Amrit Bharat Express Begins Historic Inaugural Journey Today
The much-anticipated Santragachi-Anand Vihar Terminal Amrit Bharat Express commences its maiden run today, January 18, 2026. This new train service promises to transform connectivity between Kolkata and New Delhi, marking a significant milestone for Indian Railways.
Connecting Key Economic and Cultural Hubs
This Amrit Bharat Express will link vital industrial, cultural, and administrative centers across multiple states. The route traverses West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh before reaching Delhi. Officials expect this service to strengthen long-distance mobility on one of India's busiest corridors—the Howrah-Delhi route.
During regular commercial operations, the train will operate between Howrah and Anand Vihar Terminal. It will complete the substantial 1,452-kilometer journey in 27 hours and 40 minutes.
Inaugural Run Details and Schedule
For today's inaugural journey, the train operates as number 03065. It runs between Santragachi and Anand Vihar Terminal on this special Sunday service.
The train follows this route:
- Bandel
- Dhanbad
- Sasaram
- Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction
- Lucknow
- Moradabad
- Hapur
Today's inaugural special will make stops at 26 stations along its path. The complete list includes:
- Howrah
- Bandel
- Barddhaman
- Durgapur
- Asansol
- Dhanbad
- NSC Bose J Gomo
- Parasnath
- Koderma
- Gaya
- Anugrah Narayan Road
- Dehri-on-Son
- Sasaram
- Bhabua Road
- Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya
- Varanasi
- Jaunpur City
- Sultanpur
- Nihalgarh
- Lucknow
- Shahjahanpur
- Bareilly
- Moradabad
- Gajraula
- Hapur
- Ghaziabad
Detailed Timetable for the Inaugural Journey
Train number 03065, the Santragachi–Anand Vihar Amrit Bharat Express inaugural special, departs from Santragachi at 14:45 hours today. It arrives at Howrah at 15:35 hours and reaches Bandel by 16:35 hours. The train will finally pull into Anand Vihar Terminal at 21:30 hours on Monday, January 19.
Boosting Tourism and Economic Activity
This new route passes near several of India's most famous tourist and pilgrimage destinations. Travelers can easily access the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Mahabodhi Temple associated with Lord Buddha, Lucknow with its rich Nawabi heritage, and Delhi's iconic monuments like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar.
By connecting major pilgrimage centers, heritage cities, and economic hubs with the national capital, the Kolkata (Howrah)-Anand Vihar Terminal Amrit Bharat Express promises multiple benefits. Railway authorities anticipate it will significantly boost tourism along the corridor. The improved connectivity should also facilitate trade and provide crucial support to small businesses in the regions it serves.
The launch represents another step in India's railway modernization efforts, providing enhanced travel options for millions of passengers who regularly travel between eastern India and the national capital region.
