The New Service: Schedule and Train Numbers
The new service regularises the existing Gorakhpur-Delhi special train, operating under new numbers. Train number 15095 will run from Gorakhpur Junction (GKP) to Old Delhi (DLI), while the return service will be train number 15096. The regular service from Gorakhpur is set
to begin on Thursday, August 27, 2026, and will operate weekly. It will depart Gorakhpur at 10:45 PM every Thursday, arriving in Delhi at 12:50 PM the next day. The return train from Delhi will depart at 2:10 PM every Friday, starting August 28, 2026, and reach Gorakhpur at 6:30 AM on Saturday morning. The total journey is expected to take around 14 hours.
Route and Key Stoppages
This weekly Amrit Bharat Express will connect several important towns between the two major cities. In its journey from Gorakhpur to Delhi, the train will have eight intermediate stops. The key stations on the route include Khalilabad, Basti, Gonda Junction, Burhwal Junction, Sitapur, Bareilly Junction, Moradabad Junction, and Ghaziabad Junction before terminating at Old Delhi. This provides a direct weekly connection for passengers from these towns to the national capital and a convenient return service towards eastern Uttar Pradesh.
What is the Amrit Bharat Express?
The Amrit Bharat Express is a new category of superfast train introduced by Indian Railways to cater to long-distance travel for the common person. These trains are designed to be an affordable, non-air-conditioned service with modern amenities, focusing on high-density routes. A defining feature is the use of 'push-pull' technology, with a locomotive at each end of the 22-coach train. This allows for faster acceleration and deceleration, reducing overall travel time and enabling a maximum speed of up to 130 km/h. The composition typically includes general second-class and sleeper-class coaches.
Onboard Amenities for Passengers
Passengers on the Amrit Bharat Express can expect a significant upgrade in comfort and convenience compared to older trains. The coaches feature improved seating and berth designs, mobile charging sockets for every passenger, and better lighting. Other amenities include foldable snack tables, bottle holders, and radium illumination flooring strips for better visibility at night. The trains are equipped with modern, modular toilets with features like an automatic hygiene odour control system and sensor-based water taps. For a smoother journey, the coaches have fully sealed gangways to reduce noise and vibrations, and semi-permanent couplers to ensure jerk-free travel. Safety has also been enhanced with CCTV cameras in all coaches and an aerosol-based fire suppression system.
Fare Structure and Booking Details
The fare for the Amrit Bharat Express is designed to be affordable, positioned roughly 15-17% higher than conventional Mail/Express trains but without dynamic pricing, meaning the cost does not increase with demand. For sleeper class, there's a minimum chargeable distance of 200 km, and for second class, it's 50 km. The base fare for a sleeper class journey up to 200 km is around ₹149, while a second class ticket for up to 50 km is about ₹36, exclusive of other charges like reservation fees and superfast surcharge. An important rule to note is that there is no RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) quota in these trains; passengers will either get a confirmed berth or remain on the waitlist. Booking can be done through the IRCTC website and at railway reservation counters.
