Railways approves merger of Chitrakutdham Karwi-Kanpur, Pratapgarh-Kanpur Express trains
Indian Railways has approved the merger of the 14109/14110 Chitrakutdham Karwi-Kanpur Central Express and 14123/14124 Maa Belha Devi Dham Pratapgarh-Kanpur Central Express.
The merged service will operate as the 14123/14124 Maa Belha Devi Dham Pratapgarh-Chitrakutdham Karwi Express. The merger is aimed at improving direct rail connectivity between Maa Belha Devi Dham Pratapgarh and Chitrakutdham Karwi, while strengthening connectivity between major destinations including Kanpur Central, the Lucknow region and Chitrakoot.
Passenger capacity to double to 24 coaches
As part of the merger, the combined train service will have an enhanced passenger carrying capacity. The existing 12-coach composition will be increased to 24 coaches, significantly augmenting seating capacity and helping address overcrowding and rising passenger demand on the Kanpur-Pratapgarh section.
The enhanced capacity is expected to provide greater convenience to passengers travelling between Kanpur, Banda, Chitrakoot, Pratapgarh and other stations along the route.
Direct connectivity between Chitrakoot and Pratapgarh-Lucknow region
The merged service will provide improved direct rail connectivity between Chitrakoot and the Lucknow-Pratapgarh region. Passengers will have a more convenient travel option without the need to change trains at Kanpur Central.
The service is expected to particularly benefit passengers travelling for pilgrimage, tourism, education, employment and other purposes between the important religious and regional centres of Chitrakoot, Pratapgarh and the Lucknow region.
Major stations to remain connected
The merged service will continue to serve several important stations along the route, including Maa Belha Devi Dham Pratapgarh, Chilbila, Maa Chandrika Devi Dham Antu, Amethi, Gauriganj, Kashimpur, Jais, Fursatganj, Rae Bareli, Harchandpur, Bachhrawan, Nigohan, Lucknow, Manak Nagar, Unnao and Kanpur Central.
Beyond Kanpur Central, the train will serve Bhimsen, Kathara Road, Patara, Ghatampur, Hamirpur Road, Yamuna South Bank, Bharwa Sumerpur, Ragaul, Banda, Atarra and Chitrakutdham Karwi.
The merger is expected to ease overcrowding on the Kanpur-Pratapgarh section and provide improved connectivity for passengers across the region.
The new merged service will strengthen passenger connectivity across Uttar Pradesh and improve accessibility to important religious and cultural destinations, while also supporting more efficient utilisation of railway resources.
The service will create a seamless rail corridor connecting Bundelkhand and Awadh, providing direct connectivity from Chitrakoot to Lucknow, the state capital, as well as to Pratapgarh.
The augmentation of the train composition from 12 to 24 coaches will double passenger-carrying capacity at an affordable price and substantially improve rail services on the corridor.
Besides facilitating pilgrimage and tourism to Chitrakoot, the service is expected to strengthen connectivity for education, healthcare, employment, business and administrative travel.