Azimabad Express
The 12947 / 12948 Azimabad Express is a superfast express train connecting two significant cities: Ahmedabad Jn in Gujarat and Rajgir in Bihar. Rajgir, the cultural capital of Bihar, served as the capital for the Haryanka, Pradyota, Brihadratha dynasties, and the Mauryan Empire. It was also the first capital of the ancient kingdom of Great Magadha and a prominent retreat center for the Buddha and his sangha. Ahmedabad, on the other hand, is the most populous city in Gujarat.
The Azimabad Express, previously running between Patna Junction (PNBE) and Ahmedabad Junction (ADI), has been extended to Rajgir (RGD) starting July 25, 2025, for departures from Rajgir and July 28, 2025, for departures from Ahmedabad. "Azimabad" was the historical name of Patna during the later Mughal period.
Service
It operates as train number 12947 from Ahmedabad Junction to Rajgir and as train number 12948 in the reverse direction, serving the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh & Bihar. The train covers the distance of in 31 hours 30 minutes approximately, at a speed of.As the average speed of the train is above, as per Indian Railways rules, its fare includes a Superfast surcharge.
Coaches
Azimabad runs with standard LHB 22 coaches AC 2 Tier, AC 3 Tier, General & SLR.No pantry car is routinely available but may be attached.
| Loco | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
| EOG | GEN | GEN | A1 | B1 | B2 | B3 | B4 | S1 | S10 | S9 | S8 | S7 | S6 | S5 | S4 | S3 | S2 | S11 | GEN | GEN | EOG |
Routeing
The 12947/12948 Azimabad Express runs from Ahmedabad Junction via,,,,,,,,,,,,, Patna Jn, Patna Saheb, Bakhtiyarpur Jn, Bihar Sharif, Nalanda to Rajgir.Traction
As the route is fully electrified, a Vadodara Loco Shed-based WAP-7 electric locomotive on its entire journey.Rake sharing
The train shares its rake with;- 20953/20954 MGR Chennai Central-Ahmedabad Superfast Express