PM Modi flags off the third Amrit Bharat Express, connecting Saharsa and Mumbai, showcasing advanced features for safety, sustainability, and passenger comfort | File Photo
Mumbai: Indian Railways has launched the third Amrit Bharat Express of the country, marking a major milestone in modernizing India’s long-distance train travel. The new service, which connects Saharsa in Bihar to Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) in Mumbai, was officially flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through video conferencing on Thursday from Bihar on April 24.
This train is the second Amrit Bharat Express for Bihar and Mumbai’s first, underscoring the growing importance of enhancing rail links between eastern India and the financial capital, Mumbai.
The Saharsa-Mumbai Amrit Bharat Express follows the launch of the Darbhanga–Anand Vihar and Malda Town–SMVT Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express.
The Amrit Bharat Express aims to provide a premium, yet affordable, travel experience for middle-class and underprivileged passengers, making long-distance travel more accessible and comfortable.
A Revolution in Train Travel
The Amrit Bharat Express is designed to provide a seamless travel experience, combining indigenous technology, modern design, and passenger-friendly features. In line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the train is equipped with entirely Indian-made coaches, offering travelers a state-of-the-art journey at affordable prices.
Key features of the train include a sleek, attractive design, improved environmental sustainability, and advanced energy-saving systems. The emphasis on passenger comfort is evident, with every detail, from mobile charging ports to modernized toilets, crafted to ensure a smooth, comfortable ride for all passengers.
Advanced Safety Features
Safety is a paramount concern for Indian Railways, and the Amrit Bharat Express sets a new standard with several groundbreaking safety features. These include advanced crash tubes in the couplers, EP-assisted braking systems for quicker stops, and fully sealed gangways equipped with vacuum evacuation systems. For the first time in Indian Railways, fire detection systems have been installed in non-AC coaches, ensuring greater protection for passengers.
The train also introduces semi-automatic couplers, which reduce jerks and noise when connecting or disconnecting coaches. This, along with deformation tubes in the couplers, minimizes the impact of potential collisions, further enhancing passenger safety.
Speed, Comfort, and Accessibility
With a top speed of 130 kilometers per hour, the Amrit Bharat Express is built for efficiency, with engines placed at both ends to ensure optimal energy usage and improved stability. The coaches are designed with modern amenities such as foldable snack tables, mobile holders, bottle holders, and air-spring bogies for a smooth journey.
The train also boasts a number of features aimed at inclusivity, including special facilities for differently-abled passengers, accessible toilets, and improved seating arrangements for comfort during long journeys. Additionally, the train is equipped with fast mobile charging ports, pantry cars for dining convenience, and an innovative electro-pneumatic flushing system to ensure cleanliness.
The Amrit Bharat Express is not just a train; it represents a new era of train travel in India, one that prioritizes sustainability, safety, and passenger well-being. With its energy-efficient systems, environmental considerations, and modern design, the train sets a new benchmark for future rail services in the country.
