Bhubaneswar, Jan 12: In a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity and providing affordable long-distance travel options, Indian Railways is set to launch six new Amrit Bharat Express trains, with several passing through Odisha. The trains, scheduled for inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 17 and 18, 2026, will expand Odisha’s Amrit Bharat network from its current single service to a total of seven.
This expansion is part of the Indian Railways' “Timetable of Trains (TAG) 2026” rollout, aimed at modernizing the travel experience for middle-class and budget-conscious passengers across the country.
New routes & key stops:
The six new routes connecting Southern, Eastern, and North-Eastern India include:
Tambaram – Santragachi
Tiruchirappalli – New Jalpaiguri
Bengaluru – Alipur Duar
Nagercoil – New Jalpaiguri
Bengaluru – Radhikapur
Bengaluru – Balurghat
While these trains span across several states, Odisha will benefit significantly as these services will halt at major hubs including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Balugaon, Khurda Road, Jajpur-Keonjhar Road, Bhadrak, and Balasore.
A High-Speed, Affordable Service for All:
Often described as the “Vande Bharat for the common man,” the Amrit Bharat Express trains are designed for high-speed, long-distance travel but come with non-AC sleeper coaches to keep fares affordable.
Key features:
Speed & Technology: These trains will use a “push-pull” configuration with locomotives at both ends, allowing for faster acceleration and speeds of up to 130 km/h.
Upgraded Amenities: Passengers can expect modern LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches, equipped with better seating, improved ventilation, modular toilets, and enhanced safety features like emergency braking systems.
Affordability: Unlike the premium Vande Bharat services, the Amrit Bharat Express will focus on providing an affordable yet high-quality travel experience, making it accessible to lower and middle-income passengers.
Impact on Odisha’s Travel Landscape:
The introduction of these six Amrit Bharat Express trains will coincide with the launch of two new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, further bolstering Odisha’s rail infrastructure.
For years, residents of Odisha traveling to southern cities like Bengaluru or north-eastern regions like West Bengal had limited options—either expensive air travel or the outdated sleeper class trains. This January, the new Amrit Bharat Express will offer a much-needed alternative.
For example, a student from Berhampur heading to Bengaluru or a small-scale trader from Balasore sourcing goods from West Bengal will now have an affordable, faster, and more comfortable travel option.
Prime Minister Modi will officially flag off these services on January 17th and 18th, 2026, marking a new era in Odisha’s railway connectivity.
