Amrit Bharat Express
First Amrit Bharat Express train heading towards Mumbai
Overview
Service typeSuperFast Express Train
StatusYet to be Operational
First service(TBD)
Websiteindianrail.gov.in
Route
Line(s) used0
On-board services
Class(es)Sleeper Class Coach (SL)
General Unreserved Coach (GS)
Sleeping arrangementsYes
Catering facilities(TBC)
Entertainment facilities
Other facilities
Technical
Rolling stockAmrit Bharat (trainset)
Track gauge1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)
ElectrificationLocomotives - 25 kV 50 Hz AC via Overhead line
Operating speed130 km/h (81 mph) (Maximum)
Average length23.54 m (77.2 ft) (each) and 22 coaches
Rake maintenanceLocomotives - Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW)
Coaches - Integral Coach Factory (ICF)

The Amrit Bharat Express[1] (also known as Vande Sadharan Express) is an upcoming superfast express service operated by Indian Railways. It is a non-AC Sleeper Cum Unreserved Class service that is designed to cost less and serve longer distances compared to the air-conditioned Vande Bharat Express service.[2] These are planned to be day-night express train services that will connect Indian cities that are at distances of more than 800 km (500 mi) or take more than ten hours to travel with existing services. The trainset can support semi-high speeds but due to the railway track speed capacity, multiple stoppages, and traffic congestion, the operating speed of the services are limited in the range of 110–130 km/h (68–81 mph).

The trainset consists of 2 Locomotives manufactured by Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, one of the largest locomotive manufacturing units in India, and the 22 coaches are manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), one of the five rake production units of Indian Railways.[3] The 22-coach trainset will be capable of handling approximately 1,800 passengers throughout its journey.

The first service is proposed to be launched by December 2023.[4]

Background

Indian railways had announced plans to make a non-AC Amrit Bharat Express with sleeper and general coaches for long-distance travel, slated to replace Antyodaya Express, Jan Sadharan Express and Hybrid ICF-LHB coached trains. This train will have 22 LHB coaches and two WAP-5 Locomotives at the front and rear ends (push-pull configuration) to ensure efficient acceleration and to eliminate the need of switching the locomotive at the terminal stations, thereby reducing the travel time.[5] The trains are manufactured by ICF, Chennai at the cost of ₹65 crore (US$8.1 million).[6][7]

Facilities

This express train consists of 22 coaches, of which 12 coaches are Non-AC Sleeper Class (SL), 8 General Unreserved Class (GS/UR) and 2 Luggage Coaches (EOGs).[8] These coaches have a sealed gangway to provide safe transition between coaches and to reduce noise and vibrations. They are also equipped with CCTV Cameras, bio-vacuum toilets, sensor-based water taps, a passenger information system, electric outlets, LED lights, and the fans and switches have a modern design. A mobile charging point for every seat is also provided.[9]

Comparison with Vande Bharat Express

Vande Bharat Express and Amrit Bharat Express are two entirely different trains operated for different purposes while matching only in colour and naming scheme.[10]

Train
Feature
 Amrit Bharat Express Vande Bharat Express
Train type
Locomotive hauled (Push-Pull) train
Service
Long distances (>1000 km)
Medium Distances (500 km average)
Classes
12 Sleeper and 8 Unreserved
14 Chair car and 2 Executive
Maximum Speed
130 km/h (81 mph)
160 km/h (99 mph)
Air conditioning No Yes
On-board catering No Yes
Automatic doors No Yes
Sealed gangway Yes Yes
Safety features
  • CCTV cameras
  • CCTV Cameras
  • Smoke alarms
  • Electrical fire safety
  • Centralised coach monitoring system
  • Passenger voice communication
  • Disaster management lights
Other features
  • Electric outlets
  • Bio vacuum toilets
  • Sensor-based water taps
  • Passenger information system
  • Electric outlets
  • Bio vacuum toilets
  • Sensor-based water taps
  • Passenger information system
  • Reclining seats
  • Reading light
  • Foot-rest
  • Onboard-wifi
  • Entertainment Systems
  • Odour control system
Ticket cost Low High

Speed Restrictions

The reaserch and testing wing of Indian Railways known as RDSO has determined that following 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

However these maximum speeds are permitted only if the respective route's tracks are maintained upto the required standards and are fit for such speeds.

Therefore the Amrit Bharat Express being a LHB non-AC train can operate at a maximum permissible speed (MPS) of 130 Kmph only and that too only on 130 MPS fit sections of the route. But most of the Indian railway tracks are not capable of supporting this speed so these trains will run at lower maximum permissible speed which is 100-110 Kmph on various sections. [11] [5]

Services

As of November 2023, these are the proposed Amrit Bharat Express train services.

Sr. no. Train name Train number Originating station Terminal station Operator Frequency Distance Travel time Speed Inauguration
Maximum permitted[lower-alpha 1] Average[lower-alpha 2]
1 Mumbai Central - Patna Amrit Bharat Express (TBC) Mumbai Central Patna Junction WR (TBC) (TBC) 1,691 km (1,051 mi) (TBC) (TBC) (TBC) (TBC)
2 Mumbai Central - New Delhi Amrit Bharat Express (TBC) Mumbai Central New Delhi WR (TBC) (TBC) 1,386 km (861 mi) (TBC) (TBC) (TBC) (TBC)
  1. ↑ Maximum permissible speed over different sections is approved by the Commissioner of Railway Safety taking into consideration the condition of track, bridges, curvature and gradient. This speed limit shall not be exceeded under any circumstances. In case of late running, a Loco Pilot may run up to the maximum permissible speed subject to other restrictions in force.
  2. ↑ Includes stops and traffic congestion.

Other proposed services

  1. Patna - New Delhi[12]
  2. Howrah - New Delhi[12]
  3. Hyderabad - New Delhi[12]
  4. Ernakulam - Guwahati[12]
  5. Delhi - Jodhpur - Bandra Terminus[13]
  6. Tambaram - Howrah[13]
  7. Jammu - Chennai[13]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Pandey, Sharad (10 November 2023). "देश की पहली अमृतभारत ट्रेन का ट्रायल पूरा, किस रूट पर चलेगी, जानें". News18 (in Hindi). Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  2. ↑ "Here's a first look of the 22-coach Vande Sadharan Express train, all set to hit the tracks by October-end". The Times of India. 13 October 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  3. ↑ Athrady, Ajith (10 July 2023). "Indian Railways to produce non-AC Vande Sadharan trains". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  4. ↑ "Vande Bharat update: Indian Railways to launch non-AC push-pull trains by October". DNA India. 16 September 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  5. 1 2 "Indian Railways To Soon Launch Budget-Friendly Non-AC VANDE SADHARN Train". 3 July 2023.
  6. ↑ "Indian Railways: What is Vande Sadharan Train? What are its similarities with Vande Bharat train?". Zee Business. 18 July 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  7. ↑ "Vande Sadharan Express to Begin Services Soon; Know More - PUNE PULSE". 29 October 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  8. ↑ "Vande Sadharan train: All you need to know; How it is different from Vande Bharat train?". Business Today. 30 October 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  9. ↑ "Vande Sadharan Express: Here's All About It - Design, Coaches, Routes, Top Speed, Features". Zee News. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  10. ↑ "Vande Sadharan Vs Vande Bharat Express: 5 Key Differences". 8 November 2023. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  11. ↑ "Cheaper Travel From Mumbai to Ahmedabad: Vande Sadharan Express Clocks 130kmph Speed During Trial". TimesNow. 8 November 2023. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
  12. 1 2 3 4 "পুজোর মুখেই গ্র্যান্ড সুখবর! হাওড়া থেকে ছুটবে গরিবের 'বন্দে ভারত'! কোন কোন রুটে?". News18 Bengali (in Bengali). 19 September 2023. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  13. 1 2 3 Bhardwaj, Mohit (24 November 2023). "Vande Sadharan Express: Here's All About It - Design, Coaches, Routes, Top Speed, Features". Zee News.
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