Literary Inspiration on Rails
The Indian Railways system boasts a unique blend of travel and cultural homage, with several trains named after iconic literary works. The Hate Bazare
Express, a train that travels between Kolkata and Saharsa, is named after Banaphool's celebrated Bengali novel, setting the stage for a journey through literature. Similarly, the Godan Express, operating between Mumbai and Gorakhpur, pays tribute to Munshi Premchand's renowned novel. These names are not mere coincidences, they are a tribute to the power and lasting impact of Indian literature, reflecting the deep connection between the nation's cultural heritage and its railway infrastructure.
Kamayani's Poetic Route
The Kamayani Express, starting its journey from Mumbai, is named after a prominent work by the Hindi poet Jai Shankar Prasad. The train travels a long distance, connecting Mumbai to Itarsi, Bhopal, and Varanasi, before concluding its route at Balia. The Kamayani, a large allegorical epic poem centered on the evolution of human culture, also contains characters like Manu, Ida and Shraddha, who are found in the Vedas. The train's journey mirrors the poem's themes, providing a symbolic link between the poem's narrative and the physical journey across various regions of India. The train functions as a lifeline, covering a total of 1,773 km in 32 hours and offers sleeper, AC 3-Tier and AC 2-Tier coaches for passengers.
More Literary Connections
The Ganadevta Express, another train on the network, honors Tarashankar Bandopadhyay's novel, which focuses on rural life during the colonial era. This train operates between Howrah and Balurghat, allowing passengers to experience landscapes that echo the novel’s themes. Moreover, the Gitanjali Express, connecting Mumbai and Kolkata, pays tribute to Rabindranath Tagore's collection of poems. Tagore's collection earned the Nobel Prize for Literature, which the train’s name serves to honor. These train names highlight the rich tapestry of Indian literature, with each journey a celebration of the authors and their immortal works.
Kamayani Express Details
The Kamayani Express, offering daily service, links Lokmanya Tilak Terminus in Mumbai to Balia in Uttar Pradesh. The train covers a total distance of 1,773 km over a duration of 32 hours, providing a vital connection between the western and northern parts of India. Departing from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus at 1:50 pm, the train traverses through key stations such as Itarsi, Bhopal, Prayagraj, and Varanasi. It then reaches Balia at 10:35 pm the next day. Equipped with Sleeper, AC 3-Tier, and AC 2-Tier coaches, the Kamayani Express caters to a broad range of passenger needs.
