Mumbai’s First Amrit Bharat Express Debuts: A Win for Bihar Connectivity, but Regional Discontent Surfaces

In a move aimed at improving long-distance train travel, Mumbai has rolled out its first-ever Amrit Bharat Express, connecting Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) with Saharsa in Bihar. The train, flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Saharsa, is part of a larger national effort to modernize and expand affordable rail services.

High-Tech Coaches, Budget Travel
The new non-AC express features 20 coaches—10 sleeper and 10 general—designed with a host of upgrades:

• LED lighting and CCTV cameras for security
• Mobile charging ports with holders
• Improved ventilation systems
• Ergonomic luggage racks
• Semi-automatic couplers for smoother rides
• A push-pull engine setup that eliminates delays from locomotive reversals

Criticism Over Route Priorities
Despite the technological upgrades, rail enthusiasts and commuters have raised concerns over route prioritization. The new train skips stops within Mumbai and Maharashtra, drawing criticism from those who’ve been waiting for improved intra-state services. Activist Akshay Mahapadi commented, “They say Maharashtra’s routes are too congested for new trains, yet long-distance services keep getting added.”

Neglect of the South
Frustration has also mounted over the continued lack of Amrit Bharat or Vande Bharat sleeper trains on busy southern routes, such as Mumbai–Chennai and Mumbai–Bengaluru. These corridors are fully electrified with double tracks, yet trains continue to run at average speeds of just 56 kmph. “There’s so much potential here being ignored,” said traveler Piyush Sangapurkar.

Part of a Nationwide Vision
This rollout is just the beginning. The Indian Railways is planning to launch 50 Amrit Bharat trains, with 150 more in the pipeline. The focus is on enhancing comfort for non-AC travelers, who make up a significant share of India’s railway passengers.

Journey Timeline and Route Details
The train departs Saharsa at 5:00 AM and arrives at LTT, Mumbai at 3:00 PM the next day, cutting 4–5 hours off the typical travel time. However, despite early claims, it’s not a 10-hour service—the total runtime still exceeds 24 hours.

Stops Along the Route
Some of the key halts include:

• Samastipur
• Muzaffarpur
• Hajipur
• Patliputra
• Danapur
• Buxar
• DDU (Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction)
• Prayagraj Cheoki
• Jabalpur
• Itarsi
• Bhusaval
• Manmad
• Kalyan

Mixed Public Reaction
The announcement has received praise in Bihar, where residents appreciate the direct link to Mumbai. However, some see it as a missed opportunity to deploy modern trains on neglected intra-state routes, like Pune–Amravati or Kolhapur–Nagpur, which are burdened with outdated infrastructure and high demand.

Final Word
While the Amrit Bharat Express is a step forward in affordable, upgraded rail services, it has also triggered a wider conversation about regional equity, resource allocation, and missed opportunities in India’s ambitious rail transformation plan.