Prime Minister Narendra Modi  flagged off four new train services, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains in Kerala.

The new services include the Nagercoil-Mangaluru Amrit Bharat Express, the Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express, the Thiruvananthapuram-Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, and a new passenger train between Thrissur and Guruvayur.

Boost to inter-state connectivity

The introduction of these trains is expected to significantly enhance long-distance and regional connectivity between Kerala and neighbouring states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The improved rail links are expected to make travel more affordable, safe and time-bound, while also giving a boost to tourism, trade, education, employment and cultural exchange across the region.

Inaugural service and route details

As part of the launch, the Thiruvananthapuram North-Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Special will operate as an inaugural service on January 23, ahead of the commencement of the regular weekly train on this route.

The inaugural train will depart from Thiruvananthapuram North at 10.45 am and stop at several key stations, including Varkala Shivagiri, Kollam Junction, Kayamkulam Junction, Kottayam, Ernakulam Town, Thrissur, Palakkad Junction, Coimbatore Junction, Salem Junction, Katpadi Junction, Renigunta Junction, Nellore, Ongole, Guntur and Nalgonda, before reaching Charlapalli at 4.30 pm the next day.

Coach composition

The inaugural special will consist of eight sleeper class coaches, 11 general second class coaches, one pantry car and two divyangjan-friendly second class coaches.

According to a report by The Indian Express, the Thiruvananthapuram North–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express will operate as a weekly service, departing from Thiruvananthapuram North every Wednesday and from Charlapalli every Tuesday. The formal notification for the regular weekly service is expected to be issued separately.

Route and Major Stoppages

The train connects Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, halting at 29 stations. Major halts include: 

• Kerala: Varkala Shivagiri, Kollam Jn, Kayamkulam Jn, Chengannur, Kottayam, Ernakulam Town, Aluva, Thrissur, and Palakkad Jn.
   
• Tamil Nadu: Coimbatore Jn, Tiruppur, Erode Jn, Salem Jn, Jolarpettai Jn, and Katpadi Jn.
   
• Andhra Pradesh/Telangana: Renigunta Jn, Nellore, Ongole, Guntur Jn, Sattenapalle, Miryalaguda, and Nalgonda.

PM Modi launches PM SVANidhi Credit Card

Prime Minister Modi on Friday launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, advancing financial inclusion for street vendors.

The PM SVANidhi Credit Card is a RuPay-enabled personal credit card aimed at street vendors who have successfully repaid their earlier PM SVANidhi loans, usually after the second tranche. The card offers on-demand, revolving credit to help vendors meet daily business expenses, providing up to 51 days of interest-free credit with an initial limit of Rs 10,000.