Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday 28th April 2026, flagged off two new Amrit Bharat Express trains, strengthening rail connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. The announcement was made in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, marking a major step toward improving long-distance travel convenience for passengers.
The newly introduced trains include the Varanasi to Hadapsar (Pune) route and the Ayodhya to Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Mumbai) route. The services aim to provide direct travel options, especially benefiting daily commuters, migrant workers, and pilgrims who previously had to change trains during their journeys.
According to the Railway Ministry, the development is particularly significant for Uttar Pradesh, as cities like Varanasi and Ayodhya attract millions of devotees every year. Improved connectivity to major metropolitan cities such as Mumbai and Pune is expected to boost religious tourism and regional travel. The Varanasi–Hadapsar service will enhance access to the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, while the Ayodhya–Mumbai train will make travel easier for those visiting the Shri Ram Mandir Teerth Kshetra.
The inaugural Varanasi to Hadapsar Amrit Bharat Express will depart from Banaras in the evening and reach Hadapsar late at night the following day, completing the journey in approximately 30 hours. The train will stop at 18 stations, including Prayagraj, Jhansi, Bhopal, Itarsi, Bhusaval, Jalgaon, Manmad, and Kopargaon before reaching Pune’s rapidly developing suburb of Hadapsar.
Similarly, the Ayodhya to Mumbai (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus) Amrit Bharat Express will begin its journey from Ayodhya Cantt in the evening and arrive in Mumbai late the next evening, taking around 28 hours. This train will halt at 12 key stations, including Sultanpur, Prayagraj Junction, Satna, Jabalpur, Itarsi, Bhusaval, Nasik Road, Kalyan, and Thane before reaching its final destination.
Officials stated that Amrit Bharat Express trains are designed keeping the common man in mind, offering a balance of comfort, affordability, and convenience. However, fares are expected to be around 15 to 17 percent higher than regular Mail and Express trains. The Railway Ministry also confirmed that regular schedules for these services will be announced soon after the inaugural runs.
