Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a significant step on Saturday by virtually flagging off four new Amrit Bharat Express trains. These trains will connect New Jalpaiguri with Nagercoil and Tiruchirappalli, and Alipurduar with SMVT Bengaluru and Mumbai-Panvel. This move aims to strengthen India's rail network and provide better travel options for citizens.
Modern Push-Pull Technology for Faster Travel
The Amrit Bharat Express trains feature a modern push-pull configuration. This system uses a locomotive at each end of the train. It allows for quicker pickup and braking. As a result, these trains can achieve speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour.
A statement from the Prime Minister's Office highlighted the benefits. "This will enhance affordable and reliable long-distance rail connectivity. These services will support the mobility needs of common citizens, students, migrant workers and traders, while strengthening inter-state economic and social linkages," the PMO stated.
Enhanced Passenger Comfort and Safety Features
Passengers on these trains will enjoy several upgraded amenities. The coaches include enhanced seating and foldable snack tables. LED lighting and fans protected by stainless-steel grills improve the overall environment.
Indian Railways emphasized the ride stability provided by air-spring suspension bogies. An integrated passenger information system offers real-time updates during the journey.
Additional Conveniences for Travelers
- Mobile phone holders for easy access
- Luminous floor strips to guide passengers at night
- External indicators showing toilet occupancy status
Each coach contains four toilets. They are split between Indian and Western styles. All toilets use electro-pneumatic pressurized flushing systems.
Focus on Safety and Hygiene
Safety measures include aerosol-based fire suppression in electrical areas and toilets. Modern hygiene features like automatic soap dispensers are present. Sealed gangways help control dust effectively.
Every seat comes with individual charging stations. These stations support both USB Type-A and Type-C ports. Exterior emergency lighting ensures safety during unexpected stops.
Route Details and Schedules
The new Amrit Bharat Express services cover four key routes:
- Alipurduar – SMVT Bengaluru
- Alipurduar – Mumbai (Panvel)
- New Jalpaiguri – Nagercoil
- New Jalpaiguri – Tiruchirappalli
New Jalpaiguri – Nagercoil Service
Train 20603 departs New Jalpaiguri at 4:45 PM on Wednesdays. It arrives in Nagercoil at 11:00 PM on Fridays. The return train, 20604, leaves Nagercoil at 11:00 PM on Sundays. It reaches New Jalpaiguri at 5:00 AM on Wednesdays.
This service includes stops at major stations like Tirunelveli Jn., Madurai Jn., Coimbatore, Salem, Vijayawada Jn., Vishakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Kharagpur, and Malda Town.
New Jalpaiguri – Tiruchirappalli Service
Train 20609 departs New Jalpaiguri at 4:45 PM on Fridays. It arrives at Tiruchirappalli at 4:15 PM on Sundays. The return train, 20610, leaves Tiruchirappalli at 5:45 AM on Wednesdays. It reaches New Jalpaiguri at 5:00 AM on Fridays.
Key stops include Thanjavur, Chennai-Egmore, Gudur Jn., Vijayawada Jn., Vishakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, and Malda Town.
SMVT Bengaluru – Alipurduar Service
Train 16597 leaves SMVT Bengaluru at 8:50 AM on Saturdays. It arrives at Alipurduar at 10:25 AM on Mondays. The return train, 16598, departs Alipurduar at 10:25 PM on Mondays. It reaches Bengaluru at 3:00 AM on Thursdays.
Stations along this route include Krishnarajapuram, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Vizianagaram, Bhubaneswar, Kharagpur, and New Jalpaiguri.
Alipurduar – Mumbai (Panvel) Service
Train 11031 departs Panvel at 11:50 AM on Mondays. It arrives at Alipurduar at 1:50 PM on Wednesdays. The return train, 11032, leaves Alipurduar at 4:45 AM on Thursdays. It reaches Panvel at 5:30 AM on Saturdays.
This service stops at Kalyan, Nasik Road, Jabalpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Patliputra, Muzaffarpur, Katihar, and New Jalpaiguri.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Service Launch
In a separate development, Prime Minister Modi also launched India's first Vande Bharat sleeper service. This service connects Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) from Malda Town. Initially, it will operate between Guwahati and Kolkata, offering a premium sleeper experience for travelers.
The introduction of these new trains marks a significant upgrade in India's railway infrastructure. It promises to make long-distance travel more comfortable, efficient, and accessible for millions of passengers across the country.
