Prime Minister Modi launched four Amrit Bharat Express trains and the Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper train from West Bengal. These trains will connect North Bengal with the rest of the country. Amrit Bharat trains are based on push-pull technology. Their fare structure is also unique. The fare in sleeper class will be ₹149 for a minimum journey of 200 km.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off four new Amrit Bharat Express trains from West Bengal. He also flagged off the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Howrah and Guwahati. This initiative is a significant step towards modernizing rail travel in the country and providing better amenities to passengers. These new trains will connect North Bengal with the western and southern parts of the country, making long-distance travel easier and more comfortable.

At a public ceremony in Malda, North Bengal, PM Modi flagged off the country's most advanced and first Vande Bharat Sleeper train from Howrah to Guwahati (Kamakhya). He also flagged off four Amrit Bharat Express trains that will connect the northern part of West Bengal with the rest of the country.

Routes of four new Amrit Bharat Express trains

1. New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal) to Nagercoil (Tamil Nadu)
2. New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal) to Tiruchirapalli (Tamil Nadu)
3. Alipurduar (West Bengal) to SMVT Bengaluru
4. Alipurduar (West Bengal) to Panvel (Mumbai)

AMRUT Bharat trains are modern express trains that operate on "push-pull" technology. This means that a locomotive (engine) is installed at each end of the train. This technology allows the train to accelerate and decelerate quickly, reducing travel time. These trains are designed to make long-distance interstate travel economical and comfortable. They also offer many modern amenities for passengers.

What is the structure of the rental?

The fare structure of these Amrit Bharat trains is also unique. According to the Railways, the minimum chargeable distance for sleeper class travel will be 200 kilometers, while for second class it will be 50 kilometers. The basic fare for travel up to 200 kilometers will be ₹149. For journeys up to 50 kilometers, the second class fare will be ₹36. The Railways clarified that other applicable fees, such as reservation charges and superfast charges, will be levied separately.

RAC seats will not be available

The Railway Board has also announced that RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) seats will no longer be available in sleeper class. However, unreserved second class tickets will remain available as before.

Some of the key features of the Amrit Bharat trains include improved seating arrangements, foldable snack tables, LED lighting, and fans protected by stainless steel grills. The Railways says that the air-spring suspension coaches will significantly improve stability during travel. Additionally, an integrated passenger information system will provide passengers with real-time updates on the train. This new technology will make passenger travel even more enjoyable.

 PC:NBT