In a major push to affordable rail connectivity, Indian Railways is set to launch two new Amrit Bharat Express services connecting key regions of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to flag them off on April 28.
The new services include a daily train between Varanasi (Banaras) and Pune’s Hadapsar, and a weekly train linking Ayodhya with Mumbai’s Lokmanya Tilak Terminus. These trains aim to strengthen connectivity across central India while offering affordable and comfortable travel options for pilgrims, migrant workers and daily passengers.
Designed primarily for low and middle-income travellers, Amrit Bharat Express trains are fully non-AC services featuring General and Sleeper class coaches. However, they incorporate several modern upgrades, including improved seating inspired by Vande Bharat trains, jerk-free semi-automatic couplers, enhanced safety systems, CCTV surveillance, emergency communication features, and fire suppression mechanisms. Passenger amenities such as better lighting, mobile charging ports, upgraded toilets and Divyangjan-friendly facilities have also been integrated.
The Banaras–Hadapsar route is expected to significantly improve access between two major cultural and economic centres. Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities and home to the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, attracts millions of pilgrims each year. The new train will not only support religious tourism but also benefit local industries such as Banarasi silk by opening up direct market access to western India.
On the other end, Pune—particularly Hadapsar—has emerged as a major IT and industrial hub, drawing a large workforce from northern states. The direct connection is expected to ease travel for migrants and professionals while strengthening economic ties between the regions.
The train will pass through key cities such as Prayagraj, Jhansi, Bhopal, Itarsi, Jalgaon and Manmad, connecting agricultural, industrial and tourism hubs across three states. It will also improve access to religious destinations like Shirdi, benefiting pilgrims from northern India.
Meanwhile, the Ayodhya–Mumbai service is expected to transform connectivity between one of India’s fastest-growing pilgrimage centres and its financial capital. Ayodhya, home to the Ram Mandir, has seen a surge in visitors in recent years. The new train offers a direct and economical link to Mumbai, easing travel for millions of devotees and migrant workers.
The route will cover important stops including Sultanpur, Pratapgarh, Jabalpur, Bhusaval and Nashik, improving connectivity for regions with strong migration links to Mumbai. The service is particularly significant for workers who frequently travel between these regions for employment, festivals and family needs.
Both trains will operate with push-pull technology, using locomotives at both ends to enhance speed and efficiency. The Banaras–Pune service will complete its journey in approximately 30 hours with 18 stops, while the Ayodhya–Mumbai train will take around 28 hours with 12 stops.
With these additions, the total number of Amrit Bharat Express services across India will increase to 66, reflecting Indian Railways’ broader focus on inclusive mobility. The initiative aims to bridge spiritual centres, economic hubs and rural regions, while ensuring that affordable and dignified travel remains accessible to millions.
