Daily News Analysis

Amrit Bharat Express

stylish_lining

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.

Visakhapatnam Declaration on e-Governance

The Visakhapatnam Declaration on e-Governance marks a significant step in the development of digital governance in India, emphasizing inclusive, transparent, and citizen-centric practices. Adopted
Share It

Defamation in India

Recently, a Supreme Court judge raised concerns about the increasing misuse of defamation laws by political figures and private individuals to settle personal and political disputes. The judge sug
Share It

Simultaneous Elections

India's ongoing debate about simultaneous elections or the One Nation, One Election concept has gained momentum, with experts like Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, e
Share It

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) 2025 Summit

The 2025 SCO Heads of State Summit was held in Tianjin, China, marking a significant moment for the organization’s expanding role on the global stage. Key Highlights: Terrorism:
Share It

Production Gap Report 2025

The Production Gap Report 2025 reveals a troubling trend: many countries are planning to increase fossil fuel production well beyond the levels needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C as per t
Share It

India's Roadmap for Fusion Power

India's Institute for Plasma Research (IPR) in Gandhinagar has recently proposed a comprehensive roadmap for the development of fusion power, marking a significant leap towards harnessing fusi
Share It

Dhvani Missile

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is on the verge of a historic milestone with the upcoming test of Dhvani, a next-generation hypersonic missile that is set to prope
Share It

Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025

India has made remarkable strides in the field of innovation, moving up from 48th position in 2020 to 38th in 2025 among 139 global economies, according to the World Intellectual Property Organiza
Share It

Critical Minerals

India’s first auction of deep-sea blocks for the extraction of critical minerals has been delayed indefinitely after receiving a poor response from bidders. This auction was expected to be a
Share It

CAG Report on States’ Fiscal Health

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has released its first decadal analysis on the fiscal health of 28 Indian states, revealing significant concerns over the increasing public debt.
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS