India’s vast railway network just got a powerful new injection of modernity and connectivity. On January 18, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off five new Amrit Bharat Express trains, a cornerstone initiative under the nation’s ambitious ‘Amrit Kaal’ vision for a developed India by 2047 . This strategic expansion isn’t just about adding more trains; it’s a deliberate effort to weave the farthest corners of the country, especially the North-East, into the national mainstream.
Table of Contents
- The New Amrit Bharat Express Routes from Assam
- What Makes the Amrit Bharat Express Special?
- The Strategic Vision Behind the Expansion
- Detailed Look at All Five New Train Services
- Impact on Passengers and Regional Economy
- Conclusion: A Railway Revolution in Motion
- Sources
The New Amrit Bharat Express Routes from Assam
The highlight of this launch was the inauguration of two crucial long-distance services directly from Assam, a state often seeking better surface transport links with the rest of India. The first is the Guwahati (Kamakhya) to Rohtak route, which will depart from Kamakhya every Friday at 10 PM and arrive in Haryana’s Rohtak on Sunday at 2:45 PM . The second service connects Dibrugarh in Upper Assam to Lucknow’s Gomti Nagar, creating a vital corridor between the easternmost state and the heart of North India . These routes are a game-changer for the people of Assam, offering direct, comfortable, and affordable travel options to key economic and cultural hubs.
What Makes the Amrit Bharat Express Special?
The Amrit Bharat Express is not your average mail or express train. It’s a new category of service designed to offer premium-like comfort at an accessible price point . Key features that set it apart include:
- Modern Amenities: Expect ergonomically designed berths and seats, LED lighting, modular toilets, and USB-integrated reading lamps for a comfortable journey .
- Enhanced Safety & Convenience: The trains are equipped with CCTV surveillance, real-time information systems, and mobile charging points throughout .
- Innovative Design: They run on a 22-coach rake formation with locomotives on both ends, allowing for faster acceleration and deceleration, and can reach speeds of up to 130 kmph .
- Passenger-Centric Approach: The RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) system has been scrapped, ensuring a more predictable and comfortable experience for all ticketed passengers .
The Strategic Vision Behind the Expansion
This expansion is a critical component of the Indian Railways’ broader modernization plan under the ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Amrit Kaal’ visions . The goal is to transform the railways from a legacy system into a world-class, passenger-friendly, and efficient mode of transport that can drive economic growth. By connecting remote regions like the North-East with major cities in the North and South, these new services aim to boost tourism, facilitate commerce, and foster a stronger sense of national integration . This initiative complements other massive investments, such as the ₹2.40 lakh crore allocated for the Railways’ capital expenditure in recent budgets .
Detailed Look at All Five New Train Services
Beyond the two Assam-centric routes, three more Amrit Bharat Express trains were launched to enhance connectivity across other parts of the country:
- Malda Town (West Bengal) to Gomtinagar (Lucknow): This service strengthens the link between Eastern and Northern India .
- Rajendra Nagar Terminal (Patna) to New Delhi: A high-demand route that will now offer a more comfortable and modern travel experience for passengers from Bihar to the national capital .
- Santragachi (West Bengal) to Tambaram (Chennai): This long-distance service creates a direct, modern rail link between the East and the South of India, a significant addition to the national network .
Impact on Passengers and Regional Economy
For the common traveler, these new trains mean a significant upgrade in their long-distance journey experience without a premium price tag. For the regions they connect, especially Assam and other parts of the North-East, the impact is even more profound. Improved rail connectivity can unlock immense economic potential by making it easier for businesses to move goods, for tourists to explore the region, and for students and professionals to access opportunities across the country. As the Prime Minister noted, these trains are not just about travel; they are engines of commerce and cultural exchange . [INTERNAL_LINK:indian-railways-modernization] provides more context on this nationwide transformation.
Conclusion: A Railway Revolution in Motion
The launch of these five new Amrit Bharat Express trains, with a special focus on connecting Assam, is a clear signal of the government’s commitment to inclusive and modern infrastructure development. It’s a tangible step towards fulfilling the promise of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ where no region is left behind. As these sleek, modern rakes begin their journeys across the length and breadth of India, they carry with them the hopes of millions for a more connected, prosperous, and comfortable future.
Sources
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