Indian Railways Approves Four New PasIndian Railways Approves Four New Passenger Services to Enhance Connectivity between Tamil Nadu and Eastern Corridorssenger Services to Enhance Connectivity between Tamil Nadu and Eastern Corridors

The Ministry of Railways in India has granted approval for four new passenger services originating from Tamil Nadu, including three long-distance Amrit Bharat Express services and one intercity service within the state. These additions aim to reinforce rail connectivity between southern India and significant eastern and northeastern corridors.

The announcement was made by Ashwini Vaishnaw, reflecting ongoing efforts to expand passenger capacity across the Indian Railways network. The newly sanctioned services encompass the Podanur – Dhanbad, Tambaram – Santragachi, and Tiruchchirappalli – New Jalpaiguri Amrit Bharat Express routes, as well as a Tambaram – Tiruchchirappalli intercity express.

The Tambaram – Santragachi Amrit Bharat Express will facilitate connectivity between the Chennai metropolitan region and eastern India, covering approximately 1,668 kilometers with an estimated travel time of 28 hours and 45 minutes. The Tiruchchirappalli – New Jalpaiguri Amrit Bharat Express will traverse multiple states, span approximately 2,622 kilometers and requiring around 47 hours. This route will establish a direct rail connection between central Tamil Nadu and North Bengal.

The third long-distance service, Podanur – Dhanbad, will link the industrial hub of Coimbatore with the coal and steel region of Jharkhand, thereby enhancing passenger mobility between southern manufacturing centers and eastern resource-based economies. Furthermore, a 377-kilometer express service between Tambaram and Tiruchchirappalli has been approved to improve intra-state connectivity within Tamil Nadu. This train is expected to operate with chair-car rolling stock and is projected to take approximately 7 hours.

The three Amrit Bharat Express services represent a new category of non-AC, high-capacity long-distance trains introduced by Indian Railways to accommodate price-sensitive passengers traveling over extended distances. Each train generally consists of around 22 coaches, primarily comprising sleeper and general class accommodations, and employs a push-pull locomotive configuration to enhance acceleration and operational efficiency.

Designed to achieve maximum speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour, the trainsets incorporate upgraded passenger amenities, including CCTV surveillance, improved seating configurations, mobile charging facilities, and modular bio-vacuum toilets.

The expansion of these routes is a response to the sustained demand for long-distance passenger connectivity, linking southern India with eastern migration corridors and industrial regions, while simultaneously strengthening inter-state mobility within India’s mass-market rail segment.