PM Modi Flags Off Banaras–Pune, Ayodhya–Mumbai Amrit Bharat Express Trains Today
Pune/Mumbai, 28th April 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday flagged off two new Amrit Bharat Express services — a daily train between Varanasi and Pune (Hadapsar), and a weekly train between Ayodhya and Mumbai (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus). The trains will connect Uttar Pradesh with Maharashtra via Madhya Pradesh, strengthening regional rail connectivity.
The newly introduced services are part of the non-AC Amrit Bharat Express category, designed primarily for low- and middle-income passengers. The trains comprise General and Sleeper class coaches, along with Divyangjan-friendly facilities and onboard pantry services. According to officials, the trains incorporate upgraded safety features, including crashworthy coach design, CCTV surveillance, emergency talk-back systems, and fire suppression mechanisms.
The Banaras–Hadapsar Amrit Bharat Express will run daily, covering the journey in approximately 30 hours with 18 scheduled halts. Key stops include Prayagraj, Jhansi, Bhopal (Rani Kamlapati), Itarsi, Jalgaon, Manmad, and Daund before terminating at Hadapsar in Pune district.
Railway officials stated that the service is expected to improve connectivity for passengers travelling between eastern Uttar Pradesh and western Maharashtra, particularly benefiting migrant workers, students, and pilgrims. The route also links major religious destinations, including Kashi Vishwanath Dham and Shirdi Sai Baba Temple.
The Ayodhya–Mumbai (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus) Amrit Bharat Express will operate weekly and complete its journey in about 28 hours. The train will halt at 12 stations, including Sultanpur, Pratapgarh, Satna, Jabalpur, Bhusaval, Nashik, Thane, and Mumbai’s Lokmanya Tilak Terminus.
Officials said the Ayodhya–Mumbai service will provide a direct rail link for passengers travelling between central and eastern Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai’s metropolitan region, which hosts a significant migrant population from these areas. The service is also expected to facilitate access to religious destinations such as the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Both trains are equipped with push-pull locomotive technology, allowing improved acceleration and operational efficiency. Passenger amenities include enhanced seating and berths, improved lighting, mobile charging points with USB ports, better-designed toilets, and fully sealed gangways.
With the addition of these two services, the total number of operational Amrit Bharat Express trains across the Indian Railways network has increased to 66, according to official data.
