Delhi Sitamarhi Amrit Bharat train begins weekly service
On the eve of Raksha Bandhan, the Indian Railways has launched a weekly Amrit Bharat train between Delhi and Sitamarhi, promising faster and more affordable connectivity for passengers travelling across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. The service, passing through Gorakhpur, marks a major enhancement in rail links for Purvanchal and the Mithila region.
The train, operating with push–pull technology and engines at both ends, is capable of speeds up to 130 km/h, reducing travel time compared with traditional express services. It is fitted with 22 coaches, including general and sleeper classes, catering to passengers seeking budget-friendly travel. Officials said this is the seventh Amrit Bharat service to benefit Bihar, with three now running via Gorakhpur, strengthening the state’s rail network.
Departing Delhi every Saturday afternoon and returning from Sitamarhi on Sunday nights, the service is designed to match weekend travel demand, while also meeting the seasonal surge during festivals and family gatherings. The route covers key junctions such as Ghaziabad, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Gonda before reaching Gorakhpur and then Sitamarhi, integrating important economic and cultural centres along the corridor. Railway authorities describe the Amrit Bharat category as a step towards bridging regional transport gaps while maintaining affordability. Unlike premium AC trains, these non-AC services prioritise wider access, with faster speeds achieved through modern locomotives and improved track capacity. The coaches are designed for operational efficiency, with pantry facilities and optimised layouts for high passenger volumes.
This latest launch forms part of the Railways’ broader modernisation push, which includes expanding connectivity to underserved regions while promoting greener and more sustainable mass transit. Officials noted that faster trains with better scheduling reduce the strain on older rolling stock and encourage passengers to shift from road to rail, potentially lowering the carbon footprint of intercity travel. For communities along the Delhi–Sitamarhi route, the train promises improved mobility for work, education, and healthcare access. In areas like Purvanchal, where many residents work in metro cities, reliable and affordable weekly connections can ease travel burdens, particularly during festival seasons when demand for long-distance travel spikes.
Industry observers say that by extending the Amrit Bharat network strategically, the Railways is reinforcing its role in equitable national mobility. “These trains address not only the speed gap between mail and premium services but also the affordability gap, ensuring that development in transport infrastructure benefits a broader demographic,” a senior transport economist commented. With the addition of the Delhi–Sitamarhi service, Indian Railways moves a step closer to its vision of connecting growth hubs and smaller towns in a balanced manner. As the network expands, the challenge will be to maintain operational efficiency while ensuring that sustainability goals remain on track.
