Indian Railways is set to launch a new high-speed train service, the Dhanbad-Podanur Amrit Bharat Express, to improve connectivity between the states of Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. This push-pull technology train, numbered 16619 and 16620, is designed to offer a faster and more comfortable journey for passengers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to flag off the inaugural service on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from Podanur.
Weekly Schedule and Major Stoppages
The train will operate as a weekly service, providing a direct link between the coal belt of Dhanbad and the textile hub of Coimbatore. The new route via Bokaro and Ranchi is approximately 5 hours faster than older routes passing through Gaya and Gomoh. Regular timings and service details are mentioned below:
| Train Number | Route | Departure Day | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16619 | Podanur to Dhanbad | Every Saturday | 06:15 AM |
| 16620 | Dhanbad to Podanur | Every Monday | 02:00 PM |
The train will cover 35 commercial halts during its journey. Major stations include Katrasgarh, Chandrapura, Bokaro Steel City, Muri, Ranchi, Hatia, Rourkela, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Titlagarh, Rayagada, Vizianagaram, Vijayawada, Katpadi (Vellore), Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, and Tiruppur. The stop at Katpadi is expected to be particularly helpful for patients visiting CMC Vellore.
Coach Composition and Booking Rules
The Amrit Bharat Express consists of 22 coaches designed for high-speed travel up to 130 km/h. The composition includes 11 General unreserved coaches, 8 Sleeper coaches, 1 Pantry Car, and 2 Guard Vans. As this is a budget-friendly service for common passengers, specific rules apply to ticketing and quotas:
- No RAC Facility: There is no provision for Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) tickets on this train.
- Available Quotas: Sleeper class bookings include specific quotas for Ladies, Senior Citizens, and Persons with Disabilities (PwD).
- Fares: The pricing follows the standard Amrit Bharat structure, which is lower than Vande Bharat or Rajdhani services.
- Refunds: For tickets booked digitally, refunds are processed within 24 hours of cancellation.
- Passes: Only fully reimbursable railway warrants or official duty passes are permitted for travel.