Surat: Gujarat is set to receive its first Amrit Bharat Train, which will connect the Diamond City, Surat, with the Silk City, Brahmapur in Odisha.

The superfast express train, a non-AC sleeper service, will be launched soon. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today shared the route that the train will cover.

In a tweet, Vaishnaw shared a map showing that after originating from Udhna station in Surat, the train will halt at Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Badnera, Wardha, Nagpur, Gondia, Raipur, Titlagarh, Rayagada, Vizianagaram, and Palasa before terminating at Brahmapur.

“New Amrit Bharat train from Brahmapur to Udhna (Surat) will provide affordable service and a high-quality travel experience for middle-class and underprivileged families,” the Union Minister said.

Although Indian Railways has not officially announced the flag-off and commencement date, reports suggest that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to flag off the train on 27th September.

The new service is expected to significantly boost rail connectivity in the region, fulfilling long-standing passenger demand. Migrant workers in Surat and surrounding areas have welcomed the announcement, hoping it will make travel more convenient.

The Amrit Bharat Express is designed for regular passengers, offering enhanced safety, a top speed of 160–180 km/h, and modern facilities even in non-AC sleeper coaches. The train will comprise 11 General Class coaches, 8 Sleeper Class coaches, 1 Pantry Car, 2 Second Class cum Luggage cum Guard Vans, and a Disabled-Friendly Compartment. The trains have been designed to provide world-class modern and comfortable travel for passengers in the non-AC segment. Indian Railways plans to produce 100 Amrit Bharat Trains.

Key Features and Amenities:

• Better aesthetics of seats and berths with enhanced look and feel similar to Vande Bharat Sleeper.

• Jerk-free semi-automatic couplers.

• Improved crashworthy features.

• CCTV systems in all coaches and luggage rooms.

• Upgraded toilet designs.

• Improved ladders for easier access to berths.

• LED lighting and charging sockets.

• EP-assisted braking system.

• Aerosol-based fire suppression in toilets and electrical cubicles.

• USB Type-A and Type-C mobile charging sockets.

• Emergency talk-back system for two-way communication between passengers and Guard/Train Manager.

• Non-AC pantry with enhanced heating capacity.

• Fully sealed gangways with quick-release mechanisms for easy attachment and detachment.