Indian Railways Expands Amrit Bharat Express Network with Nine New Routes
Train travel in India is set to become significantly more convenient in the coming days. Indian Railways is actively working to enhance its network of low-cost long-distance trains for passengers across the country.
According to a recent press release and a post on X by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who oversees Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology, nine new Amrit Bharat Express trains will be flagged off shortly.
Connecting Assam and West Bengal to Key Destinations Nationwide
These new trains will establish vital links between Assam and West Bengal and prominent locations in northern, southern, and western India. The routes will connect cities like Guwahati, Dibrugarh, New Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Kolkata to other important centers including Rohtak, Lucknow, Nagercoil, Tiruchirappalli, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Tambaram, Banaras, and Anand Vihar.
This expansion will effectively interlink rail routes across the entire breadth of the nation, providing seamless connectivity.
Part of Broader Development Efforts
The Amrit Bharat Express initiative was launched as part of Indian Railways' overall development activities. It aims to upgrade non-AC long-distance transport services for common commuters. The vision, conceived during Amrit Kaal, focuses on delivering comfortable sleeper-class transport at economical rates without the burden of dynamic fares.
Since its inception in December 2023, at least 30 Amrit Bharat Express trains have already been rolled out. The addition of these nine new trains in quick succession accelerates the large-scale development of this service, helping Indian Railways cater to an ever-increasing number of customers.
Routes Linking East and Northeast to Major Hubs
The new trains will operate primarily in Assam, Bihar, and West Bengal, regions that account for a significant portion of long-distance and migrating railway traffic in India. These routes hold prime importance for passengers traveling for employment, education, business, and family purposes, especially during festive seasons.
The nine proposed routes are:
- Guwahati (Kamakhya) – Rohtak Amrit Bharat Express
- Dibrugarh – Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) Amrit Bharat Express
- New Jalpaiguri – Nagercoil Amrit Bharat Express
- New Jalpaiguri – Tiruchirappalli Amrit Bharat Express
- Alipurduar – SMVT Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express
- Alipurduar – Mumbai (Panvel) Amrit Bharat Express
- Kolkata (Santragachi) – Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express
- Kolkata (Howrah) – Anand Vihar Terminal Amrit Bharat Express
- Kolkata (Sealdah) – Banaras Amrit Bharat Express
Trains originating from New Jalpaiguri will directly connect north Bengal to southern Tamil Nadu and the southernmost tip of India. These new rail links are expected to become crucial lifelines for students, employees, and merchants commuting between Eastern India and southern industrial and educational hubs.
Boost for Remote and Strategic Regions
Services starting from Alipurduar will significantly improve rail access from the Dooars region of northeastern India to major metropolitan hubs in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Similarly, connections to Mumbai and Panvel will enhance east-west mobility, supporting business travel and access to major commercial and logistics centers.
Routes stretching toward Bengaluru and Chennai are likely to facilitate workforce mobility by directly connecting eastern or northeastern states to IT, manufacturing, and education hubs. Most of these trains will pass through Odisha or Andhra Pradesh.
Modern Amenities for Everyday Passengers
Despite being non-AC services, Amrit Bharat Express trains offer several modern and passenger-friendly facilities. These include:
- Upgraded seating and sleepers
- Foldable snack tables
- Phone and bottle holders
- Radium-striped floor strips for safety
- Improved toilet systems with electro-pneumatic flushing
- Fire detection and suppression systems
- Fast charging points
- Pantry carriages
- Facilities for divyangjan passengers
Officials emphasize that the focus remains on delivering comfort, safety, and reliability without making fares unaffordable for common travelers.
A Transformative Shift in Rail Travel
Nearly two centuries after India's first train journey, Indian Railways continues to reshape how millions travel long distances. With the rapid expansion of Amrit Bharat Express services, the national transporter is bringing features once associated with premium trains to mass-category travel.
By extending affordable, modern rail connectivity from Assam and West Bengal to the rest of India, the new Amrit Bharat Express services underscore a shift toward inclusive and passenger-centric railway modernization. This ensures that comfort and convenience are no longer limited to a select few but are accessible to all.
