The Ministry of Railways has officially restored a long-awaited rail connection in Uttar Pradesh with the launch of the new Kasganj-Aishbagh Daily Express. This service bridges a connectivity gap that had persisted for 11 years, providing a significant boost to regional travel for commuters, traders, and students. The inaugural special service, numbered 05018, was flagged off on July 26, 2026, with regular daily operations for trains 15311 and 15312 commencing on July 27, 2026.
- Route: Connects Kasganj to Aishbagh (Lucknow) via 12 intermediate stations.
- Distance and Time: Covers approximately 421-422 kilometers in 8 hours and 40 minutes.
- Train Composition: Equipped with 16 modern LHB coaches, including AC and non-AC chair cars.
- Operational Zones: Managed by the North Eastern Railway (NER).
Strategic Connectivity and Route Details
The revival of this route was approved by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The flag-off ceremony saw dual participation, with Union Minister of State B.L. Verma officiating from Ujhani Railway Station and Union Minister of State Jitin Prasad participating from Puranpur Railway Station. The service provides essential transit through key towns including Ujhani, Badaun, Bareilly, Izzatnagar, Pilibhit, Puranpur, Mailani, Gola Gokarannath, Lakhimpur, Sitapur, Sidhauli, and Mohibullapur.
Schedule and Passenger Experience
The train is designed to facilitate daily travel for those commuting for work, education, and medical needs. Train 15312 departs Kasganj daily at 4:20 AM and reaches Aishbagh at 1:00 PM. For the return leg, Train 15311 departs Aishbagh at 2:00 PM and arrives in Kasganj at 10:40 PM. The rake consists of 16 LHB coaches, comprising one power car, one SLR, four unreserved second-class coaches, nine non-AC chair cars, and one air-conditioned chair car.
While the new service has been welcomed, local traders and regular passengers have already submitted requests to the railway authorities to adjust the return departure time from Aishbagh to 6:00 PM. This change, they argue, would better accommodate the daily business and professional schedules of those working in Lucknow. As the service settles into its regular routine, it remains a vital artery for the economic and social integration of these Uttar Pradesh districts.