Vinod Bhat
Ayodhya: A new Amrit Bharat Express train connecting Ayodhya and Mumbai’s Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) was flagged off as part of Indian Railways’ effort to improve long-distance connectivity between northern and western India.
The train, launched as part of a broader set of new services, aims to provide an affordable and direct travel option between Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai in Maharashtra, linking key pilgrimage and economic centres across multiple states.
According to officials, the Ayodhya–Mumbai Amrit Bharat Express will pass through important stations in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, including Sultanpur, Prayagraj, Jabalpur, Itarsi, Bhusawal, Nashik Road, Kalyan, and Thane before reaching Mumbai’s LTT terminal.
The service is designed to benefit pilgrims travelling to Ayodhya, migrant workers, and regular passengers by reducing travel time and improving accessibility between major urban centres.
Railways officials said the train will operate with a mix of sleeper and general coaches and is aimed at offering “safe, comfortable, and affordable” long-distance travel for passengers who rely on non-AC services.
The inaugural run was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of a broader initiative to expand the Amrit Bharat Express network across India. Officials said the introduction of this route will significantly strengthen cultural, economic, and social linkages between Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
The launch is part of the government’s ongoing push to enhance railway infrastructure and improve connectivity along key national corridors.