Indian Railways has officially sanctioned the introduction of the Dhanbad-Coimbatore Amrit Bharat Express, marking a major boost for inter-regional connectivity between Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu. The Railway Board granted approval for this service on August 10, 2026, as part of a nationwide initiative to launch seven new Amrit Bharat trains.
Key highlights of the new service include:
- Train Numbers: 22363 (Dhanbad-Coimbatore) and 22364 (Coimbatore-Dhanbad).
- Operational Frequency: Weekly service in both directions.
- Route Coverage: Spanning across Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.
- Total Stoppages: 39 major railway stations to ensure regional accessibility.
- Travel Duration: Approximately 50 hours and 20 minutes.
Strategic Connectivity and Operational Details
The Amrit Bharat Express is designed to provide an affordable and comfortable travel experience, specifically targeting lower and lower-middle-income passengers. Southern Railway will oversee the operation and maintenance of these trains, which promise to link industrial hubs and cultural centers across five states. Local representatives have already highlighted the importance of key halts, including Mancherial and Peddapalli, to ensure the train serves the needs of regional commuters.
Schedule and Route Information
For travellers planning their journeys, the train follows a precise weekly schedule. Train No. 22363 departs Dhanbad every Saturday at 4:10 PM, reaching Coimbatore at 6:30 PM on Monday. The return Train No. 22364 departs Coimbatore every Tuesday at 7:50 AM and arrives in Dhanbad at 1:00 PM on Thursday.
The route is extensive, connecting major junctions such as NSC Bose J Gomoh, Gaya, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Jabalpur, Nagpur, Warangal, Vijayawada, and Salem. Additionally, the train integrates the Odisha rail network with stops at Rayagada, Titlagarh, Sambalpur, and Rourkela. By bridging these vital corridors, Indian Railways aims to strengthen the economic link between the industrial heartland of the East and the bustling hubs of the South, ensuring greater convenience for thousands of daily passengers.