Central Railway is set to commence regular services of the Panvel–Alipurduar–Panvel Amrit Bharat Express from February 23, marking a significant expansion in long-distance connectivity for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The weekly service, connecting the western Mumbai suburb of Panvel with the northeastern corridor of Alipurduar, aims to provide an efficient and reliable option for passengers traversing multiple states while supporting regional economic linkages and mobility.
The Panvel–Alipurduar–Panvel Amrit Bharat Express, operating as Train No. 11031 from Panvel and No. 11032 from Alipurduar, covers a diverse range of urban and semi-urban centres. The outbound service departs Panvel at 11:50 hrs every Monday, reaching Alipurduar at 13:50 hrs on the third day. The return leg leaves Alipurduar at 04:45 hrs every Thursday, arriving in Panvel by 05:30 hrs on the third day. The schedule is structured to balance passenger convenience with operational efficiency across a journey spanning nearly three days. Key stops along the route include critical industrial, commercial, and transit hubs such as Kalyan, Nashik Road, Bhusaval, Jabalpur, Prayagraj Cheoki, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction, and New Jalpaiguri. Experts note that these halts strategically link economic centres in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, enabling smoother freight and passenger transit while supporting tourism and business travel. The train also serves smaller towns along the route, improving regional accessibility and promoting more equitable urban-rural connectivity.
Urban transport planners highlight that the introduction of long-haul services like the Amrit Bharat Express contributes to a more integrated railway network. By providing reliable weekly connections, the train reduces the need for multiple short-distance transfers, enhancing commuter safety and comfort. Analysts also underscore the environmental implications: promoting rail travel over road alternatives can lower per-capita carbon emissions, contributing to more sustainable intercity mobility in India’s rapidly urbanising regions. Operationally, the weekly schedule allows Central Railway to optimise resources, including rolling stock allocation and crew deployment, while offering passengers predictable travel windows. Senior officials emphasise that long-distance trains require robust coordination across zones, signalling systems, and crew management to maintain punctuality and service quality.
The Amrit Bharat Express aligns with broader infrastructure strategies aimed at improving regional transport links, supporting economic corridors, and facilitating inclusive growth by connecting major urban centres with emerging towns. Its launch is expected to ease congestion on existing routes, provide safer travel options, and support a modal shift from road to rail, reflecting a people-centric and environmentally conscious approach to mobility planning. As services commence, the focus will remain on monitoring operational performance, ensuring passenger safety, and evaluating the potential for future frequency enhancements or additional stops to maximise utility across the diverse regions it serves.
Central Railway Launches Panvel Alipurduar Express
