In a major push to strengthen India’s rail infrastructure and regional integration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed the imminent launch of nine new Amrit Bharat Express trains, describing them as a transformative step in enhancing passenger comfort and boosting economic activity.
Responding to an announcement by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Prime Minister said the high-speed, non-AC sleeper services would play a crucial role in improving connectivity while driving commerce and tourism across the country.
“The new Amrit Bharat trains mark a significant step in improving passenger comfort and connectivity. Other benefits include boosting commerce and tourism!” PM Modi said in a post on X.
Railway Minister Vaishnaw earlier confirmed that the nine new services would be flagged off shortly, adding that the expansion reflects the government’s commitment to providing affordable, world-class travel options for the common citizen.
“9 new Amrit Bharat Express trains to be flagged off soon!” Vaishnaw posted, sharing details of the routes that will connect the eastern and sub-Himalayan regions of West Bengal and Assam with major urban hubs in North, South, and West India.
According to the Railway Ministry, the new routes include key corridors such as Kolkata (Howrah/Sealdah) to Delhi (Anand Vihar) and Banaras, Guwahati (Kamakhya) to Rohtak, and Dibrugarh to Lucknow. Long-distance services will also link New Jalpaiguri to Nagercoil and Tiruchirappalli, while Alipurduar will gain direct connectivity with Bengaluru and Mumbai’s Panvel.
With 30 Amrit Bharat Express trains already in service since the initiative’s launch in late 2023, the addition of nine new trains within a single week represents the fastest expansion of the network so far. Railway officials said the new services are expected to significantly benefit small traders, migrant workers, and the tourism sector by offering faster, more reliable travel at affordable fares.