Amrit Bharat train records 173% occupancy on New Jalpaiguri-Nagercoil route

The Amrit Bharat train operating on the New Jalpaiguri-Nagercoil route has seen an unprecedented 173 percent occupancy since its launch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 17, 2026. Designed exclusively for passengers from lower and lower-middle income brackets, the train aims to provide a travel experience akin to the Vande Bharat Express.

According to Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), the Amrit Bharat Express enjoyed significant popularity from January to July 2026. The train, identified as number 20603, recorded an impressive 173 percent occupancy, while its counterpart, train number 20604 traveling from Nagercoil to New Jalpaiguri, recorded 160 percent.

Sharma remarked that the high occupancy levels underscore the growing demand for enhanced connectivity, comfortable travel, and superior passenger services. The CPRO added that other Amrit Bharat services also experienced strong occupancy rates. The New Jalpaiguri-Tiruchchirappalli service logged a 159 percent occupancy, while the Tiruchchirappalli-New Jalpaiguri service had 150 percent occupancy.

Other trains like Kamakhya-Rohtak (138 percent), Gomti Nagar-Dibrugarh (144 percent), SMVT Bengaluru-Alipurduar Jn. (151 percent), and Charlapalli-Kamakhya (135 percent) also witnessed robust passenger demand.

The consistently high occupancy figures of these advanced train services indicate a strong preference for improved rail connectivity between the Northeast and other major destinations nationwide. The enthusiastic response from passengers also reflects a rising inclination towards comfortable and convenient train services.