Bhavnagars Western Railway Launches New Train Connecting Nine Gujarat Stops with Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh
Gujarat, has inaugurated a significant new weekly express train service connecting it directly to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, establishing a vital rail link across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. This new service, commencing regular operations on August 11, 2025, from Bhavnagar, and August 12, 2025, from Ayodhya, represents a strategic enhancement of India’s rail network. It promises to boost connectivity for passengers, facilitate economic exchange, and promote sustainable travel across diverse regions, aligning with the national agenda for eco-friendly and equitable urban development.
The new express train, covering a substantial distance of 1,552 kilometres over approximately 28 to 30 hours, will serve ten stations within Gujarat before extending its reach to key cities like Ajmer and Jaipur in Rajasthan, and Kanpur and Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, culminating its journey in Ayodhya Cantt. This extensive route is designed to provide seamless travel for a wide spectrum of passengers, from daily commuters to tourists and pilgrims. The strategic halts along the route ensure that numerous towns and cities gain improved access to the national rail grid, fostering greater regional integration and mobility.
A notable feature of this new service is its complete electrification, with the entire route operated by an electric locomotive. This commitment to electric traction significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance travel, contributing directly to India’s goals of achieving zero net carbon emissions in its transportation sector. The use of clean energy for rail operations not only benefits the environment by reducing air pollution but also enhances operational efficiency and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. This eco-conscious approach positions the new train service as a model for sustainable urban and inter-state connectivity.
The train features a comprehensive composition of 22 coaches, including AC 2-tier, AC 3-tier, Sleeper Class, General Class, and dedicated parcel/luggage vans. This diverse range of accommodation options ensures accessibility and comfort for passengers from various economic backgrounds, promoting equitable access to modern rail travel. The primary maintenance of the train will be handled at Bhavnagar, ensuring operational reliability and efficiency. This development is expected to stimulate local economies along its route by boosting tourism, facilitating trade, and creating new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.
Ultimately, this new rail link is more than just a transportation corridor; it is a catalyst for economic growth and cultural exchange. By connecting a significant port city in Gujarat with major urban and pilgrimage centres in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, the service fosters stronger inter-state ties. It enables easier access for pilgrims to sacred sites like Ayodhya, while simultaneously opening new avenues for trade and tourism. This initiative epitomises the vision of a connected, sustainable, and inclusive India, where efficient infrastructure serves as a foundation for holistic development and enhanced quality of life for all citizens.
