The Ministry of Railways is gearing up for the next upgrade in its affordable long-distance train service — the Amrit Bharat Express 3.0. Building on the experience of Amrit Bharat 1.0 and 2.0, the new trainsets will be designed and manufactured by Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF).
What is Amrit Bharat Express?
Launched in 2023, the Amrit Bharat Express trains were introduced to provide a comfortable yet low-cost travel option for passengers, particularly those from lower-income and lower-middle-income groups. Unlike premium services like Vande Bharat, these trains focus on affordability while improving the quality of travel.
At present, 8 Amrit Bharat Express trains are operational:
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Darbhanga–Anand Vihar Terminal
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Malda Town–SMVT Bengaluru
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Mumbai LTT–Saharsa
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Rajendra Nagar Terminal–New Delhi
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Darbhanga–Gomti Nagar
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Malda Town–Gomti Nagar
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Bapudham Motihari–Anand Vihar Terminal
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Sitamarhi–Delhi
What’s New in Amrit Bharat 3.0?
According to U Subba Rao, General Manager of ICF, the new version will feature mixed trainsets — combining Air-Conditioned (AC) and Non-AC coaches.
“ICF is planning to develop Mixed Amrit Bharat 3.0 trains, offering a blend of AC and non-AC coaches for balanced comfort and affordability,” he said while addressing an Independence Day gathering.
This marks a key shift in design, aiming to provide choice and inclusivity for passengers across economic segments.
The Amrit Bharat 2.0 Benchmark
The second-generation trains had already brought 12 major improvements:
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Semi-automatic couplers
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Modular toilets with new materials
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Stronger partitions and pillars
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Emergency talk-back system
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EP-assisted brakes
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Redesigned seats and berths
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Pantry car in new design
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Continuous lighting system (like Vande Bharat)
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Fire detection system
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Gangways between coaches
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External emergency lights
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Charging sockets with mobile holders
These upgrades made Amrit Bharat trains safer, more modern, and passenger-friendly while keeping fares low.
Current Train Composition
The non-AC Amrit Bharat Express typically has:
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11 General Class coaches
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8 Sleeper Class coaches
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1 Pantry car
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2 Second Class-cum-Luggage-cum-Guard Vans, including a disabled-friendly compartment
The Railways has already provisioned for the production of 100 Amrit Bharat trains, with Amrit Bharat 3.0 expected to set a new standard for affordable rail travel in India. By offering mixed AC and non-AC coaches, the initiative seeks to balance comfort with inclusivity, making long-distance journeys more accessible to millions.
