Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 22: A new Amrit Bharat Express connecting Nagercoil and Mangaluru Junction is set to be inaugurated on January 23, promising to enhance rail connectivity across Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. The train will link important cultural, educational, commercial and pilgrimage centres, offering a faster and more convenient option for millions of passengers.

The weekly service will be formally flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Thiruvananthapuram, alongside two other Amrit Bharat Express trains, officials confirmed.

The 22-coach train will operate without AC coaches, comprising 11 general coaches and 8 second sleeper coaches, according to Indian Railways sources. It will run under train numbers 16329/16330 between Nagercoil and Mangaluru Junction.

The train will depart from Nagercoil on Tuesday at 11:40 am, reaching Mangaluru by Wednesday morning. The return service will leave Mangaluru at 8 am on Wednesday, arriving in Nagercoil by night. The full timetable is yet to be released.

“This new service is expected to significantly strengthen regional connectivity and provide passengers with a smoother, more comfortable travel experience across the three southern states,” a railway official said.

The launch of the Amrit Bharat Express marks another step in the government’s plan to enhance modern, fast and efficient train travel, particularly linking southern India’s key cities.