Union minister of state for railways Ravneet Singh Bittu flagged off a new Amrit Bharat train from Amritsar Junction to New Jalpaiguri under the Amrit Bharat scheme and announced a Rs 5.02 billion (bn) redevelopment project for Amritsar railway station aimed at modernising passenger amenities and expanding infrastructure. He said Rs 4.02 bn would be allotted to transform the station into a world class facility with improved passenger services and that Rs 1 bn would be set aside for construction of new platforms. The project was described as including enhanced facilities and a phased implementation plan to minimise operational disruption.

At present the station has seven platforms and plans call for five additional platforms to accommodate rising passenger volumes. The redevelopment will also include the development of six loop lines intended to reduce delays and improve train movements at peak times. Work on track rearrangement and signalling upgrades is expected to form part of the broader infrastructure programme.

The newly launched Amrit Bharat service will initially run once a week and will cover the Amritsar to New Jalpaiguri sector in about 39 hours, providing improved rail connectivity between Punjab, Darjeeling and the northeastern states. The service will offer facilities and safety features comparable to those available on Vande Bharat trains and is intended to raise comfort levels on long distance journeys. Authorities indicated that frequency could be increased to twice a week or more depending on passenger demand and ridership.

Officials said the project aims to cater for future growth by adding capacity and reducing operational bottlenecks while modernising passenger amenities and station circulation. The introduction of the Amrit Bharat service was presented as part of a wider effort to boost regional connectivity and to support tourism and commerce linking northern and northeastern regions. The redevelopment timeline and funding release schedule will be finalised as detailed project reports and approvals progress.