It has been decided that 16597/16598 SMVT Bengaluru-Alipurduar-SMVT Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express will be introduced starting from 24 January 2026 from SMVT Bengaluru. The return service from Alipurduar will commence from 26 January 2026. This new service aims to provide enhanced connectivity between Karnataka and West Bengal using the modern Amrit Bharat rake.

16597 SMVT Bengaluru-Alipurduar Amrit Bharat Express will depart from SMVT Bengaluru every Saturday at 08:50 hrs starting from 24 January 2026 and will reach Alipurduar at 10:25 hrs on the third day. In the return direction 16598 Alipurduar-SMVT Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express will leave Alipurduar every Monday at 22:25 hrs starting from 26 January 2026 and will arrive at SMVT Bengaluru at 03:00 hrs on the fourth day.

The train will provide essential halts at Baleshwar, Kharagpur, and Andul stations within the South Eastern Railway jurisdiction. These stops will facilitate passengers from various regions to access this new long-distance service. The Amrit Bharat Express features non-AC sleeper and general class coaches designed for cost-effective and comfortable travel over long distances.

This introduction is part of the broader initiative to expand the Amrit Bharat network across the country connecting key metropolitan areas with eastern and north-eastern regions.

Passengers can check the official railway websites for detailed intermediate station timings and booking information.

Source/SER