Published: Jan 17, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated four new Amrit Bharat Express trains linking northern Bengal to southern and western India, alongside flagging off the first Vande Bharat sleeper train between Howrah and Guwahati. The launches, held at a public function in Malda, mark a significant expansion of India’s modern inter-state rail network, providing faster, more comfortable, and affordable travel for passengers across long distances.

The Amrit Bharat Express is a next-generation long-distance train operating on a push-pull configuration, meaning it has a locomotive at each end. This design improves acceleration, reduces travel time, and provides operational flexibility. Equipped with modern passenger amenities, the service aims to enhance comfort while maintaining affordability for travelers. The four newly launched Amrit Bharat trains are:

• New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal) to Nagercoil (Tamil Nadu)
• New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal) to Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu)
• Alipurduar (West Bengal) to SMVT Bengaluru
• Alipurduar (West Bengal) to Panvel (Mumbai)

New Fare Structure

In a departure from conventional pricing, the Amrit Bharat trains have introduced a minimum chargeable distance and adjusted ticketing norms. For Sleeper class, the minimum fare will apply to a distance of 200 kilometers, while for Second class, the minimum chargeable distance is 50 kilometers.

• Sleeper class: Minimum fare for up to 200 km will be ₹149
• Second class: Minimum fare for up to 50 km will be ₹36

These fares are exclusive of additional charges such as reservation fees and superfast surcharges, which will continue to apply separately. A Railway Board letter to all Principal Chief Commercial Managers clarified that rounding of fares will follow existing principles.

Importantly, the new structure also removes RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) for Sleeper class passengers. RAC previously allowed partially confirmed passengers to travel with a seat allocation that could change depending on last-minute cancellations. With this change, passengers in Sleeper class will have confirmed seats at the time of booking, enhancing certainty and travel experience. Unreserved Second class tickets will continue as per existing provisions, allowing local commuters to access affordable travel.

Passenger-Centric Features

The new trains are designed with modern amenities to make long-distance journeys more comfortable and convenient. Some of the key features include:

• Enhanced seating: Seats are ergonomically designed to improve comfort on long journeys.
• Foldable snack tables: Allow passengers to conveniently eat or work during travel.
• LED lighting and fans with stainless-steel grills: Provide energy-efficient illumination and safety while ensuring proper air circulation.
• Air-spring suspension bogies: Improve ride stability, reducing vibrations and making travel smoother even on longer stretches.
• Integrated Passenger Information System (PIS): Provides real-time updates about stations, train status, and onboard services.

These features aim to make travel safer, more comfortable, and passenger-friendly, combining technology with cost-effective solutions for millions of commuters traveling between northern Bengal and southern India.

Strategic Importance

The launch of the four Amrit Bharat Express trains represents a significant step in connecting India’s northeastern regions with major southern and western cities. By linking New Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar to Tamil Nadu, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, the trains provide seamless connectivity for passengers traveling for work, education, tourism, and family purposes.

Railway officials highlighted that the trains are designed for long-distance inter-state travel, filling a gap in connectivity where conventional trains have often been slower and less comfortable. With reduced travel time, enhanced stability, and modern onboard amenities, these trains are expected to significantly improve passenger experience while supporting economic and social linkages across regions.

No RAC: A Move Toward Travel Certainty

The removal of RAC in Sleeper class is particularly noteworthy. RAC has been a common feature of Indian Railways for decades, allowing passengers to travel with partially confirmed tickets, but often causing uncertainty and overcrowding during peak seasons. By guaranteeing confirmed seating from the time of booking, the Amrit Bharat trains aim to reduce stress for passengers, provide better planning certainty, and minimize congestion at stations.

Unreserved Second class tickets remain available for daily commuters and short-distance travelers, ensuring that affordability and accessibility are not compromised while improving the quality of travel for longer journeys.

Future Outlook

The launch of these Amrit Bharat Express trains is part of a broader push by Indian Railways to modernize long-distance services, integrating technology, comfort, and operational efficiency. By offering modern amenities, guaranteed seating, and a structured fare system, the trains are expected to set a benchmark for future inter-state services.

Railway authorities also emphasized that the push-pull configuration, coupled with air-spring suspension and advanced passenger information systems, enhances safety and reliability. These features are particularly beneficial for routes covering hundreds of kilometers, where stability, timely information, and comfort can significantly improve the passenger experience.

With the new minimum fare structure, passengers will also experience predictability in ticket pricing. By setting a baseline chargeable distance, the Railways can ensure affordability for short-distance travelers while sustaining operational viability on long-haul journeys.

Prime Minister’s Inauguration

During the public function in Malda, PM Modi also flagged off the first Vande Bharat sleeper train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya), India’s first sleeper-version of the Vande Bharat train. This train combines the speed and modern amenities of the Vande Bharat series with longer-distance travel comfort, catering to travelers along the eastern corridor.

The launch of these modern trains, alongside the Vande Bharat sleeper train, signals a strategic push to enhance connectivity across regions, improve travel quality, and support the movement of passengers across long distances with reliability and affordability.

Conclusion

The inauguration of the four Amrit Bharat Express trains marks a key milestone in India’s rail modernization journey. With advanced features, minimum fare structures, and the removal of RAC in Sleeper class, the trains offer a blend of comfort, certainty, and affordability for long-distance travel. By connecting northern Bengal to southern India and Mumbai, the trains are set to strengthen regional linkages, improve travel efficiency, and offer passengers a safer, more convenient journey.

As the Indian Railways continues to expand and modernize its fleet, these Amrit Bharat Express trains are expected to serve as a model for future inter-state services, combining passenger-centric amenities, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability. The initiative underscores the government’s focus on modern infrastructure, equitable connectivity, and enhanced travel experiences for citizens across India.