In a significant boost to long-distance rail connectivity from South India, Bengaluru is set to receive three new weekly train services to West Bengal. This development coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming flagging-off of India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Howrah and Guwahati later this month.
Details of the New Bengaluru-West Bengal Services
The Railway Board released a timetable on Thursday outlining the new services. The highlight is the introduction of a weekly Amrit Bharat Express connecting Bengaluru's Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) to Alipurduar in West Bengal. This will be the second Amrit Bharat Express service for Bengaluru, following the one allocated to Malda in 2023.
According to the schedule, the train will depart from SMVT Bengaluru every Saturday and reach Alipurduar on Monday. The return journey will commence from Alipurduar on Monday, arriving in Bengaluru on Thursday.
In addition to the Amrit Bharat service, two other weekly express trains have been notified from SMVT Bengaluru to Balurghat and Radhikapur in West Bengal. Initially planned with Amrit Bharat coaches, these two services have been designated as normal express trains in the final allocation.
Features of the Amrit Bharat Express
The Amrit Bharat Express is designed as a cost-effective, long-distance travel option, drawing inspiration from the popular Vande Bharat trains. Key features of these trains include:
- Specially designed WAP-5 locomotives capable of speeds up to 130 kmph.
- A composition of 22 non-AC coaches, featuring a mix of reserved sleeper compartments and a significant number of unreserved coaches.
- Enhanced passenger amenities such as CCTV cameras, fireproof seats, water bottle stands, charging points, and pantry car facilities.
- A single train can carry over 1,800 passengers on a route.
Passenger Reactions and Future Connectivity Hopes
While the new services to West Bengal have been welcomed, regular commuters and stakeholders are calling for a broader focus on inter-state connectivity. Ansuman Sathapathy, a passenger from Odisha, highlighted the demand. "All the routes now announced towards West Bengal see great demand from the migrant population," he said. "While it is great that those travelling to South India from states like West Bengal and Odisha, like me, will benefit, I feel states like Bihar and Jharkhand also need more services."
The new train services are expected to significantly ease travel for the large migrant population moving between South India and eastern states, providing a more affordable and comfortable journey option.
