Anand Vihar–Purulia Express: New weekly train to link Jharkhand and Ayodhya starting April 2
Indian Railways has officially announced the commencement of the regular service for the Anand Vihar–Purulia Express. The new weekly train service will begin its journey from Anand Vihar Terminal on April 2, 2026, and from Purulia on April 3, 2026. This announcement follows the online inauguration of the train by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 14, 2026. The Ranchi Rail Division confirmed that this service will significantly improve connectivity between Jharkhand, West Bengal, and the national capital.
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What is the schedule and station list for the Anand Vihar–Purulia Express?
Train number 14022 will run from Anand Vihar every Thursday, while train number 14021 will depart from Purulia every Friday. The train covers a wide network of stations across four states, ensuring easier travel for residents of small towns and big cities alike. The official route includes major stops as listed below:
| State | Major Stations |
|---|---|
| Delhi & UP | Anand Vihar, Moradabad, Bareilly, Lucknow, Ayodhya Cantt, Varanasi, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Jn |
| Bihar | Bhabua Road, Sasaram, Dehri On Sone, Japla |
| Jharkhand | Garhwa Road, Daltonganj, Barwadih, Latehar, Tori, Lohardaga, Ranchi, Muri |
| West Bengal | Purulia |
How will this new train service benefit the regional passengers?
The primary benefit of this train is the direct rail connectivity from Jharkhand to religious and administrative hubs like Ayodhya and Lucknow. Passengers from regions such as Palamu, Latehar, and Garhwa, who previously struggled with limited options for Delhi, will now have a reliable weekly choice. The train is equipped with 22 coaches, including AC First Class, AC Two-Tier, AC Three-Tier, Sleeper, and General coaches to cater to all types of travelers. Railway officials believe this will help reduce the heavy rush on existing trains on these routes.