A Boost for Budget-Conscious Travellers
Indian Railways has approved the launch of seven new Amrit Bharat Express services, reinforcing its commitment to providing affordable travel options for the masses. This initiative is a direct response to the heavy demand for travel on long-distance
routes, especially among lower and lower-middle-income passengers. The Amrit Bharat Express is a category of non-air-conditioned trains designed specifically for journeys exceeding 800 kilometres or ten hours. By focusing on sleeper and general unreserved coaches, these trains provide a much-needed alternative to premium services, aiming to make interstate travel more accessible and comfortable for millions.
What Are Amrit Bharat Trains?
Launched in late 2023, the Amrit Bharat Express is a superfast service that incorporates modern technology to improve the travel experience in non-AC coaches. A key feature is the 'push-pull' technology, where locomotives are placed at both ends of the train. This allows for faster acceleration and deceleration, reducing overall journey time. The coaches are designed for comfort and safety, featuring cushioned luggage racks, mobile charging points at every seat, sealed gangways to reduce noise and dust, CCTV cameras, and bio-vacuum toilets. These trains are capable of operating at speeds between 110 and 130 km/h, offering a quicker yet economical option for passengers.
Connecting North, South, East, and West
The seven new weekly services create a web of new connections spanning the length and breadth of the country. A key highlight is the Dhanbad-Coimbatore Amrit Bharat Express, linking the eastern state of Jharkhand with Tamil Nadu in the south. Another significant route connects Charlapalli in Telangana with Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, passing through major hubs like Nagpur, Bhopal, and Lucknow. Further strengthening connectivity for Uttar Pradesh, services from Prayagraj and Subedarganj to Mumbai's Lokmanya Tilak Terminus have been approved, along with a Prayagraj-Udhna (Surat) service. Lastly, two new trains originating from Gorakhpur will connect the city to Bandra in Mumbai and the national capital, Delhi.
A Look at the New Routes
The approved services will connect dozens of important cities and towns. The Dhanbad-Coimbatore service will have stops at Gaya, Nagpur, Vijayawada, and Salem. The Charlapalli-Gorakhpur train will halt at Kazipet, Itarsi, Jhansi, and Kanpur Central. The Subedarganj-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express will travel via Satna, Jabalpur, and Nasik Road. The Gorakhpur-Bandra Terminus train will connect passengers via major stations like Kanpur Central, Agra Fort, Kota, and Vadodara. The other services out of Prayagraj and Gorakhpur will similarly ensure that crucial industrial, religious, and educational centres are linked through these affordable new options.
When Do Services Begin?
The rollout of these new trains is expected to be phased. According to reports, the Charlapalli-Gorakhpur Amrit Bharat Express is scheduled to begin its commercial service in October 2026. The Gorakhpur-Delhi service was regularised from a special train to a formal Amrit Bharat Express on August 10, 2026. For the other newly approved routes, passengers are advised to monitor official announcements from Indian Railways regarding the exact launch dates and the commencement of ticket bookings. The introduction of these services is part of a broader strategy by the railways to continuously expand and modernise its fleet to meet passenger demand.
