The 20888 Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express is India’s forty-ninth (49th) Vande Bharat train, connecting Varanasi, a major spiritual and cultural hub in Uttar Pradesh, with Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand. This semi-high-speed train was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conferencing from Ahmedabad on March 12, 2024, enhancing rail connectivity and ensuring a faster, more comfortable travel experience between the two cities.
Train Timetables and Schedules
Station Name | Arrival | Departure | Halt Time | Distance |
Varanasi Junction | Start | 04:05 PM | -- | 0 km |
Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction | 04:35 PM | 04:40 PM | 5 min | 18 km |
Sasaram Junction | 05:40 PM | 05:42 PM | 2 min | 119 km |
Gaya Junction | 06:45 PM | 06:50 PM | 5 min | 222 km |
Koderma Junction | 07:50 PM | 07:52 PM | 2 min | 298 km |
Parasnath | 08:50 PM | 08:52 PM | 2 min | 374 km |
Bokaro Steel City | 09:40 PM | 09:45 PM | 5 min | 424 km |
Muri Junction | 10:48 PM | 10:50 PM | 2 min | 476 km |
Ranchi Junction | 11:55 PM | End | -- | 539 km |
Table of Contents
General Overview
The table below presents key details about the 20888 Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express, including its train type, number, series, generation, manufacturer, operator, inaugural run, and more. This concise summary helps passengers understand the train’s key specifications and background.
| Train Service | Vande Bharat Express (formerly known as Train18) |
| Train Type | Semi-High-Speed |
| Train Name | Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express |
| Train Number | 20888 |
| No. of Coaches | 8 |
| Train Series | Forty-Ninth (49th) Vande Bharat Express Train |
| Train Generation | Forty-Seventh 2nd Generation | Thirty-Second 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 | 12 March 2024 |
| Commercial Run | 18 March 2024 |
| Reverse Route | 20887 Ranchi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express |
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Platform Number and Stops
The table below outlines the key stops along the route of the 20888 Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express. It includes important details such as halt stations, station names, station codes, and platform numbers, helping passengers easily navigate their journey.
| Halt/Stops | Station Name | Station Code | *Platform Number |
| Start | Varanasi Junction | BSB | 7 |
| First | Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction | DDU | 1 |
| Second | Sasaram Junction | SSM | 3 |
| Third | Gaya Junction | GAYA | 2 |
| Fourth | Koderma Junction | KQR | 3 |
| Fifth | Parasnath | PNME | 2 |
| Sixth | Bokaro Steel City | BKSC | 2 |
| Seventh | Muri Junction | MURI | 1 |
| End | Ranchi Junction | RNC | 2 |
Note: *Platform numbers for the 20888 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 overview of the coaches on the 20888 Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express. It includes coach serial numbers, positions, colors, seating capacities, travel classes, and seating arrangements, helping passengers understand the layout of the train and choose their preferred travel experience.
| 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 highlights the detailed train routes and frequency for the 20888 Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express. It includes information on the train’s route from the source to the destination, along with its frequency and operating days, giving passengers a clear understanding of its travel schedule.
| Train Routes | Varanasi Junction 🡒 Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction 🡒 Sasaram Junction 🡒 Gaya Junction 🡒 Koderma Junction 🡒 Parasnath 🡒 Bokaro Steel City 🡒 Muri Junction 🡒 Ranchi Junction |
| Frequency | Six days a week (excluding Tuesdays) |
| Running Days | Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday |
Speed and Distance
The following table highlights the essential details of the 20888 Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express, covering its average speed, maximum permissible speed, total distance covered, and the overall time taken for the journey. This information will give passengers a clear understanding of the train’s performance and travel duration.
| Speed | Average: 69 km/h | Maximum: 130 km/h |
| Distance | 539 km |
| Travel Time | 7 hours 50 minutes |
Fares
The 20888 Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express offers two travel classes: AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC). The table below outlines the fare details for both classes from the origin to the intermediate and final destinations, helping passengers choose the option that best suits their needs and budget.
| Station (From/To) | CC Fare (₹) | EC Fare (₹) |
| Varanasi Junction to Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction | 430 | 795 |
| Varanasi Junction to Sasaram Junction | 525 | 1005 |
| Varanasi Junction to Gaya Junction | 700 | 1355 |
| Varanasi Junction to Koderma Junction | 1055 | 1865 |
| Varanasi Junction to Parasnath | 1175 | 2110 |
| Varanasi Junction to Bokaro Steel City | 1250 | 2270 |
| Varanasi Junction to Muri Junction | 1330 | 2425 |
| Varanasi Junction to Ranchi Junction | 1450 | 2675 |
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 20888 Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express offers essential travel details in a clear and organized format. The table below provides information on the connecting states and cities, journey days, total number of stops, and the intermediate stations between the source and destination.
| Connecting State/UT | Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand |
| Connecting City | Varanasi and Ranchi |
| Journey Days | Single Day |
| Intermediate Stations | 7 halts and 102 Intermediate Stations between Varanasi Junction and Ranchi Junction |
Features and Facilities
The 20888 Varanasi-Ranchi 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 20888 Varanasi-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 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 time does the 20888 Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express leave Varanasi and reach Ranchi?
The train departs from Varanasi Junction at 04:05 PM and arrives at Ranchi Junction at 11:55 PM.
On which days of the week does the 20888 Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express run?
The train operates six days a week, excluding Tuesdays. It runs on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
How many stops does the 20888 Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express make, and where?
Between Varanasi Junction and Ranchi Junction, the train halts at seven key stations, ensuring convenient connectivity along the route. These halt stations are: Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Sasaram Junction, Gaya Junction, Koderma Junction, Parasnath, Bokaro Steel City, and Muri Junction.
What is the travel distance, average speed, and total time for the 20888 Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express?
The 20888 Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express covers a total distance of 539 km in approximately 7 hours 50 minutes. The train runs at an average speed of 69 km/h, with a maximum permissible speed of 130 km/h.
What is the train’s journey route for the 20888 Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express?
The 20888 Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express follows this route: Varanasi Junction 🡒 Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction 🡒 Sasaram Junction 🡒 Gaya Junction 🡒 Koderma Junction 🡒 Parasnath 🡒 Bokaro Steel City 🡒 Muri Junction 🡒 Ranchi Junction.
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