Nine New Amrit Bharat Express Trains Launch in West Bengal
West Bengal is set to receive nine new Amrit Bharat Express trains, significantly boosting rail connectivity from the state. These trains will either originate from or pass through West Bengal, bringing the total number of Amrit Bharat Express services in the region to eleven. Currently, two such trains operate in the state: the Malda Town-SMVT Bengaluru and Malda Town-Gomti Nagar (Lucknow) routes.
New Routes and Enhanced Connectivity
The nine new trains will run on the following routes:
- Guwahati (Kamakhya) – Rohtak Amrit Bharat Express
- Dibrugarh – Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) Amrit Bharat Express
- New Jalpaiguri – Nagercoil Amrit Bharat Express
- New Jalpaiguri – Tiruchirappalli Amrit Bharat Express
- Alipurduar – SMVT Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express
- Alipurduar – Mumbai (Panvel) Amrit Bharat Express
- Kolkata (Santragachi) – Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express
- Kolkata (Howrah) – Anand Vihar Terminal Amrit Bharat Express
- Kolkata (Sealdah) – Banaras Amrit Bharat Express
These routes pass through ten states: West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Haryana. This expansion aims to provide affordable, safe, and efficient long-distance inter-state travel, particularly benefiting migrant workers and frequent rail passengers.
Affordable Fares and Reduced Travel Time
The Amrit Bharat Express trains are non-AC sleeper services designed to ease the demand for rail travel at budget-friendly prices. According to Indian Railways, fares are approximately Rs 500 per 1,000 km, with shorter journeys priced lower. The basic fare for Second Class and Sleeper Class for distances of 1 to 15 km is Rs 35 and Rs 46, respectively. The fare structure is simple and transparent, with no dynamic pricing, making it accessible for common passengers.
With an aerodynamic design, these trains can reach speeds of up to 180 kmph, significantly reducing travel time for long-distance routes. This improvement is a game-changer for passengers commuting across states.
Passenger Comfort and Safety Features
Amrit Bharat Express trains come equipped with several passenger-focused amenities to enhance comfort during long journeys. Key features include:
- Foldable snack tables and mobile/bottle holders
- Radium floor strips for better visibility
- Comfortable seating and improved berths
- Toilets with electro-pneumatic flushing systems and automatic soap dispensers
- Fire suppression mechanisms and special provisions for divyangjan passengers
- Fast charging points for every passenger
- Pantry car services
Safety is a top priority. The trains feature semi-automatic couplers that reduce noise and jolts, deformation tubes to absorb impact during accidents, and push-pull technology for enhanced operational efficiency.
Economic and Tourism Benefits
The new routes are expected to boost tourism and economic growth. For instance, the New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil Amrit Bharat Express connects the sub-Himalayan foothills in West Bengal to the southern tip of Tamil Nadu, allowing passengers to explore multiple states at affordable fares. Similarly, the New Jalpaiguri-Tiruchirappalli route links North Bengal with central Tamil Nadu's educational and manufacturing hubs, simplifying travel for thousands commuting between eastern and southern India.
The Alipurduar-Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express strengthens ties between West Bengal's Dooars region and Karnataka's industrial ecosystem, while the Alipurduar-Mumbai (Panvel) service promotes east-west integration. Panvel's emergence as a major transit hub makes this route particularly significant for rail travel.
Additional Berths and Peak Season Relief
These new trains will generate additional berths, catering to heavy passenger volumes during festive seasons and peak migration periods. They provide reliable and comfortable connectivity for travelers commuting for employment, education, and family needs across the country.
The launch of nine Amrit Bharat Express trains in West Bengal marks a significant step in transforming long-distance rail travel. By offering affordable fares, reduced travel times, and enhanced comfort, these trains are set to benefit millions of passengers, fostering better connectivity and economic growth.
