Bhubaneswar: A new semi-high-speed train connecting Howrah in West Bengal with Kamakhya in Assam has been launched, significantly reducing travel time on the over 1,000-kilometre route to around 14 hours. Capable of running at speeds of up to 160 km/h, the service saves nearly 2.5 hours compared to existing trains on the corridor.
The train offers fully air-conditioned travel with AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier and First AC coaches, positioning itself as a faster yet affordable option for long-distance passengers between eastern and northeastern India. Railway officials said the rake has been designed to enhance passenger comfort while maintaining competitive fares.
Safety has been a key focus of the new service. The train is equipped with Kavach 5.0, the Indian Railways’ advanced indigenous automatic train protection system, aimed at preventing collisions and improving operational safety on high-speed routes.
The launch coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for railway and infrastructure projects worth over ₹3,250 crore. These include new railway lines and the flagging off of four Amrit Bharat trains, part of a broader push to modernise rail connectivity and improve travel experiences across the country.
After the inaugurations, the Prime Minister addressed a public rally, highlighting the government’s emphasis on infrastructure-led development and improved connectivity, particularly in the eastern and northeastern regions, ahead of upcoming state elections.
Railway authorities said the Howrah–Kamakhya service is expected to strengthen economic, cultural and social links between the two regions while showcasing India’s growing capabilities in semi-high-speed rail operations.
-OdishaAge
