30 Amrit Bharat Express trains operational, 9 new services added
New Delhi, Jan 18
Thirty Amrit Bharat Express trains have been operational since December 2023, with nine new services added -- expanding nationwide coverage, according to the government.
New routes link the Northeast, eastern, central, western, and southern India, connecting border areas, major cities, and pilgrimage centres.
The Amrit Bharat Express represents a decisive step towards strengthening India's long-distance rail network with a clear focus on inclusivity and scale, according to an official statement. Enhanced rail access supports employment mobility, tourism, trade, and access to education and healthcare across multiple regions.
According to the government, Amrit Bharat trains are fully non-AC, configured with 11 General Class coaches, 8 Sleeper Class coaches, 1 Pantry Car, and 2 Second Class-cum-Luggage-cum-Guard Vans with disabled-friendly compartments.
Designed and manufactured to meet the needs of the general public, these trains aim to deliver a modern, comfortable, and high-quality travel experience for passengers in the non-AC segment.
"With fares of approximately Rs 500 per 1,000 kilometres and proportionately lower pricing for short and medium-distance journeys, the service follows a simple and transparent fare structure with no dynamic pricing," the government noted.
To bridge regions often separated by distance and opportunity, the Amrit Bharat Express supports travel for employment, education, and family needs. It is a part of India's continued push to expand affordable long-distance connectivity across the country.
By combining affordability, extensive geographic reach, and passenger-oriented design, it supports mobility needs across regions that are critical for economic integration and social cohesion.
As the network continues to expand, the Amrit Bharat Express is positioned to play a lasting role in connecting people, regions, and opportunities across the country. The Amrit Bharat Express has emerged as a significant milestone for everyday travellers, said the statement.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who travels frequently for work from Delhi to the Northeast, this is a welcome development. Non-AC is perfectly fine if the coaches are clean and well-maintained. The focus on inclusivity is commendable.
Good step, but execution is key. We've seen new trains launched with great fanfare only for services to deteriorate in a few months. Hope the Railway Ministry has a solid plan for maintenance and crowd control, especially in sleeper class.
My parents live in a small town in Bihar. Better rail connectivity to major cities means easier access to specialized hospitals for them. The disabled-friendly compartments are a very thoughtful and needed addition. More power to Indian Railways!
The geographic reach is impressive. Linking the southern states with the Northeast and border regions can boost domestic tourism significantly. A modern, comfortable non-AC option at a transparent fare is exactly what the market needed.
No dynamic pricing! That's the best part. Finally, a train service that doesn't surge fares during festivals. This will help so many students and migrant workers travel home without burning a hole in their pocket. 🚂
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