Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated multiple new railway services and infrastructure projects from Tiruchirappalli, including the flagship Podanur-Dhanbad Amrit Bharat Express. The weekly train will run between Podanur Junction in Coimbatore and Dhanbad in Jharkhand, connecting South India’s industrial hubs with Eastern India’s coal and mineral regions. Key stations along the route include Salem, Renigunta, Vijayawada, Jharsuguda, Ranchi, and Bokaro Steel City.
PM Modi also inaugurated two other Amrit Bharat Express trains, two express trains, and various passenger services during the event in Tichy. The Podanur-Dhanbad Amrit Bharat Express will operate every Saturday morning from Podanur, reaching Dhanbad on Monday morning, with the return journey starting from Dhanbad on Monday. This new service is expected to benefit migrant workers traveling between Coimbatore and Tiruppur to Jharkhand and Odisha by providing a direct, affordable, and comfortable travel option.
DRM of Salem Division Panna Lal expressed pride in PM Modi’s inauguration of the projects and trains in Tamil Nadu. He emphasized the convenience of the Podanur-Dhanbad Amrit Bharat Express for travelers between South and North India, highlighting its modern features such as LHB coaches for enhanced safety, cushioned seating in unreserved coaches, high-quality toilets, charging sockets, and direct communication with the crew during emergencies. These modern LHB coaches offer improved safety, higher speeds, increased passenger capacity, and additional space compared to older ICF coaches.
The launch of the Podanur-Dhanbad Amrit Bharat Express is part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and railway expansion projects aimed at enhancing economic and social connectivity between South and Southeast India. The new railway services are set to benefit migrant workers, industries, and regular passengers by providing improved travel options at affordable fares.
