Amrit Bharat Express

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first two Amrit Bharat Express trains tomorrow, December 30 from the temple town ‘Ayodhya’. Railway officials said these trains are equipped with the latest technology to ensure that passengers do not feel any jerk at any point of the journey.

About:

• The Amrit Bharat Express, previously known as Vande Sadharan, is described as the sleeper version of the high-speed Vande Bharat trains, aiming to revolutionize travel for the common man.
• With a saffron-grey color scheme, it is a cost-effective non-AC sleeper cum unreserved class service.
• The train features a locomotive at each end, with a 6,000 hp WAP5 locomotive manufactured by Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, following an aerodynamic design similar to Vande Bharat trains.
• Manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, Amrit Bharat trains boast zero-discharge FRP modular toilets.
• The Railways plans to maintain a pocket-friendly base fare, with the first route connecting Ayodhya to Darbhanga and the second anticipated route running from Bengaluru to Malda.
• The 22-coach train includes 12 second-class sleeper coaches, 8 general class coaches for unreserved passengers, and 2 guard coaches.
• Ticket prices for Amrit Bharat Express vary based on distance, with the fare for a 1-50 kilometers journey in a second-class unreserved coach at Rs 30. For a 50-kilometer trip in a sleeper class, the fare is Rs 65, excluding superfast charges, reservation fees for sleeper class coaches, GST, etc.
• The train incorporates improved features like cushioned luggage racks, aesthetically pleasing seats and berths, mobile chargers, zero-discharge FRP modular toilets, aerosol-based fire suppression systems, and radium illumination flooring strips.

The Amrit Bharat Express incorporates new technologies to enhance efficiency and passenger experience.

• It utilizes push-pull technology, involving two engines—one at the front and another at the rear. While the front engine pulls the train, the rear engine simultaneously pushes it, leading to improved acceleration and deceleration, resulting in significant time savings at bridges, curves, and speed-restricted sections.
• The train also adopts distributed power technology, where every second or third coach has a motor running on electricity supplied through overhead equipment. This technology is similar to that used in Vande Bharat trains. The space between coaches is fully covered to address air pressure issues, providing a seamless appearance.
• To ensure a jerk-free experience, the Amrit Bharat Train is equipped with semi-permanent couplers, similar to those used in Vande Bharat trains. These couplers prevent jerks during the train's start or stop, contrasting with older technologies from the 1990s, where passengers felt jerks due to a different type of coupler used to join the coaches.

Amrit Bharat Express: Enhancing Passenger and Loco-Pilot Experience

Passenger-Centric Features:

• The Amrit Bharat Express is designed to be accommodating for disabled passengers, ensuring inclusivity.
• The train prioritizes safety benefits and incorporates features aimed at enhancing the overall passenger experience.
• Modern amenities, such as mobile holders and slider-based window glass, are provided to offer convenience and a contemporary feel to passengers.
• A Passenger Information System is available on board, providing real-time details about upcoming stations.

Loco-Pilot Comfort:

• Special modifications have been made to the train engines to enhance comfort for locopilots.
• The locomotive cabins are fully air-conditioned to ensure a conducive working environment.
• Seat positions have been adjusted to optimize comfort for drivers during train operations.
• Technological advancements have been implemented to control vibrations within the engine, minimizing fatigue for locopilots.

By incorporating these passenger-friendly and loco-pilot-friendly features, the Amrit Bharat Express aims to provide a safe, comfortable, and modern travel experience for all stakeholders involved.