Bengaluru
The recently inaugurated Malda Town-SMVT Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express has witnessed an extraordinary surge in demand, with tickets already booked until April 7. The train, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 30, 2023, operates once a week and features engines on both ends. It offers fully adjustable seats in sleeper and general class coaches, providing enhanced comfort for passengers. According to an Eastern Railway official, the tickets for the journey between Dankuni (the nearest station from Kolkata) and SMVT Bangalore are fully booked from January 21 to April 7. The train's popularity is evident as most tickets are still pending, highlighting the substantial demand among travelers. The Malda Town-SMVT Bangalore Amrit Bharat Express is one of the two Amrit Bharat Express trains, and it has quickly gained popularity due to its high demand and exceptional facilities. The train is designed with the comfort of general class travelers in mind and is visually distinctive with its saffron color. With 22 coaches capable of accommodating 1,834 passengers, the train operates at a speed of 130 kilometers per hour and features engines at both ends for rapid acceleration. The train's interior design incorporates Kavsh technology, efficient LED lighting, CCTV surveillance, various mobile phone charging points, and well-maintained toilet facilities. These modern amenities make the Amrit Bharat Express comparable to the Vande Bharat Express in terms of passenger comfort and convenience. The train schedule for Amrit Bharat Express includes departure from Malda Town every Sunday at 8:50 AM, reaching SMVT Bangalore at 3:00 AM on Tuesday. In the return direction, the train departs from Visvesvaraya Terminal Bangalore every Tuesday at 1:50 PM, arriving at Malda Town at 11:00 AM on Thursday. The overwhelming response to this express service underscores the need for efficient and comfortable rail travel options connecting Malda Town and SMVT Bangalore.