PM Modi Hails Launch of 9 New Amrit Bharat Trains as "Engines of Growth" for East and Northeast India

NEW DELHI, Jan 15 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the upcoming rollout of nine new Amrit Bharat Express trains, terming the expansion a "significant step" in enhancing passenger comfort and regional connectivity.

In a social media post on Wednesday, the Prime Minister responded to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s announcement of the new routes, emphasizing that the non-AC sleeper services will serve as catalysts for commerce and tourism. "The new Amrit Bharat trains mark a significant step in improving passenger comfort and connectivity. Other benefits include boosting commerce and tourism!" PM Modi stated.

The new services, set to be flagged off later this week, represent the most aggressive expansion of the Amrit Bharat network since its debut. With 30 trains already operational, the addition of these nine routes underscores the government's push to provide high-speed, affordable travel to the common man, particularly benefiting the migrant workforce in Eastern India.

Key Routes and Connectivity

The new fleet focuses heavily on connecting the eastern and sub-Himalayan regions of West Bengal and Assam with major economic hubs in the North, South, and West. According to details shared by the Railway Minister, the nine new routes include:

  • Northeast Connectivity: New links connecting Guwahati (Kamakhya) to Rohtak, and Dibrugarh to Lucknow (Gomti Nagar).

  • Cross-Country Corridors: Massive new routes connecting New Jalpaiguri to Nagercoil and Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, as well as Alipurduar to Bengaluru and Mumbai.

  • Eastern Inter-City Links: New services connecting Kolkata (Howrah/Sealdah) to Delhi (Anand Vihar) and Banaras.

Modern Tech for the Common Man

The Amrit Bharat Express, often dubbed the "common man's Vande Bharat," utilizes push-pull technology with locomotives at both ends, allowing for faster acceleration and reduced travel time.

Unlike traditional sleeper trains, these rakes feature sealed gangways, jerk-free couplers, and modern amenities such as mobile charging points and cushioned luggage racks, all provided at a fraction of the cost of AC travel. Officials expect the new trains to significantly aid small traders and the tourism sector by offering reliable, high-speed transit alternatives.