Surat. Gujarat will soon get its first Amrit Bharat Express train. This train will run weekly from Udhna in Surat to Brahmapur in Odisha. The train’s rake arrived at Udhna station yesterday, and its successful trial run between Udhna and Nandurbar began this morning.

During the trial run, the train will cover the distance from Udhna to Nandurbar in approximately one and a half hours.

The Union Railway Minister will inaugurate the train by waving the green flag from Udhna station on the morning of September 27. This inaugural journey will be operated as train number 09021/09022.

The train’s regular service will begin on October 5. Train number 19021 (Udhna-Brahmapur) will depart from Udhna every Sunday, while the return train number 19022 (Brahmapur-Udhna) will run every Monday starting October 6.

In view of the Railway Minister’s arrival, work is in full swing at Udhna station, including cleaning, painting, and the erection of a pandal.

Udhna

Udhna, located near the modern city of Vadodara in Gujarat, India, is an ancient archaeological site. It was historically known as Odina and was a significant Buddhist center and trading hub during the Satavahana and Kshatrapa periods (circa 1st to 4th century CE). Excavations have revealed the remains of a Buddhist monastery, stupas, and an ancient industrial site for dyeing and pottery.

Surat

Surat is a historic port city in Gujarat, India, which flourished as a major trading hub during the Mughal era, particularly known for its textile and diamond industries. Its prominence attracted European trading companies like the British and Dutch, who established their first factories in India here in the early 17th century. Today, it remains a vibrant economic center, often called the “Diamond City of India” for its large diamond cutting and polishing industry.

Brahmapur

Brahmapur, historically known as Brahmapur, is a city in the Indian state of Odisha with a rich history dating back to ancient times. It is renowned for its silk sarees, particularly the “Brahmapuri Patta,” and serves as a major cultural and economic hub in the region. The city is also a gateway to the famous Tara Tarini Temple, an important Shakti Peetha pilgrimage site.

Nandurbar

Nandurbar is a city and district in the state of Maharashtra, India, situated on the banks of the Tapi River. Historically, it has been a significant tribal region and was part of the Khandesh district before being reconstituted as a separate district in the late 20th century. The area is known for its rich cultural heritage, largely influenced by the Bhil and other Adivasi (indigenous) communities.

Odisha

Odisha is an eastern Indian state renowned for its ancient Hindu temples, particularly the iconic Sun Temple at Konark and the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Its history is deeply rooted in the powerful Kalinga empire, a region famously transformed by Emperor Ashoka’s embrace of Buddhism after the bloody Kalinga War in the 3rd century BCE. The state also possesses a rich classical dance heritage in Odissi and a unique coastline along the Bay of Bengal.

Gujarat

Gujarat is a state in western India with a rich history as a major center of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, such as at the archaeological site of Lothal. It is renowned for being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and for its vibrant cultural traditions, including the Navratri festival and a diverse range of handicrafts. The state is also a significant economic hub, with a long coastline that has facilitated trade for centuries.

Amrit Bharat Express

The Amrit Bharat Express is a newly introduced, non-premium train service in India launched in December 2023. Designed for the common passenger, it features push-pull technology for smoother travel and aims to improve connectivity for those in non-AC coaches. Its introduction is part of a broader initiative to modernize India’s railway network.

Union Railway Minister

“Union Railway Minister” is not a place or cultural site, but a political position in the Government of India. The officeholder is responsible for the Ministry of Railways, which manages one of the world’s largest railway networks, a system originally built under British colonial rule in the 1850s. The minister oversees the operation, development, and administration of this critical national infrastructure.