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A new rail corridor between southern India and the Northeast is about to open. Indian Railways will launch a new Amrit Bharat Express connecting Charlapalli near Hyderabad in Telangana with Kamakhya in Assam from March 13. The service will now make long-distance journeys easier for passengers travelling between the Telugu states and the Northeast, thereby strengthening rail connectivity across several regions of the country.
The inaugural service will begin from Kamakhya, a major rail hub near Guwahati and a gateway to the northeastern states. Railway officials say the new train will provide a comfortable and economical travel option for thousands of passengers who undertake long journeys between southern India and Assam each year.
Charlapalli, located on the outskirts of Hyderabad, has recently emerged as an important rail terminal for the city. Built at a cost of around INR 413 crore, it is the fifth railway terminus serving the Hyderabad metropolitan region after Nampally, Secunderabad, Kacheguda and Lingampally.
The new train will run weekly and cover a journey of more than 2,400 kilometres across several states, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. The trip is expected to take a little over 47 hours, linking Hyderabad with Guwahati and the wider northeastern region in a single continuous route.
Railway officials say the service will particularly benefit travellers heading to the “Seven Sister” states of the Northeast, as Kamakhya acts as one of the most important rail gateways to the region.
Unlike premium trains that focus only on air-conditioned classes, the Amrit Bharat Express aims to provide affordable travel for common and middle-class passengers. This train will operate with sleeper and general second-class coaches, allowing for economically viable long-distance travel in India.
In addition to the focus on affordability, there are a number of modern amenities available onboard the Amrit Bharat Express. The coaches use LHB design and come equipped with safety and passenger comfort systems such as fire detection equipment, electric charging points and improved passenger information systems.
Along the route, the train will halt at several major stations, like Srikakulam Road, Vizianagaram Junction, Pendurti, Duvvada, Samalkot Junction, Rajahmundry, Tanuku, Bhimavaram Town, Gudivada, Vijayawada, Guntur and Nalgonda, among others.
Railway officials believe that the Amrit Bharat Express will enhance travel, as well as facilitate tourism, trade and cultural exchanges between southern India and the northeastern region of India. The introduction of additional long-distance trains, such as the Amrit Bharat Express, will further change the dynamics of rail travel throughout India.
(With inputs from various sources.)
1. When will the new Amrit Bharat Express start running?
The new Amrit Bharat Express connecting Telangana and Assam will begin operations on March 13, with the inaugural journey starting from Kamakhya.
2. Which cities will the new Amrit Bharat Express connect?
The train will run between Charlapalli Railway Terminal near Hyderabad and Kamakhya Railway Station in Assam, linking southern India with the northeastern region.
3. How long will the journey take?
The train will travel more than 2,400 kilometres and the journey is expected to take a little over 47 hours depending on operational conditions.
4. What facilities are available on the Amrit Bharat Express?
The train will operate with sleeper and general second-class coaches and will feature LHB coaches, fire detection systems, charging points and improved passenger information systems.
5. Why is the new train route important?
The new service by Indian Railways improves connectivity between southern India and the Northeast, making travel easier for passengers while also supporting tourism and trade.
