PM Narendra Modi to flag off two Amrit Bharat Express trains on April 28; check details

PM Narendra Modi. File Pic

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off two new weekly Amrit Bharat Express trains on April 28 between Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, officials said on Monday.

Routes and target passengers

The new services, Banaras to Hadapsar (Pune) and Ayodhya to Mumbai's Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), are designed to benefit pilgrims, migrant workers, and daily passengers by providing direct, low-cost travel options.

Focus on affordability and accessibility

Introduced for low- and middle-income groups, Amrit Bharat Express trains are fully non-AC and include General and Sleeper class coaches, along with pantry and Divyangjan-friendly facilities. The trains are equipped with modern safety features such as CCTV surveillance, emergency talk-back systems, fire suppression mechanisms, and sealed gangways.

Enhanced passenger amenities

Passenger amenities include improved seating and berths, better lighting, mobile charging points, and upgraded toilets. The trains also use push-pull technology with locomotives at both ends to enhance speed and performance.

Banaras-Pune route details

The Banaras, Hadapsar route will connect key cities including Prayagraj, Jhansi, Bhopal, Itarsi, Bhusaval, and Manmad, improving access to major religious and economic centres. The service is expected to ease travel for pilgrims visiting Kashi Vishwanath and provide better connectivity to Pune, a major education and IT hub.

Ayodhya-Mumbai connectivity

Similarly, the Ayodhya-Mumbai service will link major stops such as Sultanpur, Pratapgarh, Jabalpur, Itarsi, Nashik, and Thane, offering a direct route for devotees travelling to the Ram Temple and migrant workers commuting between Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai.

Reduced travel time, better convenience

Railway officials said the new trains will reduce travel time, eliminate the need for multiple transfers, and provide a more comfortable journey for passengers from economically weaker sections.

Network expansion

With the addition of these two services, the total number of operational Amrit Bharat Express trains will rise to 64.

Part of broader rail push

Officials said the move is part of Indian Railways' broader push to strengthen regional connectivity while ensuring affordable and accessible travel for the common man.

Pune-Varanasi ‘Amrit Bharat' express approved; Pune-Jabalpur train to run regularly

Last week, two important train services linking Pune with North India were approved.

A new ‘Amrit Bharat' Express will operate between Hadapsar (Pune) and Varanasi (Banaras), offering faster and more direct travel for passengers heading to Kashi and Prayagraj.

Every year, a large number of devotees from Pune travel to these religious destinations. The introduction of this train is expected to make their journey more convenient and comfortable.

The train will originate from Hadapsar Terminal, which is also likely to ease congestion at Pune Railway Station.