Routes Of Newly Launched Amrit Bharat Express Services In Kerala To Improve Connectivity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three newly allotted Amrit Bharat Express trains and a passenger train service for Kerala on Friday. The event took place at Putharikandam Maidanam in Thiruvananthapuram, with the trains flagged off via video around 11 am. The four trains inaugurated include: Thiruvananthapuram Central-Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express, Thiruvananthapuram North-Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, Nagercoil-Mangaluru Amrit Bharat Express, and Thrissur-Guruvayur Passenger train. These services aim to strengthen Kerala's rail network by connecting major cities, economic hubs, and pilgrimage destinations. They also provide reliable options for daily commuters and long-distance travellers.

1. Thiruvananthapuram Central-Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express

• Train Number: 06122
• Departure: Thiruvananthapuram Central at 10:45 am
• Arrival: Tambaram at 12:30 am
• Major Stops: Tirunelveli, Kovilpatti, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Tiruchchirappalli, Vriddhachalam
• Frequency: Weekly

This train connects key cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

2. Thiruvananthapuram North-Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express

• Train Number: 06308
• Departure: Thiruvananthapuram Central at 10:45 am
• Arrival: Charlapalli at 4:30 pm the following day
• Major Stops: Kollam, Chengannur, Kottayam, Ernakulam Town, Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Salem, Jolarpettai, Renigunta, Nellore, Tenali, Guntur, Nalgonda
• Frequency: Weekly

This service strengthens connectivity between Kerala and Telangana.

3. Nagercoil-Mangaluru Amrit Bharat Express

• Train Number: 06329
• Departure: Thiruvananthapuram Central at 10:45 am
• Arrival: Mangaluru at 1 am
• Major Stops: Thiruvananthapuram Central, Kollam, Chengannur, Kottayam, Ernakulam Town, Thrissur, Shoranur, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod
• Frequency: Weekly

This north-south corridor improves access along the Kerala coastline.

4. Thrissur-Guruvayur Passenger Train

• Train Number: 06315
• Departure: Thrissur at 10:45 am
• Arrival: Guruvayur at 11:21 am
• Stops: Punkunnam
• Frequency: Daily

Designed for short-distance travel, this train serves students, daily commuters, and devotees.

What Are Amrit Bharat Trains?

Amrit Bharat Express trains are a new category of long-distance passenger services by Indian Railways, aimed at modernising travel for non-AC passengers. They bridge the gap between conventional mail/express trains and premium services by offering refurbished sleeper and unreserved coaches, improved lighting and ventilation, mobile charging points, upgraded toilets, CCTV surveillance for safety and sealed gangways for safer movement.

Amrit Bharat trains do not operate at very high speeds but focus on dependable, comfortable travel for everyday passengers. Food services are available either via a pantry car or through IRCTC e-catering, offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Amrit Bharat Fares And Booking

From January 2026, Amrit Bharat trains follow revised fare and booking rules:

• No RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) in sleeper class: Tickets are fully confirmed or wait-listed.
• Minimum fare distance:
• Sleeper class: 200 km (Rs 149)
• Second class (unreserved): 50 km (Rs 36)
• Additional reservation fees and surcharges apply.

Other Networks

Indian Railways plans to launch nine additional Amrit Bharat Express services across India, connecting distant regions from the Northeast to the south, east, and west. These include routes such as:

1. Kamakhya-Rohtak
2. Dibrugarh-Lucknow
3. New Jalpaiguri-Nagercoil
4. New Jalpaiguri-Tiruchirappalli
5. Alipurduar-Bengaluru
6. Alipurduar-Panvel (Mumbai)
7. Santragachi-Tambaram
8. Howrah-Anand Vihar (Delhi)
9. Kolkata (Sealdah)-Banaras

The Amrit Bharat Express uses non-AC sleeper and second-class coaches.