This Train can be easily started by ECoR by using the same slot as of 18508 Hirakund Express between Amritsar-Delhi. From Delhi onwards , it will have its own slot and will be more quicker than Hirakund express.
Once this train is started , ECoR can shift the Hirakund express away from the circular route of coastal Odisha and divert that via USL-R-TIG-VZM-VSKP for shortest and fastest connectivity with North india.
Hirakund express is Tri-weekly , and this Ashta express is also Tri-weekly running on vacant days of week.
By...
more... this ECoR can serve nearly complete western odisha and central & south central Odisha. Only glitch would be left is Berhampur which can be given a weekly Jammu-Berhampur express on the 1 vacant day of week i.e Friday night departure from Jammu/Amritsar with Slot sharing with this Astha train.
So the 11:45 pm departure from Amritsar can be used completely for Odisha/ECoR departure trains all 7 days week.
Kindly flag this train and give your suggestion.