New Delhi: The Indian Railways has announced nine new Amrit Bharat Express train services connecting seven states, but Kerala has been left out of the latest expansion. The announcement was made by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, with West Bengal emerging as the biggest beneficiary.
Of the nine new routes, seven have been allotted to West Bengal, while two services will originate from Assam. The trains will pass through and connect key regions in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Karnataka, strengthening long-distance rail connectivity across the country.
From West Bengal, the new Amrit Bharat Express services will operate to major destinations such as Nagercoil, Tiruchirappalli, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Tambaram, Varanasi and Delhi. Assam will get services from Guwahati to Rohtak and Lucknow. All Amrit Bharat Express trains will run with non-AC coaches, focusing on affordable travel.
According to the Railway Ministry, the new routes were finalised based on heavy passenger demand, especially from migrant workers and long-distance travellers from states like Assam, Bihar and West Bengal. The trains are aimed at providing safe, comfortable and budget-friendly travel during peak seasons and festival rushes.
While the announcement promises major relief for interstate travellers across large parts of the country, the absence of any new service for Kerala has drawn attention, raising questions over the state’s exclusion from the latest Amrit Bharat Express rollout.
