Introducing the Delhi-Gorakhpur Amrit Bharat Express
The latest addition to the bustling Delhi-Gorakhpur corridor is the Amrit Bharat Express. The Railway Board recently approved this new weekly service, designated as train numbers 14046/14045. Positioned as a comfortable yet budget-friendly travel option,
the Amrit Bharat trains are designed to offer an upgraded experience for passengers, particularly those who prefer non-AC travel. These trains feature modern amenities and a focus on providing a superior journey compared to conventional mail or express trains, bringing a Vande Bharat-like experience to a wider audience. This service aims to cater to the heavy passenger flow on this route, which connects the national capital with a major hub in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Schedule and Timings
The weekly Amrit Bharat Express has a fixed schedule designed for convenience. Train number 14046 will depart from Delhi every Tuesday at 12:40 AM and is scheduled to arrive in Gorakhpur the same day at 3:50 PM. This makes for a journey of approximately 15 hours. For the return leg, train number 14045 will leave Gorakhpur on Tuesdays at 9:40 PM, reaching Delhi the next day, Wednesday, at 12:50 PM. The timings are structured to allow passengers to complete their journey during the day or travel overnight, depending on their direction of travel. This new service is expected to initially run as a special train before becoming a regular link.
Route and Key Stoppages
The Amrit Bharat Express will connect several important towns and cities between Delhi and Gorakhpur, enhancing connectivity across Uttar Pradesh. The designated halts for the train include Ghaziabad, Moradabad, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Sitapur City, Burhwal, Gonda, Balrampur, Barhni, Siddharth Nagar, and Anand Nagar. These stops are strategically chosen to serve passengers from various regional centres who frequently travel to and from Delhi and Gorakhpur for work, education, and personal reasons. The inclusion of these halts makes the service accessible to a larger population beyond the terminal cities.
How It Compares to Other Options
The Delhi-Gorakhpur route is well-served by various modes of transport, and the Amrit Bharat Express offers a new balance of cost, comfort, and time. Compared to flights, which are the fastest option taking around 1.5 to 2 hours but cost significantly more, the Amrit Bharat is a far more economical choice. Existing train options include numerous superfast and express trains like the Gorakhdham Express and Bihar Sampark Kranti, which take anywhere from 12 to 16 hours. The Amrit Bharat aims to provide a more modern and pleasant journey experience within a similar time frame. Road travel, either by bus or car, is another alternative. Buses take approximately 13 to 15 hours, with fares ranging from ₹600 to ₹1,400. While bus services offer high frequency, the Amrit Bharat train is expected to provide a more comfortable and stable journey, free from the unpredictability of road traffic.
The Onboard Experience
Amrit Bharat trains are a new class of service from Indian Railways, designed as 'push-pull' trains capable of higher speeds and faster acceleration. This technology reduces jerks and improves overall travel time. While primarily a non-AC service, the coaches are a significant upgrade over older sleeper class compartments. They feature cushioned luggage racks, mobile charging points for every passenger, better-designed toilets, and improved lighting and ventilation. The focus is on providing a dignified and comfortable travel experience for the common person, making long-distance journeys less strenuous. The introduction of these trains is part of a broader strategy by the Railways to modernise its fleet and cater to the aspirations of millions of passengers looking for better services at affordable prices.
