In a significant boost to long-distance connectivity, the Ministry of Railways is launching the Alipurduar-Panvel Amrit Bharat Express. This new weekly service is specifically designed to provide an affordable and high-quality travel option for passengers from the lower and lower-middle income categories, bridging the geographical gap between West Bengal in the Northeast and the Mumbai metropolitan region in Maharashtra.
Alipurduar-Panvel Amrit Bharat Express: Train Number, Route & Key Details
The new service will be identified as train number 11032 from Alipurduar to Panvel. In the opposite direction, from Panvel to Alipurduar, it will run as train number 11031. The train's route will pass via Danapur, covering a vast stretch across multiple states.
The train composition will feature 22 modern coaches, including one LWCBPP, eight LWSCNPP, two LSLRDPP, and eleven LWSPP coaches. This Amrit Bharat Express rake boasts modern ergonomic seating, fully connected coaches for seamless passenger movement, and a twin-engine configuration for enhanced safety and reliability.
Complete List of Stoppages & Weekly Schedule
During its long journey, the Alipurduar-Panvel Amrit Bharat Express will halt at a total of 35 commercial stations. This extensive list of stops ensures connectivity for numerous towns and cities along the corridor.
The key stoppages include Hasimara, New Jalpaiguri, Kishanganj, Katihar, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Hajipur, Sonpur, Patliputra, Danapur, Ara, Buxar, Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Prayagraj Chheoki, Manikpur, Satna, Jabalpur, Itarsi, Bhusaval, Jalgaon, Nasik Road, and Kalyan, among others.
As a weekly service, the train will depart from Alipurduar every Thursday at 04:45 hours. It is scheduled to arrive at its destination, Panvel, on Saturday at 05:30 hours, making it a journey of over 50 hours.
For the return leg, train number 11031 will leave Panvel every Monday at 11:50 hours. It will finally reach Alipurduar on Wednesday at 13:50 hours.
Operational Hubs and Passenger Amenities
The primary maintenance depot for this train will be at Panvel, with Alipurduar serving as the secondary depot. For technical and servicing needs, the train will utilize four Coach Technical Stoppages (CTS) at Bhusaval, Jabalpur, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, and New Jalpaiguri.
Furthermore, watering facilities will be provided at seven stations: Bhusaval, Itarsi, Jabalpur, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Samastipur, Katihar, and New Jalpaiguri, ensuring the train's operational efficiency throughout its lengthy route.
The introduction of this train underscores Indian Railways' commitment to enhancing national connectivity with a focus on value-driven travel. It opens a new, direct rail link for passengers between North Bengal and the bustling economic hub around Mumbai, catering especially to those seeking budget-friendly long-distance travel options.
