Kolkata, 24 January (H.S.): A new chapter was added to the Indian Railways network on Saturday when the Sealdah-Banaras Amrit Bharat Express (Train No. 22587) commenced its maiden commercial journey. This is the first time an Amrit Bharat category train is directly connecting two ancient, spiritual, and cultural centers like Sealdah and Banaras.

This high-speed train will offer passengers a comfortable and smooth travel experience with modern rail technology. A key feature of the train is the presence of engines at both ends, enabling better speed, balance, and a jerk-free journey. This technology makes it a pioneering service in modern rail travel.

The Sealdah-Banaras Amrit Bharat Express will depart from Sealdah station three days a week—Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday—at 7:30 PM. It will have stoppages at Durgapur (21:19/21:21), Asansol Junction (21:42/21:45), Madhupur Junction (22:35/22:37), and Jasidih Junction (22:56/22:58). It will then proceed via Patna Junction (02:43/02:50) and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (06:10/06:15) before arriving in Banaras at 7:20 AM the next day.

The Banaras-Sealdah Amrit Bharat Express (Train No. 22588) will depart from Banaras three days a week—Friday, Sunday, and Tuesday—at 10:10 PM and arrive at Sealdah at 9:55 AM the following day.

The train comprises a total of 18 modern coaches, including 8 Sleeper Class, 8 General Second Class, and 2 LSLRDDP (for persons with disabilities) coaches. The railways stated that the operation of the Amrit Bharat Express from Sealdah station will prove to be a major improvement in terms of better facilities for passengers, technological excellence, and long-distance rail connectivity. This service will not only make travel more comfortable but will also further strengthen connectivity between major cultural centers of the country.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey