Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 23 (NationPress) — On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three newly-designated Amrit Bharat Express trains along with a passenger train service for Kerala from Thiruvananthapuram. This initiative marks a significant advancement in enhancing rail travel and bolstering inter-state and regional connectivity.

The Prime Minister launched the Amrit Bharat Express services on routes including Nagercoil-Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram, and Thiruvananthapuram-Charlapalli.

Additionally, a new passenger train service between Thrissur and Guruvayur was also flagged off.

The Amrit Bharat Express trains departed from their respective stations soon after the ceremony, with the Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram and Nagercoil-Mangaluru Amrit Bharat Express leaving from Thiruvananthapuram Central station, while the Thiruvananthapuram-Charlappalli service departed from Thiruvananthapuram North station and the Thrissur-Guruvayur Passenger Train took off from Thrissur station.

All four trains will be under the operation and maintenance of the Southern Railway.

The Thiruvananthapuram Central-Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express is set to link Kerala’s capital with crucial industrial, educational, and medical centers in Tamil Nadu, passing through significant stations such as Tirunelveli, Madurai, and Tiruchchirappalli. Meanwhile, the Thiruvananthapuram-Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express will establish a critical rail connection among Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, serving several key cities along its route.

In parallel, the Nagercoil–Mangaluru Junction Amrit Bharat Express will link Tamil Nadu with coastal Karnataka through Kerala, benefitting passengers traversing the western coastal corridor. Additionally, the Guruvayur–Thrissur passenger train will provide direct, cost-effective access to the major pilgrimage site and Thrissur, accommodating daily commuters, students, and devotees.

As shared by a passenger to IANS, "The Amrit Bharat Express is a non-AC train offering both general and sleeper accommodations for both short and long journeys. Currently, there are three Amrit Bharat Trains featuring spacious general and sleeper coaches, complete with appealing interiors and comfortable berths."

He added, "More trains mean better connectivity." Another traveler highlighted notable features such as CCTV cameras in every coach for enhanced safety, bottle holders, and phone charging sockets available even in general coaches.

In sleeper coaches, an additional feature includes announcements 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, providing improved amenities, enhanced safety features, and increased ride comfort at affordable rates, thereby promoting inclusive growth through accessible rail travel.