Indian Railways is set to expand its affordable long-distance rail network with the launch of nine new Amrit Bharat Express trains, to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visits to West Bengal and Assam on 17 and 18 January. The move is part of a wider rail and infrastructure modernisation drive aimed at improving inter-state connectivity, especially linking eastern and north-eastern India with major economic and urban centres.
During his visit to Malda, West Bengal, on 17 January, the Prime Minister will virtually flag off four new Amrit Bharat Express services: New Jalpaiguri-Nagercoil, New Jalpaiguri-Tiruchirappalli, Alipurduar-SMVT Bengaluru, and Alipurduar-Mumbai (Panvel). These trains are expected to enhance affordable and reliable long-distance travel options for students, migrant workers, traders and daily passengers, while strengthening social and economic linkages between eastern India and other regions of the country.
On 18 January, at Singur in Hooghly district, the Prime Minister will flag off three more Amrit Bharat Express trains from Kolkata: Howrah-Anand Vihar Terminal, Sealdah-Banaras, and Santragachi-Tambaram. Officials say these services will significantly improve rail connectivity between West Bengal and key northern and southern destinations, offering modernised coaches and better travel reliability for long-distance passengers.
The remaining two Amrit Bharat Express trains will be launched during the Prime Minister’s visit to Assam on 18 January. These include the Guwahati (Kamakhya)-Rohtak Amrit Bharat Express and the Dibrugarh-Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) Amrit Bharat Express. According to the government, these services will strengthen rail links between the North-East and northern India, making travel safer, more convenient and more accessible for people from the region.
Together, the nine new Amrit Bharat Express trains form a key component of Indian Railways’ push towards modern, affordable and passenger-centric services. Alongside the launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train and multiple rail infrastructure projects, the expansion of the Amrit Bharat network reflects the government’s focus on improving mobility, reducing regional disparities, and positioning railways as a reliable backbone for long-distance travel across India.
