Nation Set to Receive 11 New Trains Including Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat Services

Indian Railways is preparing for a major expansion of its passenger services with the introduction of 11 brand-new trains across key regions of the country. This new rollout includes the much-anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper train, multiple Amrit Bharat Express services, and additional Superfast Express trains. The move is expected to strengthen rail connectivity in several states, particularly Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Karnataka, and Maharashtra—many of which are politically significant due to upcoming assembly elections.

According to reports, the 11 new trains will consist of:

8 Amrit Bharat Express trains

1 Vande Bharat Sleeper train

2 Superfast Express trains

The Amrit Bharat Express, positioned as a budget-friendly yet modern option, aims to deliver better travel comfort at comparatively lower fares, while the Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed to redefine long-distance overnight journeys.

Routes of the Newly Introduced Amrit Bharat Express Trains

The following long-distance routes will be covered under the Amrit Bharat Express network:

Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) – Howrah

New Jalpaiguri – Tiruchirappalli

SMVT Bengaluru – Alipurduar

Alipurduar – Panvel

Dibrugarh – Gomti Nagar (Lucknow)

Kamakhya – Rohtak

Sealdah – Varanasi

New Jalpaiguri – Nagarkoil

These routes are expected to improve connectivity between eastern, northern, southern, and northeastern India.

India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Howrah to Guwahati

Marking a milestone in Indian Railways’ modernization drive, the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train will operate between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya). Designed for overnight long-distance travel, this train will significantly reduce journey time while offering premium comfort.

Coach Composition (16 Coaches Total):

11 Third AC coaches

2 Second AC coaches

1 First AC coach

With a maximum operational speed of 180 km/h, the train will feature an orange and brown livery and focus on faster, smoother travel between Eastern India and the Northeast.

Key Highlights:

Total distance: 958 km

Travel time: Approximately 14 hours

Major halts: Malda Town, New Jalpaiguri, Kamakhya

No RAC or waiting list tickets

Fare remains unchanged for journeys under 400 km

Vande Bharat Sleeper 3AC Fare: ₹2,299

Vande Bharat Sleeper Fare Structure

From Howrah:

• Howrah – New Jalpaiguri: ₹1,334 / ₹1,724

• Howrah – Malda Town: ₹960 / ₹1,240

• Howrah – Kamakhya (2AC): ₹2,970

First AC Fares:

• Howrah – Kamakhya: ₹3,640

• Howrah – New Jalpaiguri: ₹2,113

• Howrah – Malda Town: ₹1,520

From Kamakhya:

To Malda Town:

Third AC: ₹1,522

Second AC: ₹1,965

First AC: ₹2,409

To New Jalpaiguri:

Third AC: ₹962

Second AC: ₹1,243

First AC: ₹1,524

Two New Express Trains Between West Bengal and Karnataka

In addition to the Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat services, Indian Railways will also introduce two new Express trains linking West Bengal with Karnataka:

SMVT Bengaluru – Balurghat Express

SMVT Bengaluru – Radhikapur Express

Furthermore, the Bankura–Mayanpur MEMU Passenger train will now be extended up to Jayrambati, improving local connectivity.

Howrah–Delhi Amrit Bharat Express: Train Numbers and Stops

• 13065: Howrah → Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal)

• 13066: Delhi → Howrah

Major Stops Include:

Bandel

Bardhaman

Durgapur

Asansol

Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction

Bhabua Road

Sasaram

Dehri-on-Sone

Anugrah Narayan Road

Gaya

Koderma

Parasnath

NSCB Gomoh

Dhanbad

Varanasi

Jaunpur

Sultanpur

Maharaja Bijli Pasi (Nihalgarh)

Lucknow Junction

Shahjahanpur

Bareilly

Moradabad

Gajraula

Hapur

Ghaziabad

Anand Vihar Railway Station

The train will halt at a total of 25 stations and will operate twice every week. It will be equipped with 20 coaches.

Howrah–Delhi Amrit Bharat Express Timetable

Train No. 13065 (Howrah → Anand Vihar):

Departure: Thursday at 11:10 PM.

Arrival: Saturday at 2:50 AM.

Train No. 13066 (Anand Vihar → Howrah):

Departure: 5:15 AM.

Arrival: Sunday at 10:50 AM.