Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off three new Amrit Bharat Express trains and a daily passenger service from Thiruvananthapuram on January 23, 2026. The event took place at Putharikandam Maidan around 10:45 AM. These trains will connect Kerala with other southern states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. The new services aim to make travel easier, cheaper, and faster for people who travel long distances.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Kerala comes at a time when the state is preparing for assembly elections. Along with the trains, he launched other projects like the PM SVANidhi Credit Card for street vendors and laid the foundation stone for an innovation hub. But the main focus was on the railways. The new trains will help boost tourism, trade, and daily life in the region.
What Are Amrit Bharat Express Trains?
Amrit Bharat Express trains are a new type of non-AC trains introduced by Indian Railways. They are designed for long-distance travel over 800 km. These trains are affordable and offer better comfort than regular express trains. They have modern features like those in Vande Bharat trains, but without air-conditioning to keep costs low.
Each Amrit Bharat train has 20-22 coaches. There are sleeper coaches and general unreserved coaches. The trains use a push-pull system with engines at both ends. This helps them start and stop faster. They can reach speeds up to 130 km/h. Passengers get USB charging points, mobile holders, LED lights, comfortable seats, and clean toilets.
These trains started running in 2024. So far, many routes have been added across India. They are meant for people from lower and middle-income groups who want safe and quick travel without high fares.
Details of the New Trains Flagged Off
The three Amrit Bharat Express trains are:
- Thiruvananthapuram Central – Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express This train links Kerala’s capital with Tambaram near Chennai in Tamil Nadu. It passes through important places like Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, and Salem. The inaugural run started from Thiruvananthapuram at 10:45 AM. Regular schedules will be announced soon. This route will help students, workers, and tourists travel between Kerala and Tamil Nadu easily.
2. Thiruvananthapuram – Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express This train connects Kerala with Charlapalli near Hyderabad in Telangana. It goes through Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The route includes stops at major stations in these states. It will run weekly. This service will make travel to Telangana faster and cheaper for Keralites working or studying there.
3. Nagercoil – Mangaluru Amrit Bharat Express This train links Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu with Mangaluru in Karnataka through Kerala. It will pass through coastal areas of Kerala. The train will run in both directions. It will help people in southern Tamil Nadu and Kerala reach Karnataka for business or tourism.
All these trains are operated by Southern Railway. They will reduce travel time on long routes and provide better options for passengers.
Thrissur to Guruvayur Daily Passenger Train
Along with the Amrit Bharat trains, a new daily passenger train was started between Thrissur and Guruvayur. Guruvayur is a famous temple town in Kerala. Many devotees visit the temple every day. This new service will make it easier for locals and pilgrims to travel. It will run as a MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) train, which is good for short distances.
How These Trains Will Help Kerala and South India
The new trains will bring many benefits. First, they will improve connectivity between states. People can travel from Kerala to Chennai, Hyderabad, or Mangaluru without changing trains often. This will save time and money.
Tourism will get a big boost. Kerala is known for beaches, backwaters, and hill stations. Tamil Nadu has temples and beaches. Karnataka has hills and cities like Mangaluru. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have many industries and educational centers. Better trains mean more visitors and more business for hotels, shops, and transport.
The economy will grow too. Workers from Kerala can go to jobs in other states more easily. Goods can move faster, helping trade. Students can travel for studies without much trouble.
These trains also make rail travel safer and more comfortable. The modern design reduces jerks during travel. Charging points help passengers stay connected. Overall, these services show Indian Railways’ focus on affordable travel for common people.
Other Projects Launched During the Event
PM Modi also launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card. This gives interest-free credit to street vendors. Many vendors from Kerala got loans on the spot. He also started work on the CSIR-NIIST Innovation Hub. This hub will work on science, technology, and startups in areas like Ayurveda and green energy.
The Prime Minister spoke about development in his address. He said the government is working to connect every part of the country with good roads and trains. He mentioned that new trains will help the youth and poor families.
Quotes from Officials and PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the new trains will make travel affordable and time-bound. He added that they will boost tourism, trade, and jobs across states.
Southern Railway officials said these services will provide a high-quality experience at low cost. They thanked the PM for the support to railways.
FAQs
What is the Amrit Bharat Express?
Amrit Bharat Express is a non-AC superfast train for long distances. It has modern features like USB ports, comfortable seats, and fast speed. It is cheaper than AC trains and suitable for common people.
When were these trains flagged off?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged them off on January 23, 2026, at 10:45 AM in Thiruvananthapuram.
Which states will benefit from these trains?
Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh will see better connectivity.
Are these trains air-conditioned?
No, they are non-AC to keep fares low. But they have good ventilation and modern amenities.
How many coaches do Amrit Bharat trains have?
Usually 20-22 coaches, with sleeper and general seats.
What is the speed of these trains?
They can go up to 130 km/h.
Will there be more Amrit Bharat trains in future?
Yes, Indian Railways plans to add more routes across the country.
How to book tickets for these trains?
Tickets can be booked through IRCTC website, app, or counters. Regular schedules will be updated soon.
Why are these trains important for Kerala?
They will help tourism, jobs, and daily travel. Kerala has many people working in other states, and these trains make it easier.
What other projects did PM Modi launch in Kerala?
He launched PM SVANidhi Credit Card, started an innovation hub, and laid foundation for other works.
The launch of these trains is a big step for rail development in South India. People are happy with the new services. They hope for more such improvements in the future.