PM Modi to Flag Off Three New Amrit Bharat Trains from Bengal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch three new Amrit Bharat trains during his visit to Bengal on January 18. Railway officials confirm these trains will serve suburban routes and boost economic activity. The trains provide a premium experience at an affordable price of around Rs 500 per 1,000 kilometers.
Howrah-Anand Vihar Weekly Express
The Howrah-Anand Vihar Amrit Bharat Express, numbered 13065, departs from Howrah every Thursday at 23:10 hours. It reaches Anand Vihar in Delhi at 02:50 hours on Saturday. On the return journey, train 13066 leaves Anand Vihar every Saturday at 05:15 hours and arrives in Howrah at 10:50 hours on Sunday.
This train makes stops at Bandel, Bardhaman, Durgapur, and Asansol. Passengers from these areas no longer need to travel to Kolkata's main terminal for a high-quality train to Delhi.
Sealdah-Banaras Tri-Weekly Express
Train number 22588, the Banaras-Sealdah Amrit Bharat Express, departs from Banaras every Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday at 22:10 hours. It reaches Sealdah at 09:55 hours the next day. For the return trip, train 22587 leaves Sealdah every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 19:30 hours, arriving in Banaras at 07:20 hours the following day.
This route includes stops at Jasidih and Madhupur in Jharkhand. It aims to promote religious tourism in Varanasi and other centers along the way.
Santragachi-Tambaram Weekly Express
The Tambaram-Santragachi Amrit Bharat Express, numbered 16107, leaves Tambaram in Tamil Nadu every Friday at 15:30 hours. It reaches Santragachi at 20:15 hours the next day. On the return, train 16108 departs Santragachi every Saturday at 23:55 hours and arrives in Tambaram at 10:00 hours on the third day.
This route could transform travel for many people from Howrah and South 24 Parganas who go to Southern India for work or specialized healthcare.
Modern Comfort at an Affordable Price
Common people in Bengal's suburban towns often choose between expensive AC travel and overcrowded general coaches. The Amrit Bharat trains change this with a premium experience at a fraction of the cost.
These trains feature ergonomic seats, semi-sealed gangways, and jerk-free pull-push technology. This technology significantly reduces the physical strain of long journeys.
Boosting the Suburban Economy
The pull-push technology allows faster acceleration and deceleration, cutting travel time. A trader from Durgapur can now reach Delhi or Banaras markets more quickly and reliably.
Railway officials highlight additional features like CCTV surveillance, sensor-based taps, and bio-vacuum toilets. These ensure dignified travel for all passengers.
The trains also boast Vande Bharat-style aesthetics, bringing a sense of pride to regional travelers. This aligns with Prime Minister Modi's vision for a future-ready railway system.
