COIMBATORE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Podanur – Dhanbad Amrit Bharat Express train on Wednesday through video conferencing from Trichy. The Prime Minister flagged off five new train services, which include two Amrit Bharat Express trains, two Express trains and one passenger service.The Podanur (Coimbatore) – Dhanbad Amrit Bharat Express service establishes a long-distance rail link between the textile hub of western Tamil Nadu and the mineral and industrial belt of eastern India, facilitating the movement of workers, traders and students between the two regions.The train is equipped with modern passenger amenities, including ergonomic seating, mobile charging points and improved safety features. The push-pull locomotive configuration ensures better acceleration and a smoother journey experience.The train is equipped with eight sleeper class coaches, 11 second class, two luggage-cum brake vans, and one pantry. As per the tentative time schedule, the train left Podanur by 5.30pm on Wednesday and will reach Dhanbad at 12.30pm on Friday. It runs via Coimbatore Junction, Tirupur, Erode and Salem Junctions.The other new services are Nagercoil – Charlapalli (Hyderabad) Amrit Bharat Express, Rameswaram – Mangaluru Express, Tirunelveli – Mangaluru Express and Mayiladuthurai – Thiruvarur – Karaikkudi passenger service.
