Ahmedabad-Asansol Weekly Express

The Ahmedabad–Asansol Weekly Express is a weekly Express train operated by the Western Railway zone of Indian Railways. It connects Ahmedabad Junction (ADI) in Gujarat with Asansol Junction (ASN) in West Bengal, covering a distance of approximately 2,325 km (1,445 mi) in about 40 hours and 10 minutes. The train operates with train numbers 19435 (Ahmedabad to Asansol) and 19436 (Asansol to Ahmedabad) and was inaugurated on 26 September 2021.^[1][2]

Ahmedabad–Asansol Weekly Express

Overview
Service type	Express
Status	Operational
Locale	Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal
First service	September 26, 2021; 4 years ago (2021-09-26)
Current operator(s)	Western Railway zone
Route
Termini	Ahmedabad Junction (ADI) Asansol Junction (ASN)
Stops	28
Distance travelled	2,326 km (1,445 mi)
Average journey time	40 hours 10 minutes
Service frequency	Weekly
Train number(s)	19435/36
On-board services
Class(es)	2A, 3A, 3E, SL, GEN, PC
Seating arrangements	Yes
Sleeping arrangements	Yes
Catering facilities	Pantry car, on-board catering, e-catering
Observation facilities	Large windows in AC coaches
Baggage facilities	Available
Technical
Rolling stock	LHB coaches
Track gauge	1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)
Operating speed	Maximum: 110 km/h (68 mph) Average: 53 km/h (33 mph)

History

The Ahmedabad–Asansol Weekly Express was introduced to enhance connectivity between Ahmedabad, a major economic hub in western India, and Asansol, a key industrial and railway junction in eastern India. The train was launched to cater to the growing demand for direct travel options between Gujarat and the coal and steel belt of West Bengal. Linen services were restored on 4 August 2022, and from 21 December 2023, two sleeper coaches were replaced with Third AC Economy (3E) coaches to accommodate more passengers.

Route

The train traverses seven states—Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal—covering 2,325 km (1,445 mi) with 28 halts across 396 intermediate stations. Major stops include:

• Vadodara Junction (BRC) (5-minute halt)
• Ratlam Junction (RTM)
• Kota Junction (KOTA)
• Khajuraho Junction (KURJ) (25-minute halt)
• Patna Junction (PNBE)
• Jasidih Junction (JSME)
• Chittaranjan (CRJ)

The route connects key cultural and industrial centers, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho and the industrial hub of Asansol.

Schedule

• 19435 (Ahmedabad to Asansol): Departs Ahmedabad Junction at 00:35 IST on Thursdays and arrives at Asansol Junction at 20:45 IST on Fridays.
• 19436 (Asansol to Ahmedabad): Departs Asansol Junction at 19:45 IST on Sundays and arrives at Ahmedabad Junction at 11:50 IST on Tuesdays.

Coach composition

The train operates with 21 LHB coaches:

• 1 Second AC (2A)
• 4 Third AC (3A)
• 2 Third AC Economy (3E)
• 10 Sleeper (SL)
• 3 General Unreserved (GEN)
• 1 Pantry Car (PC)
• 1 Brake Van
• 1 Power Car
• 1 End-on-Generator (EOG)

The rake is shared with train numbers 19483/84 Ahmedabad - Barauni Express and undergoes primary maintenance at Kankaria (KKF) and secondary maintenance at Asansol (ASN).

Loco Reversal

The train has a loco Reversal at Khajuraho.

Operations

The train is hauled by a Vadodara Loco Shed WAP-7 locomotive from Ahmedabad to Asansol and vice versa, ensuring high-speed and reliable performance.

Cultural impact

The train serves as a vital link for communities in Gujarat and West Bengal, facilitating travel for business, family visits, and tourism. It connects Ahmedabad, known for its Sabarmati Ashram and textile industry, with Asansol, a hub for coal mining and steel production. The route also supports pilgrims visiting Khajuraho and Patna, enhancing regional tourism.