Indian Railways has approved a new tri-weekly Amrit Bharat Express service linking Bhuj in Gujarat with Barauni in Bihar. The Ministry of Railways announcement covers a distance of 2,532 kilometres and will connect passengers across four states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. This addition to the Amrit Bharat scheme aims to improve rail connectivity between India’s western and eastern regions.
Key facts
- Bhuj-Barauni service (Train No. 19427) departs 17:30 hours, arrives 04:05 hours next day
- Barauni-Bhuj service (Train No. 19428) departs 23:55 hours, arrives 13:15 hours next day
- Operates three days per week: Bhuj-Barauni on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday; Barauni-Bhuj on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
- Total route distance: 2,532 km
- Stops at 20 major stations including Ahmedabad, Mathura, Gorakhpur, Muzaffarpur and Samastipur
- States covered: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
Journey details and schedule
The Bhuj-Barauni Amrit Bharat Express operates as a tri-weekly service, meaning trains run three times a week in each direction. Passengers heading eastward from Bhuj will board Train No. 19427 in the evening and complete their journey to Barauni early the next morning. The westbound return service, Train No. 19428, departs Barauni late at night and reaches Bhuj in the early afternoon. This timing allows passengers to start their journey in the evening or night, completing it within a single day of travel in either direction.
Route and connectivity
The new service will stop at multiple important stations across the four-state corridor. Starting from Bhuj in Gujarat’s Kutch district, the train passes through Samakhiali and Ahmedabad before crossing into Rajasthan. Key stops in Rajasthan include Ratlam, Kota, Sawai Madhopur and Bharatpur. The service then enters Uttar Pradesh, serving Mathura, Hathras, Bareilly, Izzatnagar, Pilibhit, Lakhimpur and Gonda before reaching Gorakhpur. Finally, in Bihar, the train stops at Siwan, Chhapra, Hajipur, Muzaffarpur and Samastipur before terminating at Barauni.
What is the Amrit Bharat Express scheme?
The Amrit Bharat Express is a programme launched by Indian Railways to introduce new economical, semi-high-speed train services connecting secondary and tertiary cities across India. These trains typically offer improved amenities and faster journey times compared to conventional express services, while remaining affordable for ordinary passengers. The scheme focuses on enhancing rail connectivity in regions that lack direct train links, thereby promoting inclusive growth and reducing travel times between important economic and social centres.
Impact on passenger connectivity
The introduction of this service fills a connectivity gap between India’s western and eastern regions. Previously, passengers travelling between Gujarat and Bihar, or connecting points in between, had limited direct rail options. This tri-weekly service reduces the need for passengers to rely on multiple train changes or road transport. The stops at secondary cities like Gorakhpur, Bareilly and Chhapra ensure that residents of smaller towns also gain access to direct long-distance rail transport, promoting equitable connectivity across the corridor.
What this means for you
If you live or travel regularly in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh or Bihar, this new train offers an additional travel option for inter-state journeys. The service is particularly useful for people commuting between Bhuj and Barauni or any intermediate station. Residents of smaller cities along the route now have direct connectivity without the need for multiple train changes. The Amrit Bharat Express typically offers better comfort standards than conventional mail or express trains, making long-distance travel more convenient. However, the three-days-per-week frequency means you will need to plan your journey according to the fixed operating days: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday for eastbound travel, and Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for westbound travel.