Bhagalpur/Patna: The Patna-Ahmedabad Amrit Bharat Express may be extended to Bhagalpur by November 2026, according to railway officials, in a move that could improve connectivity between eastern Bihar and Gujarat.
The proposal is currently under consideration after the Eastern Railway headquarters in Kolkata sought a feasibility report from the Malda division, which has now been submitted.
If approved, the extension would provide Bhagalpur with its first direct train service to Ahmedabad.
Direct link to Ahmedabad under consideration
Ahmedabad is among India’s major industrial and commercial centres, with a significant number of migrants from Bihar travelling there for work, education and business.
At present, passengers from Bhagalpur and adjoining districts usually travel to Patna or other stations to board trains for Ahmedabad.
Railway officials said the extension would reduce travel inconvenience and improve direct access for passengers from the region.
Feasibility report submitted
According to railway sources, the Malda division prepared the report after collecting operational and infrastructure details from Bhagalpur-based officials.
The proposal will now move to the next stage of review at the railway headquarters and Railway Board level.
A final decision is yet to be announced.
Proposed schedule and operations
At present, the Patna-Ahmedabad Amrit Bharat Express operates once a week on Fridays.
Under the proposed plan, the train is expected to arrive at Bhagalpur at around 6.25am and depart for Ahmedabad at 4.30pm the same day.
The service will continue to operate with 22 sleeper-class coaches, as in its current format.
Yard infrastructure being upgraded
Railway authorities are also accelerating work on a shunting line at Bhagalpur station to support rake parking, cleaning and maintenance.
The line, around 800 metres long, is expected to be completed by August or September this year.
Once operational, the infrastructure will allow Amrit Bharat Express rakes to be stationed at Bhagalpur.
Railway officials signal progress
Eastern Railway’s principal chief commercial manager, Uday Shankar Jha, said preparations for the extension were under way and the feasibility report had been received.
He said officials were working towards the possibility of beginning services from Bhagalpur later this year, subject to approvals.
