Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu flagged off the Amrit Bharat Express from Amritsar Junction railway station to New Jalpaiguri on Thursday. The 14664/14663 Amrit Bharat Express is expected to benefit migrant workers, students, businessmen, tourists, pilgrims, and families traveling between Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
Modern train for common passengers
Bittu stated that the Amrit Bharat Express is a modern non-AC train specifically designed for common passengers, offering a premium long-distance travel experience at economical fares. The train will operate weekly between Amritsar and New Jalpaiguri, significantly enhancing connectivity, tourism, trade, and regional development.
Increased railway budget for Punjab
The minister highlighted that the railway budget allocation for Punjab has increased to Rs 5,673 crore in 2026-27. Projects worth over Rs 26,000 crore are currently under execution across the state. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 30 railway stations in Punjab are being redeveloped with world-class passenger amenities. Major stations in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Mohali, Anandpur Sahib, and Muktsar are undergoing extensive modernisation. The redevelopment of Chandigarh railway station, at a cost of Rs 462 crore, is among the flagship projects being executed by the Rail Land Development Authority.
