Patna: Indian Railways is set to launch five new Amrit Bharat Express trains passing through Bihar under the East Central Railway zone, aiming to offer faster and more modern long-distance travel for passengers. Two of the services will pass through Patna, strengthening the state capital’s links with Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal and the north-east.
The trains — Howrah–Anand Vihar, Sealdah–Varanasi, Panvel–Alipurduar, Dibrugarh–Gomtinagar and Kamakhya–Rohtak — will initially run as inaugural special services. Operations are scheduled to begin on January 17 and 18.
According to railway officials, the new services will halt at key stations across Bihar, including Gaya, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU), Patna, Ara, Buxar, Hajipur, Sonpur, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Khagaria, Begusarai, Barauni, Mansi, Naugachhia and Katihar. The stops are expected to improve direct and convenient rail access for passengers travelling to and from the state.
Saraswati Chandra, chief public relations officer of East Central Railway, said the Amrit Bharat Express trains are equipped with modern facilities and are designed to provide a faster, more comfortable and reliable travel experience. Details regarding their regular schedules will be announced separately.
Among the new services, the Howrah–Anand Vihar Amrit Bharat Express will begin on January 18 as a Santragachi–Anand Vihar inaugural special, stopping at stations including Gaya, Anugrah Narayan Road, Dehri-on-Sone, Sasaram and Bhabua Road.
The Sealdah–Varanasi service, also starting on January 18, will operate as an inaugural special and halt at Patna and DDU before reaching Varanasi.
The Panvel–Alipurduar train will commence on January 17 as a Siliguri–Panvel inaugural special, with multiple stops across north and central Bihar, including Katihar, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Hajipur, Danapur, Ara and Buxar.
The Dibrugarh–Gomtinagar and Kamakhya–Rohtak services, both starting on January 18, will further enhance connectivity between Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Haryana, with scheduled halts at major junctions such as Barauni, Begusarai, Hajipur and Sonpur.
Railway officials said the new services form part of a broader push to modernise long-distance train travel while expanding connectivity for high-demand routes through eastern India.
