The Nagercoil Junction-Mangaluru Junction Amrit Bharat Weekly Express that was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, returned as an empty rake to Nagercoil on Saturday, from Mangaluru Junction in Mangaluru.
| Photo Credit: H. S. MANJUNATH
An all-women crew operated the inaugural Thiruvananthapuram Central to Mangaluru Junction Amrit Bharat Express (Train No. 16329) from Thiruvananthapuram to Shoranur on Saturday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had flagged of the inaugural train from Thiruvananthapuram.
The first leg of its journey was operated by Loco Pilot (Mail) T. J. Gorethy; Senior Assistant Loco Pilot Aswathy Balachandran and Train Manager Geetha, a Southern Railway release said.
Operating under the power of Loco No. 30079/30089, the crew ensured a seamless and punctual journey, demonstrating the technical expertise and operational precision that defines the modern female workforce of Southern Railway.
Having an all-women crew lead the Amrit Bharat Express sends a powerful message of capability and progress, the release said.
The Amrit Bharat Express is designed with “push-pull” technology, featuring locomotives at both ends for faster acceleration and reduced travel time. While the inaugural special ran from Thiruvananthapuram to Mangaluru, the regular service is slated to commence shortly, connecting Nagercoil to Mangaluru, providing enhanced connectivity and superior amenities for passengers across the region, it said.
Published – January 24, 2026 07:11 pm IST
