Indian Railways is set to widen affordable long-distance travel from the eastern and sub-Himalayan regions with the introduction of nine Amrit Bharat Express services originating from Assam and West Bengal.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the rollout through a post on social media platform X, stating that the new trains will connect Assam and West Bengal with destinations across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
The Ministry of Railways said the services are being planned to strengthen rail connectivity for passengers undertaking long-distance journeys for employment, education and family needs. “These new Amrit Bharat Express train services are being introduced on routes passing through Assam, Bihar and West Bengal, regions that account for a large share of the country’s migrant workforce and long-distance rail passengers,” the ministry said.
According to the ministry, the trains have been designed to address sustained passenger pressure, particularly during festive seasons and peak migration periods. “Designed to cater to heavy passenger volumes, especially during festive seasons and peak migration periods, these trains will provide reliable, affordable and comfortable connectivity for travellers commuting for employment, education and family needs across different parts of the country,” it said.
Key routes include Guwahati’s Kamakhya station to Rohtak and Dibrugarh to Lucknow’s Gomti Nagar, significantly improving rail links between the Northeast and northern India. From North Bengal, New Jalpaiguri will be connected to Nagercoil and Tiruchirappalli through long-haul weekly services, extending direct connectivity to Tamil Nadu.
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The sub-Himalayan town of Alipurduar will gain new direct services to SMVT Bengaluru and Mumbai’s Panvel, creating fresh links between eastern India and major southern and western urban centres. Kolkata will also see enhanced connectivity, with Amrit Bharat Express services planned between Santragachi and Tambaram, Howrah and Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi, and Sealdah and Banaras, the last operating multiple times a week.
The Railway Ministry described the expansion as part of a broader effort to strengthen affordable inter-state travel across key national corridors. Officials said the Amrit Bharat Express trains were conceived as a special initiative during the Amrit Kaal period and are designed as non-AC long-distance services with sleeper class accommodation.
Fares are estimated at around Rs 500 per 1,000 kilometres, with proportionately lower charges for short- and medium-distance journeys, positioning the service as an economical option for everyday passengers.
Since the launch of the first Amrit Bharat Express in December 2023, 30 such trains have already become operational across the Indian Railways network. The addition of nine more services within a short span marks a significant expansion of the programme, the ministry said.
Passenger amenities on the Amrit Bharat Express include foldable snack tables, mobile phone and bottle holders, radium floor strips, comfortable seating and berths, and modern toilets with electro-pneumatic flushing systems. The coaches are also equipped with fire suppression mechanisms, facilities for divyangjan passengers, fast charging points and pantry cars to improve long-distance travel comfort.
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