The Northeast Frontier Railway has released data that suggests that Vande Bharat Express which runs between New Jalpaiguri and Guwahati draws the youth and middle-aged persons in large numbers.

They prefer to travel via train to reach Guwahati in five-and-a-half hours instead of via road which takes around 20 hours. From New Jalpaiguri station, two Vande Bharat trains run every day. While one connects Guwahati, the other Howrah.

“Since the inception of the service (in May this year), the Vande Bharat has become the choicest mode of travel for many people. The train has registered exceptional occupancy rates, right from the originating station to the stations en route,” said a railway official.

He mentioned that the train has reduced the travel time of passengers and hnce been welcomed by the business fraternity based in both Bengal and Assam, especially in New Cooch Behar, New Alipurduar, Kokrajhar and New Bongaigaon.

“By road, it takes around 10 hours to reach Guwahati from Siliguri and vice-versa. That is why people are availing the train, which is reaching Guwahati in five-and-a-half hours,” the official added.

The railways data said around 27.21 per cent passengers are between 25 and 34 years and 33.03 per cent belong to the age group of 35 to 49 years.

“Senior citizens (60 years and more) have also shown their liking for Vande Bharat Express because of its comfort and speed. Around eight per cent of the passengers are from this age group,” the official said.