Amrit Bharat Express launch: Here’s how these 9 trains could transform long-distance rail travel from West Bengal

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Written by Anish MondalJanuary 15, 2026 01:56 PM IST 5 min readThese new non-AC trains will further ease the additional demand for rail travel at an affordable fare. (Image: Ashwini Vaishnaw/X)Amrit Bharat Express trains launch: West Bengal is set to get nine new Amrit Bharat Express trains, either originating from or passing through the state. The total number of these trains in West Bengal will now rise to 11. These new non-AC trains will further ease the additional demand for rail travel at an affordable fare. Presently, two Amrit Bharat trains are operational in the state. These are: train number 13433/13434 Malda Town-SMVT Bengaluru and train number 13435/13436 Malda Town-Gomti Nagar (Lucknow). Also Read | Amrit Bharat Express launch: Nine trains connecting 9 states to be flagged off soon – check routes, train number, timingsNew Amrit Bharat Express routesThe nine new Amrit Bharat trains will run on following routes:Guwahati (Kamakhya) – Rohtak Amrit Bharat ExpressDibrugarh – Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) Amrit Bharat ExpressNew Jalpaiguri – Nagercoil Amrit Bharat ExpressNew Jalpaiguri – Tiruchirappalli Amrit Bharat ExpressAlipurduar – SMVT Bengaluru Amrit Bharat ExpressAlipurduar – Mumbai (Panvel) Amrit Bharat ExpressKolkata (Santragachi) – Tambaram Amrit Bharat ExpressKolkata (Howrah) – Anand Vihar Terminal Amrit Bharat ExpressKolkata (Sealdah) – Banaras Amrit Bharat ExpressAlso Read | Howrah to Guwahati: Here’s how India’s 1st Vande Bharat sleeper train could transform travel experienceHow these nine new Amrit Bharat trains could transform travel experience for passengers from West Bengal?Less fareAccording to the Railways, these new non-AC long-distance sleeper trains charge fares of around Rs 500 per 1,000 km, with shorter and medium-distance journeys priced proportionally lower. The basic fare for Amrit Bharat trains in Second Class and Sleeper Class for journeys of 1 to 15 km is Rs 35 and Rs 46, respectively. In a statement, the national transporter said that the fare structure is simple and transparent, with no dynamic pricing, making it accessible for the common man.Also Read | Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper train: Catering services included in fare for all classes, says Railway BoardLess travel timeWith an aerodynamic design, the Amrit Bharat Express train has the capability to run at speeds of up to 180 kmph. Thus, these new trains will significantly reduce travel time for long-distance journeys.Story continues below this adImprove connectivityThese new Amrit Bharat Express trains are being introduced on routes passing through ten states: West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Haryana. These new generation trains will provide affordable, safe and long distance inter-state travel.Also Read | Alipurduar-SMVT Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express: Train number, route, stoppages, frequency, time tableGeneration of additional berthsThese new Amrit Bharat Express trains will generate additional berths. According to the national transporter, these new trains have been 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.More comfort than other trainsThe Amrit Bharat Express trains come with several passenger-focused features, including: foldable snack tables, mobile and bottle holders, radium floor strips, comfortable seating and improved berths. Toilets are equipped with electro-pneumatic flushing systems, automatic soap dispensers and fire suppression mechanisms, with special provisions for divyangjan passengers. Fast charging points for every passenger and a pantry car further enhance long-distance travel comfort.Story continues below this adSafetySafety and passenger comfort are key priorities on the Amrit Bharat Express trains. The semi-automatic couplers reduce noise and jolts during coupling operations, while deformation tubes help absorb impact in the event of accidents. It comes with push-pull technology that further enhances operational efficiency and performance.Also Read | Dibrugarh-Gomti Nagar (Lucknow) Amrit Bharat Express: Train number, route, stoppages, frequency, time tableBoost to tourism, economyThe New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil Amrit Bharat Express will run from the sub-Himalayan foothills in West Bengal to the southern tip of Tamil Nadu, passing through several states and cities along the way. This allows passengers to travel to their destinations en route at affordable fares.On the other hand, the New Jalpaiguri-Tiruchirappalli Amrit Bharat Express, which links North Bengal with central Tamil Nadu’s educational and manufacturing centres. It will offer a direct and affordable option and also simplifies long-distance travel for thousands who regularly travel between eastern India and the south.Story continues below this adAlso Read | New Jalpaiguri-Tiruchirappalli Amrit Bharat Express: Train number, route, stoppages, frequency, time tableMeanwhile, the Alipurduar-Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express will strengthen links between the Dooars region in West Bengal and the southern industrial ecosystem in Karnataka. Thus, a direct Amrit Bharat Express to Bengaluru will serve as an economic growth for the people of the region.The Alipurduar-Mumbai (Panvel) Amrit Bharat Express reflects east-west integration. The Panvel is emerging as a major transit and logistics hub. Thus, a direct train to Panvel from North Bengal will further boost rail travel.Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd