Gurmukhi Express reaches Amb Andaura, a new chapter in Himachal’s rail connectivity: Anurag Thakur
A new chapter was added to the rail connectivity history of Himachal Pradesh today. Popular MP of Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency, Anurag Singh Thakur, flagged off the extended run of the Gurmukhi Superfast Express (Train No. 12325/12326) from Amb Andaura Railway Station in Una district on Saturday morning. This train will now directly connect Kolkata in West Bengal with Amb Andaura in Himachal Pradesh. Shri Anurag Singh Thakur expressed gratitude for this achievement to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Speaking on the occasion, MP Anurag Thakur said, “This is a major and historic gift from the Government of India to Himachal Pradesh. Una district is the only district in the state that is fully connected by a broad-gauge rail line. Due to the efforts of the central government, several major trains that previously ran up to Ambala, Chandigarh, and Nangal Dam have been extended to railway stations in Una district over the past few years, providing unprecedented benefits to the local public and pilgrims.”
Shri Anurag Singh Thakur said, “The Gurmukhi Superfast Express, which earlier ran from Nangal, has now started running from our very own Amb Andaura Railway Station in Himachal. This train will go to Kolkata via Anandpur Sahib, Ambala, Saharanpur, Moradabad, Bareilly, Lucknow, Varanasi, Patna, Jasidih, and Asansol. Passengers can also travel directly from Maa Chintpurni Dham to holy sites such as Kashi Vishwanath, Shri Baidyanath Dham Deoghar, Maa Shakambhari, Kolkata’s Kali Maa, Anandpur Sahib, and Patna Sahib. This train will depart Amb Andaura at 6:10 AM and reach Kolkata at 2:50 PM the next day. This train will create new opportunities not only in transport but also in trade, employment, tourism, and pilgrimage. This extension of the Gurmukhi Express is not just a transport improvement; it is a lifeline reaching millions of common citizens. Students pursuing higher education in Lucknow, Patna, and Kolkata can now board a single train from their hometown and reach their destination without any extra changes. Pilgrims visiting Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi and Takht Shri Patna Sahib, one of the holiest thrones of Sikhism, can now complete their spiritual journeys comfortably and affordably. Migrant workers, small traders, and industrial labourers travelling to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal will find a reliable, respectable, and affordable means of travel in this train.”
“Under Modi ji’s blessings, Himachal has been connected to many major cities of the country via rail. Affordable and comfortable travel by rail is within reach of every Himachali. The extension of the Gurmukhi Express is going to provide great convenience at low cost to passengers from Himachal Pradesh. Now a passenger can travel from Amb Andaura to Lucknow for about ₹475 in sleeper class, to Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction for about ₹580, to Patna Sahib for about ₹640, and to Kolkata, over 1,800 kilometres away, for just about ₹800. These fares represent savings of thousands of rupees compared to air travel and offer a far more convenient and comfortable option compared to long road journeys.”
This route is highly significant religiously and culturally
This train, extended beyond Punjab’s Nangal Dam, will now operate up to Amb Andaura (AADR). The biggest feature of this train is that it connects several major religious and historical pilgrimage sites across the country. Since this train passes through major faith centres like Patna Sahib and Varanasi Junction, devotees from Himachal and Punjab will now get a direct train service to visit Patna Sahib and Kashi Vishwanath.
At a glance: Train Schedule
This train will run once a week (weekly) and will complete its journey in approximately 31 hours 50 minutes.
- Kolkata to Amb Andaura (Train No. 12325)
· Departure: Kolkata (KOAA) every Thursday at 7:40 AM
· Arrival: Amb Andaura (AADR) the next day at 4:55 PM - Amb Andaura to Kolkata (Train No. 12326)
· Departure: Amb Andaura (AADR) every Saturday at 6:10 AM (as flagged off today)
· Arrival: Kolkata (KOAA) the next day at 2:50 PM
Major Stoppages
During its long journey, this superfast express will stop at approximately 18–20 major railway stations, benefiting passengers from several states. Key stops include:
· Asansol
· Patna Junction
· Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (Mughalsarai)
· Varanasi Junction
· Lucknow
· Bareilly
· Moradabad
· Saharanpur
Classes Available: Keeping passenger convenience in mind, the train will have AC 2-Tier (2A), AC 3-Tier (3A), Economy 3-Tier (3E), and Sleeper Class (SL) coaches.
Joy in the region
There is great enthusiasm in Una and surrounding areas over the extension of this train. Local residents and traders believe this train service will not only boost tourism but also free people travelling from Himachal to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal for business or jobs from the hassle of changing buses or trains midway.
