Wedoany.com Report, On March 11, 2026, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated five new railway services in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, aiming to strengthen the railway network across several Indian states. The new services include two Amrit Bharat Express trains, two Express trains, one passenger train, and another passenger service launched from Kerala. These routes cover Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Jharkhand, and are expected to benefit millions of passengers.
The newly launched train services include the Nagercoil–Chalapalli Amrit Bharat Express, Podanur–Dhanbad Amrit Bharat Express, Rameswaram–Mangalore Express, Tirunelveli–Mangalore Express, and Mayiladuthurai–Thiruvarur–Karaikudi Passenger train. Additionally, the Palakkad–Pollachi Passenger service further enhances regional connectivity. The Podanur–Dhanbad Amrit Bharat Express marks the first direct connection between the Coimbatore industrial belt and the resource-rich eastern region of India, reducing travel time and supporting migrant workers and business activities.
The Amrit Bharat Express trains are designed to reach speeds of up to 130 km/h, offering non-air-conditioned coaches, sleeper facilities, and dedicated amenities while remaining affordable. The Nagercoil–Chalapalli Amrit Bharat Express strengthens the link between the southern coast of Tamil Nadu and Telangana, facilitating travel for students and professionals. These new railway services are part of India's railway network expansion, aimed at improving connectivity and travel options.
Furthermore, Modi unveiled three railway stations in Kerala reconstructed under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme—Shoranur Junction, Kuttippuram, and Changanaseri—upgrading facilities such as platforms, elevators, and Wi-Fi at an approximate cost of ₹5.2 billion. Simultaneously, the electrification project of the Shoranur–Nilambur railway line was completed at a cost of ₹9 billion, enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability. These initiatives collectively advance the modernization of India's railway infrastructure, boosting regional connectivity and economic growth.
