Kerala Amrit Bharat Express: The Indian Railways has approved the operating schedules for three weekly Amrit Bharat Express trains originating from Kerala. While the launch date is yet to be announced, the routes, timings and days of operation have been finalised.

Nagercoil-Mangalore Amrit Bharat Express

  • Train numbers: 16329 / 16330

  • Departure: Leaves Nagercoil at 11.40 AM on Tuesdays

  • Arrival: Reaches Mangalore at 5 AM on Wednesdays

  • Return: Departs Mangalore at 8 AM, arrives Nagercoil at 10.05 PM

  • Route: Via Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam and Shoranur

Tambaram-Thiruvananthapuram Amrit Bharat Express

  • Train numbers: 16121 / 16122

  • Departure: Leaves Tambaram at 5.30 PM on Wednesdays

  • Arrival: Reaches Thiruvananthapuram at 8 AM on Thursdays

  • Return: Departs at 10.40 AM, arrives Tambaram at 11.45 PM

  • Route: Via Tiruchirappalli, Madurai and Nagercoil

Charlapally-Thiruvananthapuram Amrit Bharat Express

  • Train numbers: 17041 / 17042

  • Departure: Leaves Charlapally at 7.15 AM on Tuesdays

  • Arrival: Reaches Thiruvananthapuram at 2.45 PM on Wednesdays

  • Return: Departs at 5.30 PM, arrives Charlapally at 11.30 PM on Thursdays

  • Route: Via Kottayam, Ernakulam, Jolarpettai, Guntur and Nalgonda

Railway officials said further details, including the date of commencement, will be announced soon.

In separate news, the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers’ Association has announced a fresh indefinite strike after accusing the state government of failing to honour assurances on long-pending demands. The protest will roll out in stages, beginning with a boycott of teaching work from January 22, followed by dharnas at medical colleges and outside the Directorate of Medical Education. OPD services will be suspended from February 2, while non-emergency surgeries will stop from February 9. The association said a recent government order did not address pay revision anomalies or clear arrears. Emergency services will continue during the protest.