In a major boost to long‑distance rail connectivity, Indian Railways has introduced the Howrah–Anand vihar Terminal Amrit Bharat Express, a modern long‑distance train that will cut travel time and improve passenger experience on one of the country’s busiest routes.

📅 Launch & Schedule

• The train is slated to start regular operations from 22 January 2026, with an inaugural run earlier in the week.
• It will operate weekly in both directions: from Howrah Junction (Kolkata) to Anand vihar Terminal (Delhi) as Train No. 13065, and back as Train No. 13066.

⏱️ Faster journey Over Long Distance

Covering approximately 1,451 km between Howrah and anand vihar Terminal, the new Amrit Bharat Express completes the journey in about:

• 🕐 27 hours 40 minutes from Howrah to anand Vihar.
• 🕑 29 hours 35 minutes on the return leg back to Howrah.

This represents a significant improvement over many conventional long‑distance trains on this route, helping reduce travel time and offering a more reliable schedule for passengers.

📍 Route & Major Stops

The train connects key cities in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, with scheduled halts that include:

• Howrah Junction
• Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (Mughal Sarai)
• Gaya
• Varanasi
• Jaunpur City
• Lucknow
• Bareilly
• Moradabad, Hapur, Ghaziabad
• Anand vihar Terminal

By stopping at important regional hubs, the service not only serves major metropolitan travelers but also benefits passengers from smaller towns and intermediate cities along the route.

🛠️ Modern Features & Amenities

As part of the Amrit Bharat Express series, this train is equipped with updated passenger‑centric amenities designed for comfortable long‑distance travel:

• Bio‑vacuum toilets and foot‑operated water taps
• CCTV surveillance for enhanced safety
• Reading lights, mobile charging points and bottle holders for convenience
• On‑board catering services
• Sleeping berths and seating options tailored for overnight journeys

These features blend modern comfort and utility, aiming to improve traveler experience compared to traditional express trains.

🛤️ Why This Matters

✨ Faster and More Efficient Travel

Although not as rapid as premium services like Vande Bharat Express, the Amrit Bharat Express still significantly enhances average travel speed and reduces journey time on a lengthy interstate route that connects eastern india with the national capital region.

💰 Affordable Long‑Distance Connectivity

The Amrit Bharat series is designed to be more affordable than premium high‑speed trains, yet still offers modern comfort — making it suitable for middle‑class and budget‑conscious travelers who undertake long overnight journeys.

📈 Boosting Regional Mobility

With scheduled halts in multiple states and towns, this train is expected to enhance economic and social connectivity, boosting trade, education, and job mobility across the eastern and northern corridors.

📊 In Context: The Amrit Bharat Network

The Howrah–Anand vihar Terminal route is one of several new Amrit Bharat Express services being rolled out across india, aiming to offer modernized journey experiences at accessible prices. Recent announcements have highlighted the introduction of multiple such trains connecting various regions of the country.

🚆 Final Word

The Howrah–Anand vihar Amrit Bharat Express marks a key step in indian Railways’ efforts to modernize long‑distance travel, blending improved speed, comfort and affordability. Whether for families heading home, business travelers, or students, this service promises to cut journey times, expand connectivity, and raise the standard of overnight rail travel between eastern india and the national capital region

 

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