Southern Railway to Launch First Amrit Bharat Express in Tamil Nadu

Post by : Meena Rani

Southern Railway is all set to introduce its first-ever Amrit Bharat Express in Tamil Nadu. This new train service will run between Erode in Tamil Nadu and Jogbani in Bihar, covering a long-distance route of more than 3,300 kilometers. The launch is a major step in improving long-distance rail connectivity for passengers traveling across multiple states. This train is particularly significant as it is part of a larger initiative to offer modern, comfortable, and efficient rail travel in India.

The Amrit Bharat Express is a non-air-conditioned train designed for passengers who prefer economical travel across long distances. It is scheduled to operate once a week, catering to thousands of passengers who travel between southern and northern India. The train has been eagerly awaited since its coaches were completed months ago, and its launch is expected to boost connectivity across eight railway zones.

Train Route and Schedule

The train will start its journey from Erode in Tamil Nadu every Thursday at 7:00 AM. From there, it will travel through major cities and towns, making over 50 stops before reaching Jogbani in Bihar. The return journey from Jogbani will commence every Sunday at 7:30 AM, bringing passengers back to Erode.

Along the way, the train will pass through important cities such as Vijayawada, Nagpur, Patna, and Barauni, among others. The journey covers eight railway zones, connecting passengers from southern, central, and northern India. By linking these regions, the train aims to make long-distance travel easier and more convenient for both business and personal travelers.

The long route and scheduled stops are designed to balance speed and accessibility, ensuring that passengers in smaller towns also get the benefit of this long-distance service.

Train Composition and Facilities

The Amrit Bharat Express consists of 22 coaches, all designed according to the Amrit Bharat specifications, which emphasize durability, comfort, and ease of travel. The train composition includes:

• Eight second-class sitting-cum-luggage coaches – These coaches provide seating for passengers while also accommodating their luggage securely.

• Eleven second-class sitting coaches – These are standard coaches for passengers traveling economically over long distances.

• Two brake-cum-luggage coaches – These coaches are used for safety and to carry essential equipment and luggage.

• One coach for staff and tools – Ensuring that train staff have a dedicated space and all operational tools are available on board.

While this train does not have air-conditioned coaches, it is built to offer a comfortable journey with modern seating arrangements and an efficient design to handle long travel distances.

Maintenance and Operational Details

Initially, the maintenance of the Amrit Bharat Express will be handled at Erode in Tamil Nadu and Katihar in Bihar. There are plans to develop a maintenance facility at Jogbani to simplify operations and reduce downtime in the future.

The coaches for the train were manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. They were ready since February 2025, but could not start service immediately due to the finalization of routes and operational plans. After months of preparation, the train is now ready for its inaugural journey.

The weekly schedule has been planned carefully to accommodate long-distance passengers and ensure the train operates efficiently on such an extensive route. Railway officials have confirmed that the train will initially run as a special service, with the possibility of regular weekly operations based on passenger demand.

Significance of the Amrit Bharat Express

The launch of the Amrit Bharat Express is more than just a new train; it is a milestone in expanding affordable and long-distance rail connectivity. By linking the southern and northern regions of India, the train will serve thousands of passengers who rely on rail travel for work, education, and personal reasons.

Moreover, the train’s route through eight railway zones highlights the Indian Railways’ efforts to integrate regional networks into a more connected national system. Passengers from smaller towns will also benefit from the train as it stops at multiple stations, making long-distance travel more accessible.

The Amrit Bharat Express also represents an effort to modernize train services in India. With better seating, luggage arrangements, and organized coach composition, it promises a comfortable journey, even without air-conditioned coaches.

Future Plans and Expansion

Following the success of this service, Southern Railway has plans to introduce additional Amrit Bharat Express trains from other locations in Tamil Nadu. Cities like Tirunelveli, Tambaram, and Coimbatore may get their own Amrit Bharat services in the near future. This expansion will further strengthen connectivity between southern India and northern states, providing passengers with multiple options for long-distance travel.

Officials believe that these services will also improve local economies by making travel easier for students, workers, and tourists. The train is expected to operate reliably, given the detailed planning, advanced coach design, and carefully mapped route.

The Amrit Bharat Express will become an important addition to India’s long-distance train services. By connecting Erode in Tamil Nadu to Jogbani in Bihar, it will serve passengers across eight states, offering a comfortable, economical, and efficient journey. This initiative demonstrates Southern Railway’s commitment to modernizing rail travel while maintaining affordability.

With its first journey scheduled soon, the Amrit Bharat Express is poised to make a significant impact on long-distance rail travel in India. Passengers can now look forward to a safer, organized, and more convenient travel experience, connecting distant regions like never before.

Southern Railway, Amrit Bharat Express, Erode, Jogbani, long-distance train