Indian Railways has introduced the Amrit Bharat Express service connecting Charlapalli in Telangana to Shalimar in West Bengal. This new service follows the recent upgrade of the Charlapalli terminal, which now serves as a major hub for superfast travel. The Ministry of Railways has also announced the next generation Amrit Bharat 3.0 to further improve passenger comfort on long routes.
Technical features and schedule of the new train service
The Charlapalli-Shalimar Amrit Bharat Express operates with train numbers 17065 and 17066. These trains use push-pull technology with a WAP-5 locomotive at both ends for better speed and efficiency. The service covers a distance of approximately 1550 km between the two cities. The train configuration focuses on affordability while providing modern amenities for the general public.
- Train 17065: Departs Charlapalli every Tuesday.
- Train 17066: Departs Shalimar every Wednesday, with its first regular run from April 8, 2026.
- Coach Composition: 12 sleeper class, 8 unreserved, and 2 luggage coaches.
- Locomotive: Modified GZB/WAP-5/30036 electric engines for high-speed performance.
Upcoming routes and future development of Amrit Bharat network
As part of the nationwide expansion, South Central Railway has confirmed multiple Amrit Bharat services from the Charlapalli terminal. On April 6, 2026, the Ministry announced the Amrit Bharat 3.0 series which will feature upgraded interiors. New routes are planned to link Telangana with various parts of India to make travel easier for everyone.
| Route Connection | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Charlapalli to Kamakhya | Service started March 13, 2026 |
| Charlapalli to Nagercoil | Service started March 11, 2026 |
| Thiruvananthapuram to Charlapalli | Service started January 2026 |
A. Sridhar, the Chief Public Relations Officer of South Central Railway, noted that three pairs of non-AC Amrit Bharat services are currently operational in Telangana. These trains are designed to offer a safe and cost-effective alternative for passengers traveling long distances without air conditioning.