The 20898 Ranchi Howrah Vande Bharat Express is India’s thirty-first (31st) semi-high-speed train, improving rail connectivity between Jharkhand and West Bengal. Departing from Ranchi Junction, the train travels towards Howrah Junction, making six key stops along its journey. This advanced express train service 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 |
Ranchi Junction | Start | 06:00 AM | -- | 0 km |
Muri Junction | 06:53 AM | 06:55 AM | 02 min | 60 km |
Kotshila Junction | 07:19 AM | 07:20 AM | 01 min | 84 km |
Purulia Junction | 07:53 AM | 07:55 AM | 02 min | 120 km |
Chandil Junction | 08:39 AM | 08:40 AM | 01 min | 174 km |
Tatanagar Junction | 09:23 AM | 09:28 AM | 05 min | 210 km |
Kharagpur Junction | 11:13 AM | 11:15 AM | 02 min | 345 km |
Howrah Junction | 01:10 PM | End | -- | 461 km |
Table of Contents
General Overview
The following table provides an organized snapshot of the 20898 Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express, outlining its train type, number, series, generation, manufacturer, operator, inaugural run, and more. This overview highlights the train’s general specifications.
| Train Service | Vande Bharat Express (formerly known as Train18) |
| Train Type | Semi-High-Speed |
| Train Name | Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express |
| Train Number | 20898 |
| 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 | 20897 Howrah-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express Train |
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Platform Number and Stops
The table below provides a summary of the platform numbers and stops for the 20898 Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express, detailing station names and codes. This ensures that passengers can easily identify their stop for a smooth and hassle-free journey.
| Halt/Stops | Station Name | Station Code | *Platform Number |
| Start | Ranchi Junction | RNC | 1 |
| First | Muri Junction | MURI | 1 |
| Second | Kotshila Junction | KSX | 1 |
| Third | Purulia Junction | PRR | 3 |
| Fourth | Chandil Junction | CNI | 3 |
| Fifth | Tatanagar Junction | TATA | 4 |
| Sixth | Kharagpur Junction | KGP | 6 |
| End | Howrah Junction | HWH | 23 |
Note: *Platform numbers for the 20898 Vande Bharat Express may change. Please verify the platform information at the station before boarding.
Coach Position and Its Components
For a clearer understanding of the 20898 Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express’s coach layout, the table below provides details on the serial numbers, positions, colors, seating capacities, and travel classes. It also offers the seating arrangement for each coach to enhance the overall travel experience.
| Coach Serial Number | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Coach Position |  C7 | C6 | C5 | C4 | C3 | E1 | C2 | C1 |
| Coach Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color | Pink Color | Aqua Color | Aqua Color |
| Seating Capacity | 44 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 52 | 78 | 44 |
| Travel Class | CC | CC | CC | CC | CC | EC | CC | CC |
| Seating Arrangement | 3×2 | 3×2 | 3×2 | 3×2 | 3×2 | 2×2 | 3×2 | 3X2 |
Train Routes and Frequency
Here’s a concise overview of the 20898 Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express’s route, frequency, and running days. The table provides clear information on the train’s operational path from source to destination and the days it operates, aiding in seamless trip planning.
| Train Routes | Ranchi Junction 🡒 Muri Junction 🡒 Kotshila Junction 🡒 Purulia Junction 🡒 Chandil Junction 🡒 Tatanagar Junction 🡒 Kharagpur Junction 🡒 Howrah Junction |
| Frequency | Six days a week (excluding Tuesdays) |
| Running Days | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday |
Speed and Distance
In the table below, you’ll find all the relevant information about the 20898 Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express, including its average speed, maximum permissible speed, total distance, and travel time. This data is essential for passengers to gauge how quickly they will reach their destination.
| Speed | Average: 64 km/h | Maximum: 130 km/h |
| Distance | 461 km |
| Travel Time | 7 hours 10 minutes |
Fares
With both AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC) options, the 20898 Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express caters to diverse passenger needs. The fare table below outlines ticket costs for the entire route, including intermediate stops.
| Station (From/To) | CC Fare (₹) | EC Fare (₹) |
| Ranchi Junction to Muri Junction | 540 | 960 |
| Ranchi Junction to Kotshila Junction | 550 | 980 |
| Ranchi Junction to Purulia Junction | 590 | 1070 |
| Ranchi Junction to Chandil Junction | 690 | 1265 |
| Ranchi Junction to Tatanagar Junction | 750 | 1390 |
| Ranchi Junction to Kharagpur Junction | 960 | 1825 |
| Ranchi Junction to Howrah Junction | 1155 | 2200 |
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 those traveling on the 20898 Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express, essential details are available in the table below. It covers connecting states/UT, cities, journey days, halts, and the intermediate stations between Howrah and Bhagalpur Junction. This information ensures passengers have a clear picture of their journey, helping them plan effectively.
| Connecting State/UT | Jharkhand and West Bengal |
| Connecting City | Ranchi and Howrah |
| Journey Days | Single Day |
| Intermediate Stations | 6 halts and 90 Intermediate Stations between Ranchi Junction and Howrah Junction |
Features and Facilities
The 20898 Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express is equipped with various features and facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey. The following details provide information on the number of coaches, seating configurations, and overall passenger capacity. It also includes the coach colors for each class, along with essential onboard facilities such as catering, entertainment, charging ports, baggage handling, and more, ensuring passengers have everything they need during their trip.
| 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 20898 Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express is as follows: C7 → C6 → C5 → C4 → C3 → E1 → C2 → C1. In the 8-coach Mini Vande Bharat Express, Coaches No. 1 to 5 (C7 to C3) are designated as Chair Car (CC). Coach No. 3 (E1) is reserved for Executive Class (EC), while Coaches No. 7 and 8 (C2 and 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 C6 through C2 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)
What is the schedule for the 20898 Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express, including departure and arrival times?
The 20898 Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express departs from Ranchi Junction at 06:00 AM and arrives at Howrah Junction at 01:10 PM.
How frequently does the 20898 Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express operate, and which days does it run?
The 20898 Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express runs six days a week, operating every day except Tuesday.
How many stops are there on the 20898 Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express, and which stations does it make stops at?
The 20898 Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express halts at six stations during its journey. The names of the stations are Muri Junction, Kotshila Junction, Purulia Junction, Chandil Junction, Tatanagar Junction, and Kharagpur Junction.
What is the total distance, speed, and travel time for the 20898 Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express?
The train covers a total distance of 461 km, with an average speed of 64 km/h and a maximum permissible speed of 130 km/h, completing the journey in 7 hours and 10 minutes.
Can you tell me the entire route of the 20898 Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express?
The 20898 Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express follows this route: Ranchi Junction → Muri Junction → Kotshila Junction → Purulia Junction → Chandil Junction → Tatanagar Junction → Kharagpur Junction → Howrah Junction.
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