The term "Garib Rath" translates to "Train for the Poor," reflecting its primary objective: to offer budget-friendly travel without compromising on comfort. These trains are designed to cater to the masses, ensuring that even the economically disadvantaged can travel long distances without financial strain.
Since its inception, the Garib Rath Express has expanded its reach across the country. Initially launched with a few routes, the success and demand led to the introduction of numerous other services connecting various cities and towns.
Affordable Fares: One of the standout features is its cost-effectiveness. The introduction of Garib Rath services aimed to make train travel accessible to a larger section of the population.
Modern Amenities: Despite the low fares, these trains are equipped with modern amenities, including air-conditioned coaches, clean restrooms, and well-maintained interiors.
LHB Coaches: The use of Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches ensures better safety and comfort.
Over the years, several Garib Rath Express trains have become popular among travelers. Some notable routes include:
Chennai Central to Hazrat Nizamuddin: Covering a distance of approximately 2,176 km, this weekly service connects the southern and northern parts of India.
Delhi Sarai Rohilla to Bandra Terminus: This route connects Delhi with Mumbai, traversing through multiple states and offering a convenient travel option.
Pune to Nagpur: A tri-weekly service that connects Maharashtra's prominent cities, facilitating business and leisure travel.
Bhagalpur to Anand Vihar Terminal: Serving the eastern part of India, this train connects Bihar with Delhi, catering to students, professionals, and tourists.
The Garib Rath Express trains, introduced by Indian Railways in 2005, are designed to provide affordable and comfortable travel options for passengers. These trains primarily offer AC 3-tier accommodations and are known for their punctuality and cleanliness. Below is a list of some notable Garib Rath Express services operating across India
Route: Ajmer (Rajasthan) to Chandigarh (Haryana/Chandigarh)
Frequency: Tri-weekly
Journey Time: Approximately 12.5 hours
Class: AC 3 Tier
Operator: North Western Railways
Route: Saharsa (Bihar) to Amritsar (Punjab)
Frequency: Tri-weekly
Journey Time: Approximately 29.5 to 30 hours
Class: AC 3 Tier and AC Chair Car
Operator: Northern Railways
Route: Bhagalpur (Bihar) to Anand Vihar Terminal (Delhi)
Frequency: Tri-weekly
Journey Time: Approximately 18.5 hours
Class: AC 3 Tier
Operator: Northern Railways
Route: Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) to Secunderabad (Telangana)
Frequency: Daily
Journey Time: Approximately 11 hours 15 minutes
Class: AC 3 Tier Economy
Operator: South Central Railway
Route: Kathgodam (Uttarakhand) to Jammu Tawi (Jammu & Kashmir)
Frequency: Weekly
Journey Time: Approximately 15 hours 10 minutes
Class: AC 3 Tier
Operator: Northern Railways
Route: Pune (Maharashtra) to Nagpur (Maharashtra)
Frequency: Tri-weekly
Journey Time: Approximately 15 hours 45 minutes
Class: AC 3 Tier Economy
Operator: Central Railway
Route: Ranchi (Jharkhand) to New Delhi
Frequency: Weekly
Journey Time: Approximately 18 hours 45 minutes
Class: AC 3 Tier
Operator: South Eastern Railway
Route: Anand Vihar Terminal (Delhi) to Muzaffarpur (Bihar)
Frequency: Weekly
Journey Time: Approximately 21 hours
Class: AC 3 Tier
Operator: Northern Railways
Route: Kochuveli (Kerala) to Yesvantpur (Karnataka)
Frequency: Weekly
Journey Time: Approximately 16.5 hours
Class: AC 3 Tier
Operator: Southern Railway
Route: Yesvantpur (Karnataka) to Kochuveli (Kerala)
Frequency: Weekly
Journey Time: Approximately 16.5 hours
Class: AC 3 Tier
Route: Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) to Mumbai CSMT (Maharashtra)
Frequency: Tri-weekly
Journey Time: Approximately 16 hours 45 minutes
Class: AC 3 Tier
Operator: West Central Railway
Distance: 994 km
Stops: 13
Train Numbers: 12187 (Jabalpur–Mumbai), 12188 (Mumbai–Jabalpur)
Additional Info: This train offers onboard catering and e-catering services.
Route: Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) to Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)
Frequency: Weekly
Journey Time: Approximately 10 hours 50 minutes
Class: AC 3 Tier
Operator: North Eastern Railway
Distance: 585 km
Stops: Vidisha, Bina Junction, Jhansi Junction, Kanpur Central
Train Numbers: 12593 (Lucknow–Bhopal), 12594 (Bhopal–Lucknow)
Additional Info: The train operates via the Bina–Jhansi route and shares its rake with the Lucknow–Raipur Garib Rath Express.
Route: Banaras (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh) to Anand Vihar Terminal (Delhi)
Frequency: Bi-weekly
Journey Time: Approximately 14 hours 10 minutes
Class: AC 3 Tier Economy
Operator: North Eastern Railway
Distance: 781 km
Stops: Bhadohi, Pratapgarh, Amethi, Rae Bareli, Lucknow, Bareilly, Moradabad
Train Numbers: 22541 (Banaras–Anand Vihar Terminal), 22542 (Anand Vihar Terminal–Banaras)
Additional Info: The train is hauled by a Ghaziabad Loco Shed-based WAP-5/WAP-7 electric locomotive.
Route: Ajmer (Rajasthan) to Chandigarh (Haryana/Chandigarh)
Frequency: Tri-weekly
Journey Time: Approximately 12 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours 55 minutes
Class: AC 3 Tier
Operator: North Western Railway
Distance: 740 km
Stops: 14
Train Numbers: 12983 (Ajmer–Chandigarh), 12984 (Chandigarh–Ajmer)
Additional Info: The train operates via Alwar, Bhiwani, Rohtak, and other stations.
Route: Pune (Maharashtra) to Nagpur (Maharashtra)
Frequency: Tri-weekly
Journey Time: Approximately 15 hours 45 minutes
Class: AC 3 Tier Economy
Operator: Central Railway
Distance: 890 km
Stops: 9
Train Numbers: 12113 (Pune–Nagpur), 12114 (Nagpur–Pune)
Additional Info: The train operates with LHB coaches and offers onboard catering services.
Read More : https://www.garibrath.com/en/railway-news
The Garib Rath Express embodies the spirit of inclusive travel in India. By offering affordable fares, modern amenities, and extensive connectivity, it has bridged the gap between various regions, allowing people from different walks of life to explore the vastness of the country. As Indian Railways continues to evolve, the Garib Rath Express remains a symbol of progress and accessibility in the realm of rail travel.