Railways have long been the backbone of India’s social and economic fabric. They have carried generations of passengers across vast distances and diverse landscapes. As the lifeline of affordable mass transport, Indian Railways has played a pivotal role in connecting people, markets, and opportunities. This is especially true for those for whom train travel is not a choice but a daily necessity. Nearly two centuries after India’s first train journey, Indian Railways continues to transform mobility for millions. By extending comfort, convenience, and reliability, once associated primarily with premium services, Indian Railways have steadily built a more inclusive transport system. The focus remains on safety and a passenger-centric approach.

Aligned with this vision, the Amrit Bharat Express has emerged as a significant milestone for everyday travellers. It was introduced as a flagship initiative of the Amrit Kaal. Since its launch in December 2023, 30 Amrit Bharat Express trains have already become operational, and 9 additional services are going to be introduced. These routes will strengthen connectivity by linking the eastern and sub-Himalayan regions with major destinations across southern, western, and central India. This reinforces the nation’s commitment to affordable, comfortable, and reliable travel for all.

Amrit Bharat Express: The Idea and the Intent

The Amrit Bharat Express is a modern, non-AC long-distance sleeper class train service introduced by Indian Railways to provide reliable, affordable, and comfortable travel. It is designed to handle heavy passenger volumes, especially during festive seasons and peak migration periods. With fares of approximately ₹500 per 1,000 kilometres and proportionately lower pricing for short and medium-distance journeys, the service follows a simple and transparent fare structure with no dynamic pricing. To bridge regions often separated by distance and opportunity, the Amrit Bharat Express supports travel for employment, education, and family needs. It is a part of India’s continued push to expand affordable long-distance connectivity across the country.

Amrit Bharat trains are fully non-AC, configured with 11 General Class coaches, 8 Sleeper Class coaches, 1 Pantry Car, and 2 Second Class–cum–Luggage–cum–Guard Vans with disabled-friendly compartments. Designed and manufactured to meet the needs of the general public, these trains aim to deliver a modern, comfortable, and high-quality travel experience for passengers in the non-AC segment.

Broadening Reach: Nine New Amrit Bharat Express Trains

The introduction of nine new Amrit Bharat Expresstrains marks a significant expansion of the network. These new services are aimed at strengthening long-distance connectivity and meeting rising passenger demand across key regions of the country.

Ashtalakshmi of Bharat’s North-East: Powered by Kamakhya-Rohtak Amrit Bharat Express

Connecting Kamakhya, a major spiritual hub in Assam, with Rohtak in Haryana, this Amrit Bharat Express strengthens long-distance connectivity between the North-East and northern India.

• Operates as a weekly service across Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Haryana, offering affordable and comfortable travel.
• Train Timings:
  • Departs Kamakhya at 10:00 PM on Fridays, arrives Rohtak at 2:45 PM on Sundays.
  • Return journey departs Rohtak at 10:10 PM on Sundays, arrives Kamakhya at 12:15 PM on Tuesdays.
• Serves multiple districts across six states and passes near destinations such as Kamakhya Temple and the Ganga ghats of Varanasi, enhancing accessibility, tourism and regional ties.

Dibrugarh-Lucknow Amrit Bharat Express: Strengthening Purvodaya se Bharat Uday Vision

The Dibrugarh–Lucknow Amrit Bharat Express establishes a vital rail link between the North-Eastern region and northern India.

• Originates from Dibrugarh in Assam and passes through Dimapur in Nagaland, connecting frontier and border regions with Uttar Pradesh.
• Passes close to major destinations including Kaziranga National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Kamakhya Temple, Vikramshila Mahavihara, Ayodhya and Lucknow.
• Expected to boost tourism, local trade, small businesses and employment mobility by linking pilgrimage centres and major cities.

New Jalpaiguri-Nagercoil Amrit Bharat Express: From Dooars to Nilgiris

Linking the eastern Himalayan foothills with the southern tip of the country, this service strengthens national integration and long-distance connectivity.

• Connects New Jalpaiguri, a key border-area hub near Bhutan and Bangladesh, with Nagercoil in Kanyakumari district.
• Operates as a weekly service along a strategically important corridor linking border-adjacent regions, ports, industrial belts and hinterlands.
• Passes near destinations such as Darjeeling–Dooars, Visakhapatnam beaches, Madurai (Meenakshi Temple) and Coimbatore, supporting tourism and regional development.

New Jalpaiguri-Tiruchirappalli Amrit Bharat Express: From Darjeeling Foothills to Education Hub

This service creates a long-distance rail corridor from the Northeast gateway to Tamil Nadu’s education and temple hubs.

• Begins at New Jalpaiguri, a strategically important border-region station, and connects it with Tiruchirappalli.
• Passes through destinations including Agra, Prayagraj, Bhubaneswar, the Cauvery delta, Thanjavur and Chennai.
• Strengthens access to markets, tourism centres, educational institutions and employment hubs, boosting local economies.

Alipurduar-Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express: Boosting Border-to-Tech Connectivity

Providing a direct rail link between a strategic border district and India’s technology capital, this service enhances east–south connectivity.

• Weekly service connecting Alipurduar near Bhutan with SMVT Bengaluru.
• Train Timings:
  • Departs Alipurduar at 10:25 PM on Mondays.
  • Returns from Bengaluru at 8:50 AM on Saturdays.
• Serves districts across West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, promoting tourism and economic integration.

Alipurduar-Mumbai (Panvel) Amrit Bharat Express: Northeast’s Gateway to Mumbai Metropolis

An important east–west rail corridor connecting North Bengal’s border belt with the Mumbai suburban region.

• Weekly service connecting Alipurduar with Panvel, traversing West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
• Train Timings:
  • Departs Alipurduar early Thursday morning, arrives Panvel by Saturday evening.
  • Return journey begins Panvel on Monday, concludes Alipurduar on Wednesday.
• Provides access to major destinations including Darjeeling, Triveni Sangam, Chitrakoot Dham and Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, supporting tourism and trade.

Santragachi-Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express: Strengthening East-South Rail Connectivity

Strengthening east–south rail connectivity, this service links eastern India with southern metropolitan and suburban regions.

• Connects Santragachi near Kolkata with Tambaram, Chennai’s suburban hub.
• Benefits districts across West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu by improving access to education, healthcare and markets.
• Passes near landmarks such as Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun Temple (UNESCO site) and Shore Temple (UNESCO site), boosting tourism and regional trade.

Connecting Eastern India with the National Capital: Howrah - Anand Vihar Amrit Bharat Express

This service provides a fast and dependable rail link between eastern India and the National Capital Region.

• Weekly service connecting Howrah with Anand Vihar Terminal, Delhi.
• Train Timings:
  • Departs Howrah at 11:10 PM on Thursdays, arrives Anand Vihar at 2:50 AM on Saturdays.
  • Return journey departs Anand Vihar at 5:15 AM on Saturdays, arrives Howrah at 10:50 AM on Sundays.
• Serves major districts across West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh, improving access to employment and administrative centres.

Kolkata (Sealdah) - Banaras Amrit Bharat Express: Faith Fusion - Jyotirlinga to Gurdwara Ghats

Enhancing connectivity between eastern India and one of the country’s most significant spiritual centres.

• Daily service connecting Sealdah in Kolkata with Banaras.
• Train Timings:
  • Departs Sealdah at 7:30 PM, arrives Banaras at 7:20 AM the next day.
  • Return journey departs Banaras at 10:10 PM, arrives Sealdah at 9:55 AM the next day.
• Passes near pilgrimage destinations including Baidyanath Dham Jyotirlinga, Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sarnath, boosting religious tourism and regional growth.

Conclusion

The Amrit Bharat Express represents a decisive step towards strengthening India’s long-distance rail network with a clear focus on inclusivity and scale. By combining affordability, extensive geographic reach, and passenger-oriented design, it supports mobility needs across regions that are critical for economic integration and social cohesion. As the network continues to expand, the Amrit Bharat Express is positioned to play a lasting role in connecting people, regions, and opportunities across the country.