Amrit Bharat Express: Routes, Launch Date, Ticket Fare, And More

The Amrit Bharat Express, an upcoming no-frills superfast express by Indian Railways, operates as a non-AC Sleeper Cum Unreserved Class service, prioritizing affordability for longer distances. Planned as night express trains, they'll connect cities over 800 km apart or those requiring more than ten hours for existing services. Despite being capable of very high speeds, operational limitations such as track capacity, multiple stoppages, and traffic congestion confine their speed to 110–130 km/h (68–81 mph).

This train set comprises two locomotives from Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, a major Indian manufacturing unit, while its 22 coaches are crafted by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), one of Indian Railways' five-rake production units. Accommodating approximately 1,800 passengers, this 22-coach train set is poised for the journey ahead.

The inaugural service is scheduled for launch by 30 December 2023.

ALSO READ| What is the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme?

Amrit Bharat Express Routes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated six new Vande Bharat trains, encompassing the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express, Amritsar-Delhi Vande Bharat Express, Coimbatore-Bangalore Cantt Vande Bharat Express, Mangalore-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express, Jalna-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express, and Ayodhya-Anand Vihar Terminal Vande Bharat Express.

ALSO READ| Vande Bharat Express: Trains List, Routes, Time Table and Ticket Price

Amrit Bharat Express Launch Date

Amrit Bharat was flagged off by PM Narendra Modi on 30 December 2023 and these are the Amrit Bharat Express train services to be launched.

Amrit Bharat Express Speed

The research and testing arm of Indian Railways, known as RDSO, has conclusively established the maximum permissible operating speeds for different categories of passenger coaches:

• ICF coaches: 110 Kmph
• LHB non-AC coaches: 130 Kmph
• LHB AC coaches: 160 Kmph

It is crucial to note that these maximum speeds are authorized only if the tracks on the respective route adhere to the required standards and are deemed suitable for such velocities.

अब बिहार से दौड़ेगी "अमृत भारत एक्सप्रेस"

केसरिया रंग की देश की पहली ट्रेन दरभंगा से जाएगी दिल्ली।

पीएम मोदी दिखाएंगे 30 दिसंबर को हरी झंडी।#BJPDevelopingBihar #AmritBharatExpress pic.twitter.com/r3ASXV4wX5

— BJP Bihar (@BJP4Bihar) December 27, 2023

As the Amrit Bharat Express falls under the category of LHB non-AC trains, its maximum permissible speed (MPS) stands at 130 Kmph. However, this is contingent on the route's sections meeting the 130 MPS fitness criteria. Given the current state of most Indian railway tracks, which often fall short of the required standards, these trains will predominantly operate at a lower maximum permissible speed, ranging between 100-110 Kmph on various sections of the route.

Amrit Bharat Express Background

Indian Railways had announced plans (exact date not specified) to introduce a non-AC version of the Amrit Bharat Express, featuring sleeper and general coaches designed for extended journeys. This new variant is intended to replace the Antyodaya Express, Jan Sadharan Express, and Hybrid ICF-LHB coaches trains. Comprising 22 LHB coaches and propelled by two WAP-5 Locomotives—one at the front and one at the rear in a push-pull configuration—this design aims to enhance acceleration efficiency and eliminate the need for locomotive switching at terminal stations, consequently reducing travel time. The manufacturing responsibility for these trains falls under the purview of ICF, Chennai, incurring a cost of ₹65 crore (US$8.1 million).

Amrit Bharat Express vs Vande Bharat

Vande Bharat Express and Amrit Bharat Express are distinct railway services, each serving different purposes and sharing commonalities solely in their colour scheme and nomenclature.

This train set comprises two locomotives from Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, a major Indian manufacturing unit, while its 22 coaches are crafted by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), one of Indian Railways' five-rake production units. Accommodating approximately 1,800 passengers, this 22-coach train set is poised for the journey ahead.