In a significant boost to rail connectivity between West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, Indian Railways is set to launch the much-anticipated Sealdah-Banaras Amrit Bharat Express. This new-generation train, designed to offer a comfortable and affordable long-distance travel experience, is scheduled to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this month.
The service will be maintained and operated by the Eastern Railway zone. It represents a strategic addition to the network, catering especially to passengers from the lower and middle-income segments, providing a travel quality comparable to premium trains like the Vande Bharat Express but at a more accessible price point.
Route, Numbers, and Operational Schedule
The Sealdah-Banaras Amrit Bharat Express will run as train number 22587 from Sealdah to Banaras (Varanasi). For the return journey, it will be designated as train number 22588. The train will follow the route via Dankuni, connecting the two major cultural and pilgrimage centers.
This will be a tri-weekly service. From Sealdah, train number 22587 will depart every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Conversely, from Banaras, train number 22588 will commence its journey on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.
Detailed Stoppages and Timetable
During its journey between the two terminal stations, the Amrit Bharat Express will make commercial halts at six important stations. These stoppages are Durgapur, Asansol, Madhupur, Jasidih, Patna, and Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction.
As per the released schedule, train 22587 will depart from Sealdah at 19:30 hours and is scheduled to arrive at Banaras at 07:20 hours the next day, making it an overnight journey of approximately 11 hours and 50 minutes.
In the opposite direction, train 22588 will leave Banaras at 22:10 hours, reaching its destination, Sealdah, at 09:55 hours the following morning.
Composition and Passenger Experience
The train will be composed of a 16-coach rake, specifically built as part of the Amrit Bharat series. These trains are engineered with a focus on safety, enhanced amenities, and a smoother ride to improve the passenger experience for those undertaking long journeys.
The introduction of this service is seen as a major step in bridging the connectivity gap between eastern and northern India. It provides a direct and modern rail link for thousands of commuters, pilgrims, and tourists traveling between Kolkata and the holy city of Varanasi.
With its affordable pricing and improved facilities, the Sealdah-Banaras Amrit Bharat Express is poised to become a preferred choice for travel on this busy corridor, reinforcing Indian Railways' commitment to accessible and quality public transportation.
