Indian Railways is all set to launch a new train service called Amrit Bharat Express, which will offer a comfortable and affordable travel experience to the common people. The train will have unreserved general coaches for sleepers, which will be cheaper than the existing AC coaches. The train will also have modern features such as push-pull technology, bio-vacuum toilets, CCTV cameras, and passenger information system. The train will run on long-distance routes that connect cities that are more than 800 km apart or take more than 10 hours to travel by other trains.
What is Amrit Bharat Express?
Amrit Bharat Express is an upcoming no-frills superfast express service operated by Indian Railways. It is a non-AC Sleeper Cum Unreserved Class service that is designed to cost less and serve longer distances. These are planned to be night express train services that will replace Antyodaya Express, Jan Sadharan Express and Hybrid ICF-LHB coached trains.
The trainset consists of two locomotives manufactured by Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) and 22 coaches manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF). The locomotives have a push-pull configuration, which means they are at both ends of the train. This allows for better acceleration and shorter turnaround times at the terminal stations. The coaches have a sealed gangway to provide safe transition between coaches and to reduce noise and vibrations. They also have various amenities such as electric outlets, LED lights, bio-vacuum toilets, sensor-based water taps, CCTV cameras, passenger information system, etc.
The trainset can support approximately 1,800 passengers throughout its journey. The first service is proposed to be launched by December 2023.
Why choose Amrit Bharat Express?
Amrit Bharat Express offers several benefits to the passengers who want to travel in comfort and convenience at a low cost. Some of these benefits are:
- Affordability: The fares of Amrit Bharat Express are 15 to 17 percent higher than the corresponding class of travel in Mail/Express trains. However, this is still cheaper than other AC trains such as Rajdhani or Shatabdi. For example, a one-way ticket from New Delhi to Mumbai in AC Chair Car costs Rs. 2,100 on Rajdhani Express but only Rs. 1,500 on Amrit Bharat Express.
- Speed: The operating speed of Amrit Bharat Express is limited in the range of 110–130 km/h due to the railway track speed capacity, multiple stoppages, and traffic congestion. However, this is still faster than most other trains that run on these routes.
- Comfort: The unreserved general coaches for sleepers provide a comfortable sleeping space with mattresses and blankets provided by the railways. They also have curtains for privacy and ventilation for fresh air.
- Safety: The train has various safety features such as CCTV cameras installed in every coach to monitor the passengers’ activities and ensure their security.
- Convenience: The train has charging stations for mobile phones and laptops so that passengers can stay connected during their journey. It also has bio-vacuum toilets that use less water and produce less waste than conventional toilets.
How to book tickets for Amrit Bharat Express?
Tickets for Amrit Bharat Express can be booked online through the official website of Indian Railways or through third-party platforms such as IRCTC or MakeMyTrip. Alternatively, tickets can also be booked at railway reservation counters or authorized agents.
The ticket prices vary depending on the class of travel and the distance covered by the train. For example, a one-way ticket from New Delhi to Mumbai in Sleeper Class costs Rs. 500 on Amrit Bharat Express but Rs. 800 on Rajdhani Express.
The ticket availability depends on the demand and supply of seats in each coach and route. Therefore, it is advisable to book tickets well in advance or check them regularly online.
Conclusion
Amrit Bharat Express is a new train service that aims to provide a comfortable and affordable travel experience to the common people who want to travel long distances by night express trains. It has unreserved general coaches for sleepers that offer better value for money than other AC trains but still provide decent amenities such as push-pull technology, bio-vacuum toilets, CCTV cameras, etc.
If you are looking for a new way of travelling by rail that suits your budget and preferences then you should definitely consider booking tickets for Amrit Bharat Express.
