Amrit Bharat express links south to north

Southern Railway has launched its first Amrit Bharat Express in Tamil Nadu, marking the beginning of a long-distance, non-air-conditioned weekly train service between Erode (Tamil Nadu) and Jogbani (Bihar). Covering over 3,300 kilometres, the service spans eight railway zones and includes more than 50 scheduled stops, significantly strengthening national rail connectivity.

Train schedule and route

The train will run with numbers 16601/16602. Train number 16601 will depart from Erode every Thursday at 7:00 am, while train number 16602 will depart from Jogbani every Sunday at 7:30 am. Key stops on the route include Salem, Katpadi, Perambur, Vijayawada, Nagpur, Jabalpur, Itarsi, Patna, Barauni, Katihar, and several other junctions, making it one of the most comprehensive north-south connections in the network.

Coach composition and maintenance

The train consists of 22 coaches in the Amrit Bharat configuration. This includes 11 second-class sitting coaches, 8 second-class sitting cum-luggage coaches, 2 brake-cum-luggage coaches, and 1 staff/tool coach. The rake was manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai and had been kept idle since February 2025 before being deployed for this service.

For maintenance, the train will be serviced at Erode and Katihar until facilities are created at Jogbani, ensuring smooth operations.

Importance of the service

The Erode–Jogbani Amrit Bharat Express provides an affordable long-distance travel option for passengers, especially those who cannot afford air-conditioned fares. As a non-AC train, it caters to budget-conscious travellers, offering greater accessibility across states.

By linking Tamil Nadu in the south to Bihar in the north, the service not only improves cross-country mobility but also serves towns and smaller cities along the route, benefiting people in regions that are less connected by direct train services.

Broader impact

• Enhanced Mobility: The train strengthens transport links for pilgrims, business travellers, and families across India.

• Economic Boost: Local economies along the route are expected to benefit from increased passenger movement, trade, and services.

• Rail Modernisation: The Amrit Bharat Express series reflects Indian Railways’ strategy to modernise infrastructure while keeping fares affordable.

Future plans

Southern Railway has also planned the introduction of more Amrit Bharat services from Tirunelveli, Tambaram, and Coimbatore, expanding affordable rail travel to additional parts of Tamil Nadu.

The launch of this train underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive development in railways, combining affordability, accessibility, and connectivity for millions of passengers across India.