Amrit Bharat Express Kerala: Route, Fare & Schedule Guide 2026

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — To begin with, the Indian Railways will give Kerala a major transport boost this week as three new amrit bharat express Kerala services prepare for their official launch. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off these trains on January 23, 2026, marking a new chapter for budget travel in the state. These high-speed, non-AC trains give common passengers a faster and more comfortable journey at a low price. Known by many as the amrut bharat train, this new service aims to solve the heavy rush on long-distance routes while providing modern facilities. Whether you are a daily commuter or a long-distance traveler, the arrival of the Amrit bharat express ensures that everyone can now enjoy a “Vande Bharat-style” experience without the high ticket costs.

What is the Amrit Bharat Express? The Tech and Comfort Explained.

The railway built the new amrit bharat train with special “push-pull” technology, featuring a powerful engine at both the front and the back. This setup helps amrit bharat trains speed up and slow down much faster than regular trains, allowing them to reach speeds of 130 km/h. Inside, the coaches are packed with modern features like mobile charging ports at every seat, better lighting, and clean bio-vacuum toilets. To keep passengers safe, the engineers fitted the coaches with CCTV cameras and fire sensors. It is a massive upgrade for those who usually travel in sleeper or general classes.

The Three New Routes for Kerala.

The Railway Ministry has officially confirmed three major routes for the amrit bharat express Kerala network. These trains will connect the state to important cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mangaluru. Each service is designed to cover long distances overnight or within a single day, making travel much easier for those on a budget.The three new services are:

Nagercoil – Mangaluru Junction: This train will run along the coast, connecting the southern tip of India to northern Kerala and Karnataka.

Thiruvananthapuram North – Charlapalli (Hyderabad): A vital link for people traveling to the IT and educational hubs in Telangana.

Thiruvananthapuram Central – Tambaram (Chennai): This route provides a fast and cheap way to reach the Chennai suburbs.

Routes and Schedule of the Three New Services

In addition, the amrit bharat express Kerala network is launching with three specific services designed to cover long distances quickly. The Ministry gave each route a unique amrit bharat express train number to help passengers identify their service easily on the IRCTC portal.

16329 & 16330 Nagercoil – Mangaluru Jn Amrit Bharat Express

This is the coastal flagship of the amrit bharat express Kerala fleet. It runs almost the entire length of the state, providing a high-speed alternative for those traveling between the far south and the northern Malabar region.

Train Numbers: 16329 (NCJ to MAJN) / 16330 (MAJN to NCJ)

Days of Operation:From Nagercoil: Every Tuesday (Weekly).From Mangaluru: Every Wednesday (Weekly).

Timing: Departure from Nagercoil at 11:40 AM, arriving in Mangaluru at 5:00 AM on Wednesday. The return journey leaves Mangaluru at 8:00 AM and reaches Nagercoil by 10:05 PM.

Stoppages: Major halts include : Thiruvananthapuram Central, Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam Town, Thrissur, Shoranur, Kozhikode, and Kannur.
Fare: For instance, passengers should expect a Sleeper class fare of approximately ₹390 – ₹450.

17042 &17041Thiruvananthapuram North – Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express

Notably, the 17041 train is one of the most anticipated services, linking the Kerala capital to the IT hub of Hyderabad (Charlapalli). It is perfect for professionals and students seeking a reliable new amrit bharat train for long-distance travel.

Train Numbers: 17042 (TVCN to CHZ) / 17041 train (CHZ to TVCN)

Days of Operation: From Thiruvananthapuram North: Every Wednesday (Weekly). From Charlapalli: Every Tuesday (Weekly).

Timing: Departs Thiruvananthapuram North at 5:30 PM; arrives in Charlapalli at 11:30 PM on Thursday. The return (17041 train) leaves Charlapalli at 7:15 AM and reaches Thiruvananthapuram at 2:45 PM on Wednesday.

Stoppages: Key stops include : Kottayam, Ernakulam Town, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Katpadi, Renigunta, Nellore, and Guntur.

Fare: Estimated at ₹650 – ₹720 for a Sleeper berth.

H3: 16122 & 16121 Thiruvananthapuram Central – Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express

Additionally, it is a high-speed amrut bharat train choice for those traveling to the eastern coast. This service connects Kerala directly to the Chennai metropolitan area.

Train Numbers: 16122 (TVC to TBM) / 16121 (TBM to TVC).

Days of Operation: From Thiruvananthapuram Central: Every Thursday (Weekly). From Tambaram: Every Wednesday (Weekly).

Timing: Departs Thiruvananthapuram at 10:40 AM; reaches Tambaram at 11:45 PM. The return leaves Tambaram at 5:30 PM and arrives in Kerala at 8:00 AM on Thursday.

Stoppages: Runs via Nagercoil Town, Tirunelveli, Madurai, Dindigul, and Tiruchchirappalli.

Fare: Approximately ₹410 for Sleeper class.

A New Chapter for Budget Travel in Kerala

The launch of the amrit bharat express Kerala fleet is a highly positive step toward making high-quality rail travel accessible to everyone. By offering “Vande Bharat-style” features like mobile charging, bio-vacuum toilets, and faster “push-pull” technology at a non-AC price, the railways have successfully bridged the gap between luxury and affordability. It is heartening to see such advanced infrastructure being prioritized for the common traveler, ensuring that a modern and safe journey is no longer a privilege reserved only for those in air-conditioned coaches.

While the overall network is impressive, the railway designed the Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram route via Nagercoil primarily as a fast interstate link to Chennai. Because it takes the shorter southern route through Tamil Nadu, it provides limited coverage for the broader heartland of Kerala compared to the other two services. However, as a first step in a massive modernization project, it signals a bright future for passengers across the state.

Kerala is witnessing major upgrades in rail connectivity, including the upcoming Vande Bharat sleeper trains to Kerala.”