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Vande Bharat Sleeper to Amrit Bharat Express: Poll-bound West Bengal, Assam to get 11 new trains – Full list, routes

Indian Railways New Trains 2026: These new train services are expected to improve connectivity, connecting major cities across states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.

3 min readUpdated: Jan 10, 2026 03:01 PM IST

Indian Railways New Trains 2026: The Amrit Bharat Express trains offer a travel experience comparable to the Vande Bharat Express. (Image: Ministry of Railways)

Indian Railways new trains, Indian Railways train launch 2026: The Ministry of Railways is set to introduce 11 new trains from West Bengal and Assam, including the Vande Bharat Sleeper train and the Amrit Bharat Express. These new train services are expected to improve connectivity, connecting major cities across states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. Both West Bengal and Assam are heading for assembly elections this year.

Also Read | Howrah-Guwahati (Kamakhya) Vande Bharat Sleeper: Train number, stoppages, frequency, time table, ticket price

Indian Railways new trains 2026

Of the new trains set to be introduced from Assam and West Bengal this month, eight will be Amrit Bharat Express services, one will be a Vande Bharat Sleeper train and two will be Express trains. In addition, the Railways has also extended the service of a local train in West Bengal.

Also Read | Howrah-Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Amrit Bharat Express: Train number, route, stoppages, frequency, time table

Amrit Bharat Express train route

The Amrit Bharat Express trains offer a travel experience comparable to the Vande Bharat Express, but are specifically designed to provide affordable and high-quality service for passengers from lower and lower-middle income category. The new Amrit Bharat Express trains scheduled to be launched on following routes:

New Jalpaiguri-Tiruchirappalli
SMVT Bengaluru-Alipurduar
Alipurduar-Panvel
Dibrugarh-Gomti Nagar (Lucknow)
Kamakhya-Rohtak
Howrah-Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal)
Sealdah-Banaras
New Jalpaiguri-Nagercoil

Also Read | Here’s how Southern Railway’s coaching terminal expansion will help to run more trains from Chennai, Coimbatore & Ernakulam

Vande Bharat Sleeper train route

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train will operate between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya). The 16-coach train will comprise 11 Third AC coaches, four Second AC coaches and one First AC coach, and will have a design speed of 180 kmph. This orange and grey coloured train will further enhance rail connectivity between eastern India and the Northeast. It is expected to offer a faster, safer and more comfortable travel experience to passengers.

Also Read | India’s 1st Vande Bharat Sleeper train to run at speeds up to 130 kmph on Howrah-Guwahati route

New Express trains from West Bengal

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A total of two new Express trains will be introduced to enhance connectivity between North Bengal and Karnataka. These trains will operate on the following routes:

SMVT Bengaluru-Balurghat Express
SMVT Bengaluru-Radhikapur Express

Extension of MEMU train service in West Bengal

The Railway Board has also approved the extension of Bankura-Maynapur MEMU Passenger train up to Jayrambati.

Anish Mondal

Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More

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