Prime Minister Narendra Modi is launching five new Amrit Bharat Express trains today. He will flag off three of these trains from Hooghly in West Bengal and the remaining two from Nagaon district in Assam. This move significantly expands rail connectivity across the country.
New Routes and Enhanced Connectivity
The newly introduced Amrit Bharat Express trains will link several key states. They connect Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka with Assam and West Bengal. This network effectively bridges the northeast, eastern, central, western, and southern regions of India.
The specific trains scheduled for launch today include:
- Howrah – Anand Vihar Terminal Amrit Bharat Express
- Sealdah – Banaras Express
- Santragachi – Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express
- Kamakhya-Rohtak Amrit Bharat Express
- Dibrugarh-Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) Amrit Bharat Express
Ticket Pricing and Fare Structure
Indian Railways has implemented a new fare structure for the Amrit Bharat II Express services, effective from January 2026 onwards. The Railway Board confirmed this decision, stating that these trains will operate with distinct pricing rules.
For Sleeper class, the minimum chargeable distance is set at 200 kilometers. In Second class, it is 50 kilometers. The fare for non-AC sleeper travel is priced at approximately ₹500 per 1,000 kilometers. Importantly, this fare does not include dynamic pricing, making it more predictable for passengers.
Basic fares remain unchanged for the new trains. For journeys up to 200 km, the Sleeper class fare is ₹149. For Second class trips up to 50 km, it is ₹36. These rates provide affordable options for short and medium-distance travel.
Scrapping of RAC in Sleeper Class
A major change with the Amrit Bharat II Express services is the elimination of RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets in Sleeper class. Under the revised system, all available berths will be fully confirmed from the start of the Advance Reservation Period (ARP). This means no RAC berths will be issued for Sleeper class travel.
No additional reservation quotas will apply in Sleeper class, though standard quotas for Ladies, Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and Senior Citizens will continue. Other charges, such as reservation fees, superfast surcharges, and GST, will be added separately during booking.
Expanding the Amrit Bharat Fleet
Currently, 34 Amrit Bharat trains operate across India. With today's launch of five new trains, the total will increase to 39. Over a two-day period, nine Amrit Bharat Express trains will join the railway network, as four were flagged off on January 17.
Since their initial launch in December 2023, 30 Amrit Bharat Express trains have been part of the nationwide rail system. These trains connect border areas, major cities, and pilgrimage centers, linking eastern and sub-Himalayan regions with key destinations in southern, western, and central India.
Key Features of Amrit Bharat II Express Trains
Amrit Bharat trains are designed to be disabled-friendly and operate without air conditioning. Each train consists of 11 General Class coaches, 8 Sleeper Class coaches, 1 Pantry Car, and 2 Second Class–cum–Luggage–cum–Guard Vans.
Notable Features Include:
- Improved aesthetics of seats and berths, similar to Vande Bharat Sleeper
- Jerk-free semi-automatic couplers
- Enhanced safety features
- CCTV systems installed in all coaches
- Luggage rooms in every coach
- Upgraded toilets with aerosol-based fire suppression systems
- Better ladders and LED light fittings
- Multiple charging sockets, including USB type-A and type-C
- Provision of EP assisted braking systems
- Aerosol-based fire suppression in toilets and electrical cubicles
- Emergency communication systems for two-way contact between passengers and guards or train managers
- Non-AC Pantry with increased heating capacity
- Fully sealed gangways with quick release mechanisms for easy attachment and detachment
Recent Launches by Prime Minister Modi
On Saturday, Prime Minister Modi virtually flagged off four new Amrit Bharat Express trains. These trains connect major cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Tiruchirappalli. The routes include New Jalpaiguri-Nagercoil, New Jalpaiguri-Tiruchirappalli, Alipurduar-SMVT Bengaluru, and Alipurduar-Mumbai (Panvel) Amrit Bharat Express services.
This continuous expansion underscores the government's commitment to improving rail infrastructure and connectivity across diverse regions of India.
