Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off three Amrit Bharat Express trains and one passenger train through video conferencing at 10.45 am from Putharikandam Maidanam here on Friday.
The event marks the launch of Kerala’s first set of Amrit Bharat Express services and the inauguration of multiple development projects across key ministries.
The Prime Minister will inaugurate projects of the Ministries of Railways, Science and Technology, Housing and Urban Affairs, and the Department of Posts during the programme. Ceremonial functions will be held simultaneously at Thiruvananthapuram Central, Thiruvananthapuram North and Thrissur railway stations, with the main event being live-streamed from these locations.
The trains to be flagged off include the Thiruvananthapuram Central–Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express, Thiruvananthapuram North–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, Nagercoil Junction–Mangaluru Junction Amrit Bharat Express, and the Thrissur–Guruvayur Passenger Train.
Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna will attend the function at Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station, while union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi will participate in the Thrissur event, along with other elected representatives and dignitaries. Local functions at the railway stations will commence at 9.30 am.
The introduction of the three Amrit Bharat Express trains marks a significant boost to inter-state rail connectivity across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Designed as affordable, safe and modern long-distance non-AC services, Amrit Bharat Express trains bridge the gap between conventional mail/express services and premium trains by offering improved amenities, enhanced safety features and better ride comfort at economical fares.
The Thiruvananthapuram Central–Tambaram service will strengthen connectivity between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, benefiting trade, education, healthcare and tourism.
The Thiruvananthapuram North–Charlapalli train will provide a vital rail link across southern states, connecting major economic, cultural and pilgrimage centres.
The Nagercoil–Mangaluru service will enhance west coast rail connectivity through Kerala, supporting tourism, fisheries and regional trade.
The Thrissur–Guruvayur Passenger Train will offer direct and affordable connectivity between the major pilgrimage centre of Guruvayur and Thrissur, catering to daily commuters, students and devotees, while boosting local economic activity and religious tourism.
Southern Railway said souvenir tickets for the inaugural runs will be issued to select categories, including members of the press and students. Media personnel travelling on the inaugural trains have been requested to report at the respective stations by 10 am.
The schedule of regular services for the newly introduced Amrit Bharat Express trains and the passenger train will be notified later, Southern Railway officials said.