Indian Railways continues to steadily upgrade its passenger services, combining improved comfort, better safety features and modernised coaches to enhance the overall travel experience. Alongside premium high-speed trains, the focus has also shifted towards affordable long-distance connectivity for the masses. In this direction, the Ministry of Railways has announced the launch ofnine new Amrit Bharat Express trains, aimed at strengthening inter-state connectivity across major regions of India.
According to the official release, the new services will originate fromWest Bengal and Assam, linkingseven additional statesalong the way —Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Karnataka. The newly announced routes are expected to significantly improve travel options between eastern, northern, western and southern India.
Key routes includeKamakhya (Guwahati)–RohtakandDibrugarh–Lucknow (Gomti Nagar). In a major boost to long-distance rail connectivity,New Jalpaiguri in North Bengalwill be connected toNagercoil and Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Naduthrough weekly long-haul services. Additional routes will linkAlipurduar with SMVT Bengaluru, as well asKolkata with Tambaram, Anand Vihar Terminal and Banaras, catering to high passenger demand corridors.
Designed to handle heavy passenger volumes, particularly during festive seasons and peak migration periods, the Amrit Bharat Express trains aim to offerreliable, affordable and comfortable travelfor people commuting for work, education and family needs across the country.
Amrit Bharat Express is a new category ofbudget-friendly, long-distance passenger trainsintroduced by Indian Railways. Theselocomotive-hauled, non-AC servicesare designed to improve travel comfort while keeping fares affordable, making them accessible to a wide section of passengers.
The fare for Amrit Bharat Express trains is approximately₹500 per 1,000 kilometres, with proportionately lower pricing for short and medium-distance journeys. The simple and transparent fare structure, free from dynamic pricing, ensures affordability for budget-conscious travellers.
Amrit Bharat Express trains offer upgraded passenger amenities, including:
DualWAP-5 locomotivesfor faster acceleration and smoother operations
Semi-permanent couplersto reduce jerks during starts and stops
A standard22-coach rake, comprising Sleeper, General and Guard/Luggage coaches
Ergonomically designed seating withmobile charging points
Zero-discharge bio-vacuum toiletswith improved hygiene features
CCTV surveillance, fire detection systems and emergency communication units
While both trains are part of Indian Railways’ modernisation drive, they serve different purposes.Vande Bharat Expresstrains are premium, fully air-conditioned, semi-high-speed services designed for short- and medium-distance inter-city travel. In contrast,Amrit Bharat Expressfocuses onlong-distance, high-capacity and affordable travel, offering essential modern comforts without premium pricing.
Overall, the introduction of these new Amrit Bharat Express routes marks a significant step in expanding affordable rail connectivity, particularly for regions with high passenger migration and long-distance travel needs.
