Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off two Amrit Bharat Express trains, two express trains, and a passenger train from Tiruchirappalli on March 11, providing a major boost to railway connectivity across southern India.
Another passenger train service will also be launched from Ernakulam, further improving regional mobility.
The new services are expected to benefit passengers in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and Jharkhand, strengthening long-distance connectivity across the region.
Podanur–Dhanbad Amrit Bharat Express
One of the key services being launched is the Podanur–Dhanbad Amrit Bharat Express, which will provide the first direct rail link between Coimbatore and Dhanbad.
The train will originate from Podanur Junction and pass through major railway hubs such as Salem, Vijayawada, Jharsuguda, Ranchi, and Bokaro before reaching Dhanbad.
The weekly train service is expected to benefit thousands of migrant workers travelling between Tamil Nadu’s textile and manufacturing hubs and eastern India’s coal and steel belt.
Nagercoil–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express
The Prime Minister will also launch the Nagercoil–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, connecting Nagercoil in the southern coastal region with Charlapalli Terminal.
The train will pass through more than 20 districts across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, providing an affordable and direct travel option for students, workers and other passengers travelling between the southern coast and the Deccan region.
New Express and Passenger Train Services
Two new express trains — Rameswaram–Mangaluru Express and Tirunelveli–Mangaluru Express — will enhance connectivity along the western coastal railway corridor linking Rameswaram, Tirunelveli, and Mangaluru.
A Mayiladuthurai–Thiruvarur–Karaikkudi passenger train will improve rail connectivity in the Cauvery Delta region, benefiting districts such as Mayiladuthurai, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, and Sivaganga.
Another passenger service between Palakkad and Pollachi will strengthen cross-border connectivity between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, benefiting daily commuters, students and traders.
Redeveloped Railway Stations in Kerala
During the event, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate three redeveloped railway stations — Shoranur Junction Railway Station, Kuttippuram Railway Station, and Changanassery Railway Station.
These stations have been upgraded under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme at a cost of about ₹52 crore.
In addition, the 65-km electrification of the Shoranur–Nilambur railway line in Malappuram district will be dedicated to the nation. The project, completed at a cost of about ₹90 crore, is expected to reduce travel time, lower emissions, and improve operational efficiency.
Expansion of Amrit Bharat Express Network
The Amrit Bharat Express trains are designed as affordable long-distance services with modern passenger amenities and push-pull locomotive technology, enabling speeds of up to 130 km per hour.
Manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory under the Make in India initiative, these trains aim to improve long-distance connectivity for millions of passengers.
With the launch of the two new services, the total number of Amrit Bharat Express trains in India will increase from 54 to 58, expanding the network and strengthening railway connectivity across the country.
