Amrit Bharat Express: The wait is over. The comprehensive schedule for the Dhanbad-Pottanur Amrit Bharat Express, which travels to South India, has been unveiled. The trip from Pottanur to Dhanbad lasts 45 hours and 45 minutes, whereas the return journey from Dhanbad to Pottanur takes 45 hours and 20 minutes.
From Dhanbad, the train will only need 25 minutes to reach its first stop, Katras. This 13.3 km stretch from Katras to Dhanbad will require a full hour and a half. It is set to leave Katras at 2:30 am and will arrive in Dhanbad at 4:00 am.
In comparison to the more than six trains operating on the Dhanbad-Chandrapura rail line, the Amrut Bharat train from Katras to Dhanbad has the longest travel time.
When compared to eight trains, including the Alleppey, Maurya, and Vananchal, the Amrit Bharat is the slowest.
Ranchi-Godda Express: 31 minutes
Vananchal Express: 45 minutes
Ranchi Dhanbad Intercity: 48 minutes
Maurya Express: 50 minutes
Bhopal-Dhanbad Express: 1 hour 2 minutes
Alleppey Express: 1 hour 27 minutes
Ahmedabad – Kolkata Express: 1 hour 25 minutes
Madar-Kolkata Express: 1 hour 25 minutes
Booking is being done in Dhanbad-Potnur special, regular train has not started. Ticket booking has begun for the Dhanbad-Pottanur Amrit Bharat Special, which runs on Friday. Tickets are also available for the regular train departing from Pottanur starting March 21st.
Ticket booking for the regular weekly train between Dhanbad and Pottanur, which will run from March 23rd, has not yet begun. A reception for Amrit Bharat will be held at Dhanbad station on Friday. It is expected that ticket booking will also begin.
The Amrit Bharat Express is a fully non-AC modern train service, launched to make long-distance travel affordable, safe, and comfortable. The train consists of 11 general coaches, 8 sleeper coaches, 1 pantry car, and 2 luggage-cum-disabled coaches. According to the Railways, these trains are operated with improved speed and modern safety standards.
Modern facilities for passengers
The Amrit Bharat Express offers passengers many new and modern amenities. The seat and berth designs have been improved, providing a comfortable experience similar to the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. The trains are also equipped with shock-free semi-automatic couplers, improved crash safety, CCTV cameras, LED lights, and mobile charging sockets. For passenger safety, a fire suppression system, an emergency talk-back system, and an improved braking system have also been installed. The train also features a non-AC pantry car and clean restrooms.
Railways increased general coaches
Indian Railways has also increased the number of general coaches to meet growing passenger demand. In the previous fiscal year, 2024-25, approximately 1,250 general coaches were added to long-distance trains. In the current fiscal year, 2025-26, a permanent addition of 860 general coaches has been made by February to provide more space for passengers traveling without reservations.