Amrit Bharat Express Gets Green Light for Trichy-West Bengal Route
The Railway Board has given its official approval for a new inter-state train service. This train, named the Amrit Bharat Express, will run between Trichy in Tamil Nadu and New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. The approval came on January 8, marking a significant development for rail connectivity in the region.
Direct Link for Cauvery Delta to Northeast
This new service establishes the first direct rail connection from several cities in the Cauvery delta districts to Odisha and West Bengal. It will further provide convenient access to popular tourist destinations in the Northeastern states. For many common people, this link has been a long-awaited facility.
Revanthkumar R, an Executive Member of the Thanjavur district railway users association (TANDRUA), highlighted the benefits. He stated that the Amrit Bharat train fares will be economical, offering great value to passengers. Traveling to places like Darjeeling and other Northeast states from the Cauvery delta districts will now become much more convenient through this weekly train.
Weekly Schedule and Route Details
The Amrit Bharat Express, bearing train numbers 20609 and 20610, will operate on a weekly basis. It will depart from Trichy railway junction at 5:45 AM every Wednesday. The train is scheduled to reach its destination, New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, at 5:00 AM on Friday.
For the return journey, the train will leave New Jalpaiguri at 4:45 PM on Fridays. It will then arrive back in Trichy at 4:15 PM on Sundays. This schedule provides a consistent weekly service for travelers in both directions.
Extensive Route with Multiple Halts
The train will cover a substantial route, passing through major cities in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. It will halt at a total of 38 stations along the way. Some of the key stations include:
- Thanjavur
- Kumbakonam
- Mayiladuthurai
- Chennai Egmore
- Ongole
- Vijayawada
- Visakhapatnam
- Bhubaneshwar
- Cuttack
- Balasore
- Kharagpur
- Malda town
- Barsoi
This extensive list of stops ensures connectivity to numerous important locations across the states.
Train Composition and Local Appreciation
The Amrit Bharat Express will run with a composition of 22 coaches. This includes 8 sleeper coaches and 11 unreserved coaches, catering to different passenger needs and budgets. The design focuses on providing affordable travel options.
Local political figures have welcomed this new rail service. Trichy MP Durai Vaiko expressed his gratitude to the Union Railway Minister for sanctioning this new connectivity. The approval reflects ongoing efforts to enhance India's railway network and improve inter-state travel.
