On September 27, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Amrit Bharat Express, linking Brahmapur in Odisha to Udhna in Gujarat. This new generation train aims to provide affordable, safe, and long-distance travel. The Amrit Bharat Express features modern ergonomic seating, fully connected coaches for easy movement, and a twin-engine configuration for enhanced safety and reliability. Similar to the Vande Bharat trains, it intends to offer comparable facilities at reasonable fares, set at Rs 495 for General class and Rs 795 for Non-AC sleeper class per journey. The train will travel over 1700 km, passing through 22 districts across five states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.
This new service is expected to open more opportunities for entrepreneurs and young professionals in the textile and diamond sectors. Additionally, it will aid pilgrims traveling to Maa Tara Tarini Shaktipeeth. In Gujarat, a Master Development plan is underway to redevelop railway stations for the next 50 years, including Udhna and Surat. The Union Minister reviewed the Udhna Station’s redevelopment, which is designed with modern standards, emphasizing the expansion of platform capacity and pit lines. The minister also inspected the Surat High-Speed Rail Station, where civil work is nearly complete, with finishing and utility tasks ongoing. Innovative technologies are being employed, and track work is progressing swiftly. The first turnout has been installed at Surat, facilitating efficient high-speed train operations.
Roller bearings on the tracks will enhance movement safety, while composite material sleepers will improve durability and performance. A vibration absorption mechanism will mitigate noise and shock, contributing to passenger comfort. The project aims to enable travel from Surat to Mumbai in one hour, with steady progress in station redevelopment and track laying. This High-Speed Rail initiative is set to revolutionize connectivity and stimulate economic growth, creating a new economic corridor between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, while establishing new standards in railway technology and passenger experience.
