What Are the New Enhancements?
This initiative is focused on delivering a cleaner, more hygienic, and comfortable journey. The enhanced services include more frequent and regular cleaning of coaches and AC windows, superior washroom maintenance, and more efficient waste management
systems. Passengers can also expect timely distribution and collection of fresh linen. A key part of the upgrade is a new system for accountability; dedicated on-board teams will provide basic technical assistance and address passenger complaints, with a target resolution time of two hours for most issues. This is all supported by a digital monitoring framework, which uses geo-tagged service verification and staff tracking to ensure high standards are consistently met. Real-time passenger feedback and AI-based assessments will be used to continuously improve service quality.
1. Kamakhya – SMVT Bengaluru Express
Train numbers 12552/12551, the Kamakhya – SMVT Bengaluru AC Superfast Express, is one of the services to receive these significant upgrades. This popular long-distance train connects the northeastern gateway city of Kamakhya in Assam with India's Silicon Valley, Bengaluru in Karnataka. The enhanced services were implemented on this train starting October 14, 2026. Passengers on this route, which traverses through states like West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, can now expect a much-improved travel environment, especially crucial on such a multi-day journey. Major stops along this vital north-south corridor include New Jalpaiguri, Malda Town, Howrah, Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Chennai.
2. Guwahati – Kolkata Garib Rath Express
The Guwahati – Kolkata Garib Rath Express (12518/12517) is another key train included in this initiative. As a 'Garib Rath' or 'Chariot of the Poor', this service provides affordable air-conditioned travel for budget-conscious passengers. The upgrades began on this train from October 10, 2026. This route connects Guwahati, Assam's largest city, with Kolkata, the cultural capital in West Bengal. The enhanced cleanliness and maintenance standards will significantly benefit travellers on this busy line. The train passes through important stations such as New Bongaigaon, New Jalpaiguri, Malda Town, and Bolpur Shantiniketan, serving as a critical link between the Northeast and Eastern India.
3. Dibrugarh – Mumbai LTT Express
Connecting the far eastern corner of Assam with the financial capital of India, the Dibrugarh – Mumbai LTT Express (15946/15945) has also been upgraded. This service began operating with the new passenger amenities on October 11, 2026. This is one of the longest train journeys in the country, making the improvements in hygiene, comfort, and service responsiveness particularly welcome for passengers. The route cuts across a vast expanse of India, with major halts including Dimapur, Guwahati, New Jalpaiguri, Katihar, Prayagraj Chheoki, and Itarsi, before terminating at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) in Mumbai.
4 & 5. Two Vande Bharat Express Trains
Two of the country's premier semi-high-speed services, the Vande Bharat Express, are also part of this enhancement project. The New Jalpaiguri – Patna Vande Bharat Express (22233/22234) and the New Jalpaiguri – Guwahati Vande Bharat Express (22227/22228) received the upgrades from October 14, 2026. While Vande Bharat trains already operate at a high standard, this initiative adds another layer of technology-driven monitoring to maintain and improve onboard services. The New Jalpaiguri-Patna service links North Bengal with the capital of Bihar, passing through Kishanganj and Katihar. The New Jalpaiguri-Guwahati service reinforces connectivity within the Northeast, connecting West Bengal to Assam via stations like New Cooch Behar and New Bongaigaon.
