Indian Railways has introduced its first Amrit Bharat Express 3.0, a new-generation trainset featuring a mix of air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned coaches. The service, designed to cater to common and middle-income passengers, began its operation between New Delhi Railway Station and Patna Junction on November 11, departing at midnight to manage the significant passenger rush ahead of Chhath Puja.
Developed by the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF), the upgraded trainset incorporates push-pull technology, which places locomotives at both ends to assist with acceleration and ensure a smoother, safer journey. Northern Railway stated that this special service is intended to provide broader travel options for passengers travelling to Bihar and eastern India for the festival.
The train features a 22-coach composition, marking a shift from previous versions by offering air-conditioned travel alongside standard sleeper and general options. According to the Ministry of Railways, the coaches are equipped with updated interiors, including coordinated colour schemes for flooring, seating, curtains, and lavatory areas, all compliant with HL3 fire safety standards for increased durability and passenger protection.
Key facts
- The train set includes 6 Third AC, 2 Second AC, 1 First AC, 6 Sleeper, 4 General, 1 pantry, 1 power car, and 1 Divyangjan-cum-Guard coach.
- The Amrit Bharat Express 3.0 features modern toilets, upgraded suspension systems, and mobile charging points.
- The service was launched specifically as a special train for the Chhath Puja festival.
- All materials used in the coach interiors meet HL3 fire safety standards.
Why it matters
The introduction of this train addresses the surge in travel demand between the national capital and Bihar. As thousands of migrant workers and families return home for Chhath Puja, the combination of AC and non-AC coaches aims to provide more accessible and comfortable travel options for passengers across different income levels.
Background
The Amrit Bharat train series was first launched in 2023 with the objective of providing affordable, high-quality travel experiences for passengers in the lower and lower-middle-income categories. The design of the 3.0 version is based on operational experiences from the preceding 1.0 and 2.0 iterations.
Source: Economic Times, Indian Express
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