Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to inaugurate the much-anticipated ‘Amrit Bharat Express,’ hailed as the sleeper edition of the high-speed Vande Bharat trains, on December 30 in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya. With its unique second-class and sleeper-class compartments, this train is set to redefine travel experiences for passengers.
The Railway Board recently released a circular detailing the fare structure for the Amrit Bharat trains, presenting a ‘Fare Table’ delineating ticket prices based on distance for second-class and sleeper-class passengers. Notably, the minimum fare for journeys within a range of one to 50 kilometers on Amrit Bharat Express stands at ₹35, marking a slight increase of 15 to 17 percent compared to existing mail or express trains, as confirmed by a railway official.
This pricing variation was elucidated further, showcasing a 17 percent difference in ticket costs between Amrit Bharat Express and other operational trains for the same distance range. Concessional tickets and complimentary passes without reimbursement won’t be valid on these trains, aligning the eligibility criteria for passes with norms applicable to mail/express trains.
The Amrit Bharat trains boast distinctive features, utilizing Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches with a push-pull setup. These trains offer an array of amenities, including horizontal sliding windows, wider gangways to prevent dust ingress, aerosol-based fire suppression systems in toilets and electrical sections, emergency disaster management lights, fluorescent guide strips on the floor, and segregated sections using sliding doors.
One notable technology integrated into these trains is “Kavach,” facilitating locomotive pilots in averting Signal Passing At Danger (SPAD) instances and managing operations during adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the semi-permanent couplers between coaches enhance brake efficiency, promising a seamless and jerk-free travel experience for passengers.
The Railway Board’s circular also highlighted the alignment of Privilege Passes, Privilege Ticket Orders (PTOs), and Duty Passes for railway employees with the norms applicable to mail/express trains. However, exceptions are made for reservations for Members of Parliament, Rail Travel Coupons (TRCs) for MLAs/MLCs, and freedom fighters’ reservations, which remain fully reimbursed.
The impending launch of the Amrit Bharat Express signifies a substantial leap in India’s railway infrastructure, promising passengers an amalgamation of comfort, safety, and cutting-edge technology as they traverse the nation’s vast network.
Sources By Agencies
