PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday virtually inaugurated multiple railway services and infrastructure initiatives from Tiruchirappalli. Among the key launches was the Podanur-Dhanbad Amrit Bharat Express, a weekly train designed to enhance long-distance connectivity.
The service links Podanur Junction with Dhanbad, directly connecting industrial hubs in South India with eastern coal and mineral regions.
The train will depart from Podanur every Saturday morning and arrive in Dhanbad on Monday morning. The return journey will begin from Dhanbad the same day.
The route covers major stations including Salem, Renigunta, Vijayawada, Jharsuguda, Ranchi and Bokaro Steel City.
The line effectively links Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Jharkhand.
Railway officials expect the train to benefit thousands of migrant labourers employed in textile and manufacturing clusters in Coimbatore and Tiruppur.
Earlier, travellers needed multiple train transfers to reach their hometowns in eastern India.
Panna Lal said the launch represents a proud moment for the region and will improve mobility between the southern and northern parts of the country.
He highlighted several modern facilities on board. The train uses LHB Coaches built with stainless steel for enhanced safety and higher speeds up to 160 km/h.
These coaches also provide greater passenger capacity and additional space.
The service features cushioned seating even in unreserved compartments, improved toilets, mobile charging points and emergency communication systems.
Additional amenities include CCTV surveillance, fire detection equipment and better ventilation.
Authorities launched the service under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to strengthen connectivity and economic integration between regions.
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