Bhubaneswar: Indian Railways is set to significantly enhance long-distance rail connectivity through Odisha with the introduction of six new Amrit Bharat Express services, taking the total number of such trains operating through the state to seven. Currently, Odisha is served by a single Amrit Bharat Express running between Berhampur and Udhna in Gujarat.
According to the East Coast Railway (ECoR), the newly announced services will operate on key inter-regional routes—Tambaram–Santragachi, Tiruchirappalli–New Jalpaiguri, Bengaluru–Alipur Duar, Nagercoil–New Jalpaiguri, Bengaluru–Radhikapur, and Bengaluru–Balurghat. These routes will connect Odisha with major destinations across southern, eastern, and northeastern India, substantially improving travel options for passengers from the state.
The expansion is expected to benefit thousands of travellers by offering affordable and efficient long-distance connectivity, particularly for middle-class passengers. The Amrit Bharat Express is a non-air-conditioned sleeper train equipped with modern LHB coaches, improved seating layouts, enhanced safety systems, better ventilation, and upgraded passenger amenities. Operating at speeds ranging from 110 to 130 kmph in a push–pull configuration, the trains are designed to balance comfort with operational efficiency.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the six new Amrit Bharat Express services on January 17 and 18. The launch will coincide with the introduction of two Vande Bharat sleeper trains, marking another major step in the expansion of India’s modern railway network.
Railway officials said the move underscores Indian Railways’ focus on upgrading long-distance travel infrastructure while ensuring affordability and wider regional integration, with Odisha emerging as a key beneficiary of the initiative.
-OdishaAge
