km |
Table of Contents
General Overview
The following table presents key details about the 20897 Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express, including its train type, number, series, generation, manufacturer, operator, inaugural run, and more. This provides passengers with insights into the train’s technological specifications and operational history.
| Train Service | Vande Bharat Express (formerly known as Train18) |
| Train Type | Semi-High-Speed |
| Train Name | Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express |
| Train Number | 20897 |
| No. of Coaches | 8 |
| Train Series | Thirty-First Vande Bharat Express Train |
| Train Generation | Twenty-Ninth 2nd Generation | Seventeenth Mini Vande Bharat 2.0 Express Train |
| Train Version | Mini Vande Bharat 2.0 |
| 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 | 24 September 2023 |
| Commercial Run | 27 September 2023 |
| Reverse Route | 20898 Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express Train |
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Platform Number and Stops
Here’s a helpful overview of the halts and platform numbers for the 20897 Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express. The table includes station names and codes, providing passengers with clear information on where to board or alight during the journey.
| Halt/Stops | Station Name | Station Code | *Platform Number |
| Start | Howrah Junction | HWH | 22 |
| First | Kharagpur Junction | KGP | 2 |
| Second | Tatanagar Junction | TATA | 3 |
| Third | Chandil Junction | CNI | 2 |
| Fourth | Purulia Junction | PRR | 2 |
| Fifth | Kotshila Junction | KSX | 1 |
| Sixth | Muri Junction | MURI | 2 |
| End | Ranchi Junction | RNC | 3 |
Note: *Platform numbers for the 20897 Vande Bharat Express may change. Please verify the platform information at the station before boarding.
Coach Position and Its Components
The following table provides coach details for the 20897 Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express, including serial numbers, positions, colors, seating capacities, and travel classes. It also outlines seating arrangements to help passengers plan their journey comfortably.
| Coach Serial Number | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Coach Position |  C1 | C2 | E1 | C3 | C4 | C5 | C6 | C7 |
| 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
The table below outlines the complete route of the 20897 Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express, along with its frequency and running days. Passengers can refer to this schedule to better understand the train’s operations and plan their journey accordingly.
| Train Routes | Howrah Junction 🡒 Kharagpur Junction 🡒 Tatanagar Junction 🡒 Chandil Junction 🡒 Purulia Junction 🡒 Kotshila Junction 🡒 Muri Junction 🡒 Ranchi Junction |
| Frequency | Six days a week (excluding Tuesdays) |
| Running Days | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday |
Speed and Distance
The following table provides an overview of the speed and distance details for the 20897 Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express. Included are its average speed, maximum speed, total distance, and the total time it takes to travel from the source to the destination, giving passengers insights into the efficiency of the service.
| Speed | Average: 62 km/h | Maximum: 130 km/h |
| Distance | 463 km |
| Travel Time | 7 hours 25 minutes |
Fares
The 20897 Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express offers fares for AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC). The table below details ticket prices from the starting station to key halts and the terminal station, allowing passengers to budget their travel easily.
| Station (From/To) | CC Fare (₹) | EC Fare (₹) |
| Howrah Junction to Kharagpur Junction | 525 | 1005 |
| Howrah Junction to Tatanagar Junction | 750 | 1460 |
| Howrah Junction to Chandil Junction | 1040 | 1835 |
| Howrah Junction to Purulia Junction | 1120 | 1985 |
| Howrah Junction to Kotshila Junction | 1175 | 2110 |
| Howrah Junction to Muri Junction | 1210 | 2170 |
| Howrah Junction to Ranchi Junction | 1320 | 2395 |
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 20897 Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express provides travelers with essential route information in one place. The table below outlines the connecting states/UTs, cities served, journey days, and halts/stops. It also includes the total number of intermediate stations from the source to the destination, helping passengers better understand the route and plan their trip accordingly.
| Connecting State/UT | West Bengal and Jharkhand |
| Connecting City | Howrah and Ranchi |
| Journey Days | Single Day |
| Intermediate Stations | 6 halts and 90 Intermediate Stations between Howrah Junction and Ranchi Junction |
Features and Facilities
For passengers seeking both comfort and efficiency, the 20897 Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express offers an excellent array of features and facilities. The table below outlines detailed insights into the train’s seating arrangements, the number of AC Chair Cars and Executive Chair Cars, and the total passenger capacity. It also highlights the coach colors, catering services, entertainment options, charging stations, baggage handling facilities, and more, ensuring a pleasant and seamless journey.
| 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 20897 Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express is as follows: C1 → C2 → E1 → C3 → C4 → C5 → C6 → C7. In the 8-coach Mini Vande Bharat Express, Coaches No. 1 and 2 (C1 and C2) are designated as Chair Car (CC). Coach No. 3 (E1) is reserved for Executive Class (EC), while Coaches No. 4 to 8 (C3 to C7) 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 C1 and C7 coaches are designed for 44 passengers each. Moving to C2 through C6 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)
Can you tell me the departure and arrival times for the 20897 Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express?
The 20897 Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express departs from Howrah Junction at 02:35 PM and arrives at Ranchi Junction at 10:00 PM.
When can I travel on the 20897 Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express?
The 20897 Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express operates six days a week, running every day except Tuesday.
Which stations does the 20897 Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express pass through and stop at?
The 20897 Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express passes through several stations along its route and halts at six key stations: Kharagpur Junction, Tatanagar Junction, Chandil Junction, Purulia Junction, Kotshila Junction, and Muri Junction.
How much time does the 20897 Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express take, and what is its distance and speed?
The 20897 Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express covers a total distance of 463 km, with an average speed of 62 km/h and a maximum permissible speed of 130 km/h, completing the journey in 7 hours and 25 minutes.
What is the route taken by the 20897 Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express?
The 20897 Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express follows this route: Howrah Junction → Kharagpur Junction → Tatanagar Junction → Chandil Junction → Purulia Junction → Kotshila Junction → Muri Junction → Ranchi Junction.
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