PM Modi to launch Amrit Bharat Express on December 30
On December 30, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Amrit Bharat Express, also known as the "sleeper edition of the high-speed Vande Bharat trains." The first route will link Ayodhya and Darbhanga in Bihar, highlighting the historical and cultural importance of these two locations. A second route is planned to connect Bengaluru and Malda. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted a video on the social media platform X showcasing the train's features.
Amrit Bharat Express features and technology
The Amrit Bharat Express will consist of 22 coaches, including 12 sleeper coaches, eight general second-class coaches, and two guard compartments. Unique features include horizontal sliding windows, semi-permanent couplers between coaches, dust-sealed wider gangways, aerosol-based fire suppression systems in toilets and electrical cubicles, emergency disaster management lights, floor guide fluorescent strips, and bench-type designs for LWS coaches. The train will also be equipped with 'Kavach' technology to help locomotive pilots prevent Signal Passing At Danger (SPAD) incidents.
Vaishnaw wrote on X: 'Amrit kal ki Amrit Bharat train'
Fares and ticketing information
This train has second-class and sleeper-class compartments. The minimum ticket price for distances between one and 50 kilometers is Rs. 35, excluding reservation fees and other charges. A railway official stated that "Amrit Bharat's fare is 15 to 17% higher" compared to other mail or express trains. Concessional tickets and non-reimbursed free complimentary passes will not be allowed on these trains. However, bookings for Members of Parliament, Rail Travel Coupons (TRCs) for MLAs/MLCs, and freedom fighters will be permitted.
Software changes and future plans
The Railway Board has instructed the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) to update their software to include the Amrit Bharat Express trains and their fares. Though the Ministry of Railways is still determining the fare table for air-conditioned classes. The Amrit Bharat Express is designed to provide a smooth ride without sudden jerks, thanks to its semi-permanent couplers, which ensure effective brake operations. The inauguration of this train marks a significant step in improving India's rail connectivity.
Speed and routes
According to reports, the fastest speeds that Amrit Bharat trains can travel at are up to 130 kmph. Better acceleration and deceleration are produced by the push-pull mechanism of the Amrit Bharat train, which reduces travel time at curves, bridges, and other locations where trains are subject to speed limits. A regular train would take about two hours longer between Delhi and Kolkata than an Amrit Bharat train. Sources say that the routes and stops are being determined.
