CG gets direct rail link to Gujarat and Odisha with new Amrit Bharat Express

Raipur: Chhattisgarh is set to gain a major boost in rail connectivity as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the new Amrit Bharat Express between Brahmapur, Odisha, and Udhna, Gujarat, on Saturday. The train, designed to link eastern, central, and western India, will halt at Raipur, Durg, and Gondia—stations under the South East Central Railway (SECR) zone—providing passengers in the region with long-distance, direct connectivity, an SECR spokesperson said.For Chhattisgarh, the new service opens direct rail access to Gujarat's textile and industrial hub Surat, as well as to Odisha's coastal city Brahmapur. This will save travel time for thousands of passengers from Raipur, Durg, and adjoining districts, while offering a convenient alternative to multi-train journeys, the spokesperson said. Equipped with modern LHB coaches, the Amrit Bharat Express promises a comfortable travel experience with improved seating and onboard facilities. Passengers from Chhattisgarh will now have access to a weekly direct train to Udhna and Brahmapur, ensuring safer and more convenient long-distance journeys, according to SECR officials. The inaugural run will be held on Sept 27 with special timings. From Oct 5, the regular Udhna–Brahmapur service will operate every Sunday, while the return Brahmapur–Udhna service will run every Monday. The train will halt at Gondia, Durg, and Raipur during both directions of travel.Officials of SECR noted that the new service is a significant step in strengthening Chhattisgarh's railway network. By providing direct connectivity to industrial, commercial, and cultural centres, the Amrit Bharat Express is expected to benefit both local passengers and the state's economic growth.On the occasion of the inauguration, the train will operate with a special schedule in both directions. Train No. 09021 Udhna–Brahmapur Inaugural Special Express will depart from Udhna at 10:50 am on Sept 27, 2025, and will reach Raipur at 4:15 am before arriving at Brahmapur at 5:35 pm the next day. Similarly, Train No. 09022 Brahmapur–Udhna Inaugural Special Express will depart from Brahmapur at 12:00 noon on September 27, 2025, and will reach Raipur at 2:20 am. On the first day, the train will run as an inaugural special, and thereafter it will operate according to its regular schedule.The regular operation of this train will commence from Udhna on October 5, 2025, and from Brahmapur on October 6, 2025. Train No. 19021 Udhna–Brahmapur Amrit Bharat Express will run every Sunday, departing from Udhna at 7:10 am and arriving at Brahmapur at 1:55 pm the next day. On its route under the South East Central Railway, the train will reach Gondia at 9:40 pm (depart 9:45 pm), Durg at 11:53 pm (depart 11:58 pm), and Raipur at 12:35 am (depart 12:45 am) before proceeding to its destination.Similarly, Train No. 19022 Brahmapur–Udhna Amrit Bharat Express will run every Monday, departing from Brahmapur at 11:45 pm and arriving at Udhna at 8:45 am on the third day. On the way, it will reach Raipur at 2:55 pm (depart 3:05 pm). Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Daughter's Day wishes, messages and quotes !