Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off two new Amrit Bharat Express trains, widening India’s long-distance rail network with direct connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. The new services link Banaras with Hadapsar in Pune and Ayodhya with Lokmanya Tilak Terminus in Mumbai, targeting some of the busiest travel corridors in the country.
The move is aimed at improving access between major pilgrimage destinations and key urban centres, while offering a more comfortable and affordable rail option for everyday passengers. Officials said the trains are designed to reduce travel friction on routes where passengers often depend on multiple connections.
Speaking at the launch, Modi described the initiative as part of a wider development push, alongside infrastructure projects worth around Rs 6,350 crore. He linked the rail expansion to broader efforts to strengthen connectivity within Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
Banaras–Pune Route Connects Key Economic Belt
The Banaras–Hadapsar Amrit Bharat Express begins its journey from Banaras and takes approximately 30 hours to reach Pune. The train covers 18 stops, passing through major stations including Prayagraj, Jhansi, Bhopal region halts, Itarsi, Bhusaval, Jalgaon, Manmad and Daund before reaching Hadapsar.
Railway officials said the route strengthens east–west connectivity, linking eastern Uttar Pradesh with Maharashtra’s expanding employment hubs. The service is expected to support both migrant workers and pilgrims, particularly those travelling towards Kashi Vishwanath Dham and nearby regions.
Ayodhya–Mumbai Train Cuts Multi-Stop Travel
The Ayodhya Cantt–Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Amrit Bharat Express completes its journey in about 28 hours, covering 12 stops along the route. It connects Ayodhya with key junctions such as Prayagraj, Satna, Jabalpur, Itarsi, Bhusaval, Nashik Road, Kalyan and Thane before reaching Mumbai.
Officials said the direct link is significant for migrant movement between Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, especially for those who earlier had to rely on multiple train changes. The route is also expected to ease travel during peak festival seasons when demand surges sharply.
Designed for Affordability with Upgraded Features
The Amrit Bharat Express trains are non-AC services built to balance affordability with improved passenger experience. They come equipped with CCTV surveillance, emergency communication systems, improved safety mechanisms, and better-designed sleeper and general class coaches.
Additional features include mobile charging points, sealed gangways, upgraded toilets, and vibration-reduction systems intended to make long journeys more comfortable. Officials said the design draws from newer safety and comfort standards being introduced across Indian Railways.
Expanding Rail Connectivity Network
With the addition of these two services, the Amrit Bharat Express network continues to expand across major corridors. Railway officials said the focus remains on improving direct connectivity between regions with high passenger demand, especially where economic and cultural movement overlap.
Regular weekly operations for both trains will be announced soon. The Railways said the services are expected to ease travel pressure on existing routes while offering a more reliable option for long-distance passengers.