1. I agree that the timings of Shridham are apt, and often feel IR should consider swapping Shridham and ICE between JBP and RKMP. Also, people are bound to take Shridham only till BPL and not any further thanks to its route and TT. There are ample amount of options available from JBP to Delhi. But this blog isn't concerned with JBP BPL connection, rather Rewa BPL VB.
2. If ICE is not reaching on time, it's priority and TT need to be worked upon, and not VB to be introduced competing with the same. I frequently travel JBP BPL in Janshatabdi and have seen 'office goers' preferring that. ICE has a better arrival at JBP in comparison with Janshatabdi at RKMP....
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3. 530 from Rewa seems not that early. Even Janshatabdi departs from JBP at the same time. However, this can be delayed by at most one hour (again maybe swapping VB and ICE departures from Rewa). However, I really don't think it will have any significant impact upon the occupancy, because what it all boils down into is
a. Arrival time at BPL will still be in the afternoon being suitable for none.
b. A place like Rewa CANNOT feed an AC Express
4. If departing from BPL in the morning, you think there are that many devotees to Maihar that it can fill the VB? Or maybe that many office goers to Satna? (To be noted arrival at Satna will again be in the afternoon) For JBP, VB will again be competing with ICE and will only attract some percentage of premium class travellers ready to spend TWICE to save about AN HOUR.
5. Cancellation of this VB is the best alternative because JBP BPL sector was NEVER apt for a VB. JBP BPL connectivity has already been fantastic. There wasn't a requirement for any more trains. In fact the way road network has now come up, I think people should start vacating the already running trains. My last road trip to BPL from JBP consumed less than 5 hours between the two cities.