*Indian Railways has unveiled a new long‑distance train service — the Amrit Bharat Express — connecting Alipurduar in North Bengal with Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT), Bengaluru in Karnataka. This route spans a vast stretch of the country from the eastern foothills of the himalayas to South India’s tech capital, providing an affordable rail travel option for hundreds of towns and cities along the way.

🛤️ What Is the Amrit Bharat Express on This Route?

The Amrit Bharat Express is a non‑AC, sleeper‑forward long‑distance train designed primarily for affordability without compromising comfort or safety. These services are part of indian Railways’ broader effort to enhance connectivity and provide high‑quality, low‑cost travel options for people across socio‑economic segments — especially migrant workers, students, and regular long‑distance travellers.

Unlike premium trains like Vande Bharat, the Amrit Bharat Express focuses on non‑AC sleeper and general coaches, making it easier and more economical for a wider section of passengers.

📍 Route & Major Cities Connected

The 16597/16598 Alipurduar–SMVT Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express runs weekly and covers six states:

➡️ West Bengal
➡️ Odisha
➡️ Andhra Pradesh
➡️ Tamil Nadu
➡️ Karnataka
➡️ (Also passes through Bihar on parts of the route)

It halts at around 43–44 stations, including key junctions such as:

• Siliguri / New Jalpaiguri
• Malda Town
• Bolpur Shantiniketan
• Barddhaman & Kharagpur
• Bhubaneswar & Cuttack
• Vizianagaram & Vijayawada
• Nellore & Renigunta
• Jolarpettai & Bangarapet
  … before terminating at SMVT Bengaluru.

This route links the northeastern plains with major southern cities, offering a direct rail option that previously required multiple changes or segment‑wise travel.

⏱️ Schedule & Frequency

• 🟢 From SMVT Bengaluru (16597): Departs Saturday at ~08:50 and reaches Alipurduar on monday at ~10:25.
• 🔵 From Alipurduar (16598): Departs Monday at ~22:25 and arrives SMVT Bengaluru on thursday early morning (~03:00).

The service operates once a week in each direction.

🚃 Coach Composition & Features

The train’s configuration is built around non‑AC sleeper (SL) and general unreserved (GS) coaches, making long‑distance travel cost‑effective:

• 🛌 Sleeper Class Coaches: Comfortable berths for overnight and multi‑day travel.
• 🚉 General Unreserved Coaches: Affordable seats for short and medium‑distance travel.
• 🚆 Pantry Service: Some services include pantry support for meals.
• 🪪 Basic Amenities: Provision for charging points, luggage racks, toilets, etc., catering to long‑haul passenger needs.

The train’s overall data-size is typically about 22 coaches, comparable to many other long‑distance indian trains.

💡 Why This service Matters

🟡 1. Affordable Connectivity

Being a non‑AC train, it provides economical transportation across distant regions — especially for lower and middle‑income passengers.

🟡 2. Pan‑India Link

This service creates a direct rail corridor between the eastern regions near the Himalayan foothills and south India, reducing travel complexity and eliminating the need for multiple train changes.

🟡 3. Weekly Reliability

Even as a weekly service, it adds valuable capacity on a route that previously saw limited direct options between North bengal and Bengaluru.

🟡 4. Part of National Expansion

The introduction of this train is part of a broader indian Railways plan to launch nine new Amrit Bharat Express trains, connecting the eastern and northeastern regions to diverse parts of the country.

📊 How It Compares With Other Trains

Unlike premium or fully air‑conditioned trains like Vande Bharat or Rajdhani services, the Amrit Bharat Express prioritizes:

✔️ Cost‑effective travel (no AC surcharge)
✔️ High passenger capacity
✔️ Fair pricing structure without dynamic pricing fluctuations
✔️ Comfortable long‑distance sleeper options

Passengers on a tight budget, long‑distance workers, and students often prefer trains like this for long overnight journeys where affordability is more important than luxury.

🚆 Key Points at a Glance

Feature

Details

Train Numbers

16597/16598

Route

SMVT Bengaluru ↔ Alipurduar

Frequency

Weekly

Coach Type

Sleeper & General (Non‑AC)

States Covered

WB, OR, AP, TN, KA (+ parts of Bihar)

Significance

Affordable long‑distance travel across regions

🧠 Bottom Line

The Alipurduar–SMVT Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express is one of indian Railways’ newest and most socially impactful train services — offering budget‑friendly, long‑distance connectivity across east and south India. Whether you’re travelling for work, studies, family visits, or exploration, this long‑haul link enhances travel prospects and bridges important economic and cultural corridors.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.