For almost two hundred years, Indian Railways has played a vital role in India's society and economy. Trains link villages to cities, connect workers with job markets, and unite families across different states. For countless people, traveling by rail is not a choice but a necessity. As India's most budget-friendly mass transit system, Indian Railways has always influenced how people move, what they can access, and the opportunities available to them.
A Shift Towards Passenger Comfort and Inclusivity
Over time, the focus has broadened from just adding more trains to improving comfort, safety, and reliability for ordinary passengers. Features that were once only found on premium trains are now being rolled out to services used by daily travelers. This move to put passengers first is the basis for newer projects that aim to be more inclusive.
Introduced as part of the Amrit Kaal vision, the Amrit Bharat Express embodies this approach. Launched in December 2023, thirty services are already running, with nine more being added to enhance long-distance, affordable connections. These trains especially link eastern and sub-Himalayan areas with southern, western, and central India.
What Makes the Amrit Bharat Express Special?
The Amrit Bharat Express is a contemporary, fully non-air-conditioned long-distance sleeper train. It is built to manage large numbers of passengers during busy migration and festival seasons. With fares set at about INR 500 for every 1,000 kilometers, and lower rates for shorter trips, it uses a clear pricing system without dynamic changes.
Each train includes 11 General Class coaches, 8 Sleeper Class coaches, 1 Pantry Car, and 2 Second Class–cum–Luggage–cum–Guard Vans that have compartments friendly to disabled passengers. The design prioritizes durability, comfort, and dependability for those who rely on non-AC long-distance travel for work, education, and family visits.
Key Routes and Their Impact
Kamakhya–Rohtak Amrit Bharat Express
- Frequency: Weekly
- States Covered: Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana
- Schedule: Departs Kamakhya Friday at 10:00 PM, arrives Rohtak Sunday at 2:45 PM; return trip starts Sunday at 10:10 PM from Rohtak, reaches Kamakhya Tuesday at 12:15 PM
This line offers an important alternate rail path from North-East India to northern regions. It serves several districts across six states without requiring a train change, helping various groups like unemployed youth, professionals, and laborers. The route passes near major cultural and religious sites such as the Kamakhya temple and Varanasi's Ganga Ghats, which can boost tourism, cultural ties, and economic activity.
Dibrugarh–Lucknow Amrit Bharat Express
This long-distance service connects North-East India to North India, covering Assam, Nagaland, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. It is the second train from Dibrugarh that runs via Dimapur, creating a direct link between the northeast and Lucknow. The path goes near tourist spots like Kaziranga National Park, Kamakhya temple, Ayodhya, and Lucknow, encouraging tourism, small trade, and job movement across areas.
New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil Amrit Bharat Express
- Frequency: Weekly
- Corridor: East–South
This train links the eastern Himalayan foothills to the southern tip of India at Kanyakumari district. It travels a strategically vital corridor, connecting border-adjacent zones with ports, industrial belts, and inland regions. The alignment goes close to places like the Dooars, Vishakhapatnam, Madurai, and Coimbatore, promoting tourism and enabling long-distance regional integration.
New Jalpaiguri–Tiruchirappalli Amrit Bharat Express
This long-haul East–South circuit connects New Jalpaiguri with Tiruchirappalli, strengthening ties between eastern India and Tamil Nadu's educational and cultural hub. The route passes through major sites including Agra, Prayagraj, Bhubaneswar, the Cauvery delta, Thanjavur, and Chennai, improving access to markets, institutions, and employment centers.
Alipurduar–SMVT Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express
- Frequency: Weekly
- Corridor: Border-to-tech
- Schedule: Departs Alipurduar Monday at 10:25 PM to Bengaluru; return leaves Bengaluru Saturday at 8:50 AM
This train connects Alipurduar, near the Bhutan border, to Bengaluru, enhancing east-south connectivity. It covers West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. It helps laborers find jobs in urban areas within these states and supports tourism and economic integration between big cities like Kolkata, Chennai, and hinterland regions.
Alipurduar–Panvel Amrit Bharat Express
- Frequency: Regular
- Corridor: East–West
- Schedule: Departs Alipurduar Thursday evening to Panvel Saturday evening/late; return leaves Panvel Monday to Alipurduar Wednesday
This service links Alipurduar in north Bengal to Panvel in metropolitan Mumbai. It passes through West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, going near key tourist destinations like Darjeeling and important trade routes intersecting Chitrakoot, Gaya, Bhopal, up to Dhule Trimbak-Trimbakeshwar, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
Santragachi–Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express
This East–South connectivity train links Santragachi and Tambaram, boosting education, healthcare services, and market access between eastern and southern India. The route comes closer to the Jagannath Temple and Konark Sun Temple, which can promote tourism and local trade.
Howrah–Anand Vihar Amrit Bharat Express
- Frequency: Weekly
- Corridor: Eastern India–NCR link
- Schedule: Departs Howrah Thursday at 23:10, arrives Anand Vihar Saturday at 02:50; return leaves Anand Vihar Saturday at 05:15, reaches Howrah Sunday at 10:50
This service provides a link between Howrah and Anand Vihar Terminal, connecting Delhi-NCR with eastern India. It serves areas in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, making it easier to access employment and administrative centers.
Sealdah–Banaras Amrit Bharat Express
- Frequency: Daily
- Corridor: Eastern India–spiritual hub
- Schedule: Departs Sealdah at 19:30, arrives Banaras at 07:20 next day; return leaves Banaras at 22:10, reaches Sealdah at 09:55 the next day
This daily service connects Sealdah with Banaras, a major religious center in India. The corridor will develop tourism, including religious tourism, and improve connectivity with sites like Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Sarnath.
The Amrit Bharat Express represents a significant step in making long-distance rail travel more accessible and comfortable for millions of Indians. By focusing on affordability and connectivity, these trains support economic growth, cultural exchange, and personal mobility across the nation.
