Amritsar: Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu officially inaugurated the Amritsar-New Jalpaiguri Amrit Bharat Express today, marking a major advancement in connecting the northern plains of Punjab with the heart of Northeast India. At a ceremony held on platform number one of the Amritsar railway station, the minister flagged off train number 14664, which was greeted with immense enthusiasm by local residents, BJP leaders, and railway personnel. The station itself was ornately decorated for the occasion, reflecting the significance of this new direct link that promises to streamline travel for thousands of passengers.
The new Amrit Bharat Express is specifically designed to cater to common and middle-class travellers, offering modern amenities at an affordable cost. Covering a distance of approximately 1900 kilometres, the train is equipped with advanced safety and comfort features including CCTV cameras, mobile charging points, expansive luggage space, and emergency response buttons. Minister Bittu emphasized that the government’s priority is to provide a safe and high-speed experience, noting that the train is capable of reaching speeds of up to 130 kilometres per hour while adhering to strict safety standards.
During the inauguration, the minister also unveiled a massive development plan for the Amritsar railway station, earmarking 502 crore rupees to transform it into a world-class transit hub. The redevelopment project will include the construction of modern buildings, air-conditioned waiting halls, shopping areas, and entertainment zones, all while maintaining a design aesthetic that honours the spiritual and cultural heritage of the holy city. This investment aims to provide a seamless experience for pilgrims and tourists visiting the Golden Temple and other historical landmarks in the region.
The 14664 Amritsar-New Jalpaiguri Amrit Bharat Express is scheduled to depart from Amritsar at 12:45 PM and is expected to complete its 39-hour journey by 4:15 AM on the third day. In the return direction, train number 14663 will commence its journey from New Jalpaiguri every Saturday starting May 16, leaving at 8:00 AM and reaching Amritsar after 42 hours of travel. The train will make strategic stops at major stations including Jalandhar City, Ludhiana, Ambala Cantt, Saharanpur, Moradabad, Gorakhpur, Raxaul, and Sitamarhi, ensuring broad connectivity across multiple states.
To maximize accessibility for all segments of society, the train’s composition includes eight sleeper class coaches and eleven general category coaches. Railway authorities have encouraged the public to take full advantage of this new service, which is tailored to provide a dignified and efficient travelling experience. With the launch of this service, the Indian Railways continues its mission to enhance national integration by bridging the geographical distance between the country’s diverse regions through affordable and modern infrastructure.
