Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday virtually shut down four Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting New Jalpaiguri with Nagercoil and Tiruchirappalli and Alipurduar with SMVT Bengaluru and Mumbai-Panvel. Amrit Bharat Express trains are modern trains that operate in a push-pull configuration with a locomotive at each end. This system enables faster pickup and braking and allows the train to travel at speeds of up to 130 km/h.
“This will enhance affordable and reliable long-distance rail connectivity. These services will support the mobility needs of common citizens, students, migrant workers and traders while strengthening inter-state economic and social linkages,” said a statement issued by the PMO.
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Key Features of Amrit Bharat Express
Passengers can expect upgraded seating, folding snack tables, LED lighting and fans protected by stainless steel grilles. Indian Railways said air-sprung chassis significantly improve ride stability, while an integrated passenger information system provides real-time onboard updates.
In addition, the buses include mobile phone holders, lighted floorboards for night guidance and external toilet occupancy indicators.
The train includes four toilets per coach – split between Indian and Western style – all using electro-pneumatic pressurized flushing.
Safety is prioritized with aerosol fire extinguishing in electrical areas and toilets. Modern hygiene features include automatic soap dispensers and sealed aisles for better dust control. Each seat is equipped with individual charging stations with both USB Type-A and Type-C ports, while external emergency lighting ensures safety during unexpected stops.
Route overview: The new Amrit Bharat Express services include Alipurduar – SMVT Bengaluru, Alipurduar – Mumbai (Panvel), New Jalpaiguri – Nagercoil and New Jalpaiguri – Tiruchirappalli.
Timetables and stops
New Jalpaiguri – Nagercoil Amrit Bharat Express: Train 20603 departs New Jalpaiguri at 4:45 PM on Wednesday and arrives Nagercoil at 11:00 PM on Friday. Conversely, train 20604 leaves Nagercoil at 11:00 PM on Sunday and arrives New Jalpaiguri at 5:00 AM on Wednesday. Stops include Tirunelveli Jn., Kovilpatti, Satur, Virudhunagar Jn., Madurai Jn., Dindigul Jn., Palni, Udumalpetta, Pollachi, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Renigunta, Gudurah, Junda Jn., On. Duvvada, Vishakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam Road, Palasa, Sompeta, Ichchapuram, Brahmapur, Balugaon, Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Jajpur Keonjhar Road, Bhadrak, Balasore, Kharagpur, Andul, Dankun. Town, Dankun. and Malpur, Bolpur, Malpur Kishanganj.
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New Jalpaiguri – Tiruchirappalli Amrit Bharat Express: Train 20609 departs New Jalpaiguri at 4:45 PM on Friday and arrives at 4:15 PM on Sunday. The return train 20610 departs from Tiruchirappalli at 05:45 on Wednesday and arrives its destination at 05:00 on Friday. Major Stops: Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai, Chidambaram, Tiruppadiripuliyur, Villupuram Jn., Chengalpattu Jn., Tambaram, Chennai-Egmore, Sullurupeta, Nayudupeta, Gudur Jn., Ongole, Vijaishahundha Jn. Vizianagaram, Srikakulam Road, Palasa, Sompeta, Ichchapuram, Brahmapur, Balugaon, Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Jajpur Keonjhar Road, Bhadrak, Balasore, Kharagpur, Andul, Dankuni, Bolpur, Rampurhat, Malda Town, Barsoi Jnhang.
SMVT Bengaluru – Alipur Duar Amrit Bharat Express: Train 16597 departs SMVT Bengaluru at 8:50 AM on Saturday and arrives at 10:25 AM on Monday. The return train 16598 departs Alipur Duar at 10:25 PM on Monday and arrives Bengaluru at 3:00 AM on Thursday. Key Stops: Krishnarajapuram, Bangarapet, Kuppam, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Renigunta, Nellore, Ongole, Chirala, Tenali, Vijayawada, Eluru, Rajahmundry, Samalkot, Anakapalle, Duvvada, Pendurti, Kottavalasa, Vizianakulagaram, S Brahmrika, Vizianakulam, Road Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Jajpur Keonjhar Road, Bhadrak, Balasore, Kharagpur, Andul, Dankuni, Barddhaman, Bolpur Shantiniketan, Rampurhat, Malda Town, Barsoi, Kishanganj, Aluabari Road, New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, Hasimara and Binnaguri.
Alipurduar – Mumbai (Panvel) Amrit Bharat Express: Train 11031 departs Panvel at 11:50 AM on Monday and arrives at 1:50 PM on Wednesday. Return train 11032 departs Alipur Duar at 04:45 on Thursday and arrives Panvel at 05:30 on Saturday. Stops include Kalyan, Nasik Road, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Itarsi, Pipariya, Jabalpur, Katni, Satna, Manikpur, Baragarh, Prayagraj Chheoki, Meja Road, Mirzapur, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, Buxar, Ara, Danapur, Patliputra, Sonpur, Hajipur, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Hasanpur Road, Khagaria, Mansi, Naugachia, Katihar, Barsoi, Kishanganj, Aluabari Road, New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri and Hasimara, Hasimara.
Sleep Vande Bharat
In a separate event, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the nation Vande Bharat sleeper service connecting Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) from Malda city. This first-class service will initially operate between Guwahati and Kolkata.