Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 23 (NationPress) - On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three newly-assigned Amrit Bharat Express trains along with a new passenger train service in Kerala from Thiruvananthapuram.

In a significant move to enhance rail travel for citizens and boost inter-state and regional connectivity, the PM launched the Amrit Bharat Expresses on the routes of Nagercoil-Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram, and Thiruvananthapuram-Charlapalli.

A new passenger train service connecting Thrissur and Guruvayur was also inaugurated.

The Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram and Nagercoil-Mangaluru Amrit Bharat Express trains (departing from Thiruvananthapuram Central station), the Thiruvananthapuram-Charlappalli Amrit Bharat Express (from Thiruvananthapuram North station), and the Thrissur-Guruvayur Passenger Train (from Thrissur station) set off from their respective stations shortly after the ceremony.

All four trains will be overseen by the Southern Railway.

The Thiruvananthapuram Central–Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express will link Kerala’s capital with significant industrial, educational, and healthcare centers in Tamil Nadu, passing through key stations like Tirunelveli, Madurai, and Tiruchchirappalli. The Thiruvananthapuram–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express will establish a crucial rail connection across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, serving many important cities along the route.

Meanwhile, the Nagercoil–Mangaluru Junction Amrit Bharat Express will facilitate the connection between Tamil Nadu and coastal Karnataka through Kerala, benefiting travelers along the western coastline. The Guruvayur–Thrissur passenger train will provide direct and economical access between the significant pilgrimage site and Thrissur, catering to daily commuters, students, and devotees.

Speaking to IANS, a passenger remarked, "The Amrit Bharat Express is a non-AC train offering both general and sleeper accommodations for short and long journeys. Currently, there are three Amrit Bharat Trains, which feature spacious general and sleeper coaches with attractive interiors and comfortable berths."

"More trains, better connectivity," he added.

Another traveler highlighted some remarkable features of the train - a CCTV camera in every coach for safety, a bottle holder at each seat, charging sockets, and these amenities are even present in the general coaches.

In sleeper coaches, an additional feature is the announcement of the train's number, route, and next stop.

The Amrit Bharat Express trains aim to bridge the divide between traditional mail and express services and premium trains, offering enhanced amenities, improved safety features, and greater ride comfort at affordable prices, thus promoting inclusive growth through accessible rail travel.