With the introduction of a new Amrit Bharat Express service, Indian Railways aims to improve long-distance travel and regional connectivity. This weekly train, which connects Charlapalli and Shalimar, is meant to meet the growing need for efficient travel throughout Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
Service Schedule and Operations
The new service is slated to start in early April 2026, with the following timetable:
Charlapalli to Shalimar (Train Number 17065): Beginning April 7, 2026, the service will depart every Tuesday at 06:55 and arrive at Shalimar at 11:20 the following Wednesday.
Shalimar to Charlapalli (Train No. 17066): The return leg begins on April 8, 2026, departing Shalimar at 12:50 each Wednesday and arriving in Charlapalli around 19:00 on Thursday.
Key Stops and Regional Impacts
The express, which operates under the control of the East Coast Railway, will provide important connections for several major stations. Passengers can board or disembark at important locations including
Odisha includes Berhampur, Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Jajpur Keonjhar Road, and Bhadrak.Andhra Pradesh includes Duvvada, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam Road, and Palasa.
Railway officials predict that the introduction of this route will assist a wide spectrum of passengers, including students, traders, pilgrims, and tourists. The service is intended to have a significant impact on local businesses and regional tourism by facilitating mobility between these economic and cultural centers.
A Growing Network
The Charlapalli-Shalimar route builds on the successful implementation of previous Amrit Bharat services in the region. It joins the current weekly expresses from Kamakhya to Charlapalli and Podanur (Coimbatore) to Dhanbad, bolstering Odisha's status as a crucial corridor for the country's railway infrastructure.