In a major boost to long-distance connectivity, Indian Railways is all set to introduce 50 new Amrit Bharat Express trains in the 2025–26 financial year, with one of the flagship services planned on the busy Howrah–Chennai corridor, one of India’s most vital and heavily used rail routes.

The Howrah–Chennai Amrit Bharat Express promises to offer faster, more efficient, and budget-friendly travel connecting eastern and southern India via some of the most important junctions.

Key route details:

Howrah to Chennai via Visakhapatnam

The train will travel a distance of 1,662 km between Howrah Junction (HWH) and MGR Chennai Central (MAS) in less than 26 hours, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers seeking comfort and speed.

The train will stop at several key stations, including:

Kharagpur Junction, Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Khurda Road, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Tenali, Ongole, and Gudur Junction.

Timings & Frequency

From Howrah: Departs at 10:00 PM, reaches Chennai by 1:00 AM (next to next day).

From Chennai: Leaves at 6:00 PM, reaches Howrah by 8:30 PM the following day.

The express train will operate twice a week.

Speed & affordability

The Amrit Bharat Express on this route will run at a top speed of 130 km/h, offering impressive travel time for a non-premium service.

Ticket Fare (Sleeper Class): Around ₹800, making it one of the most affordable options for a long-haul route of this scale.

The bigger vision

The Amrit Bharat Express series, part of Indian Railways' modernisation initiative, aims to enhance passenger comfort, reduce travel time, and offer economical alternatives for cross-country travel.