·       Amrit Bharat Express, formerly Vande Sadharan, is a non-air-conditioned, cost-effective sleeper cum unreserved service express trains run by the Indian Railways.

·       The trains connect cities over 800 km apart or requiring more than ten hours of travel with existing services.

·       Manufactured by Integral Coach Factory at Chennai.

·       The first service commenced on December 30, 2023.

Key Features:

·       Operates on “push-pull” technology with locomotives at both ends for better acceleration.

·       Operates at a maximum speed of 130 km/h.

·       Each train-set consists of 22 coaches.

·       Improved facilities include comfortable seats, better luggage rack, mobile charging points with suitable holders, LED lights, CCTV, public information system, among others.

About Vande Bharat Trains

·       Indigenously designed and manufactured semi-high-speed, self-propelled trains.

·       Represents a major leap for Indian Railways in terms of speed and passenger convenience.

·       Manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, under the ‘Make in India’ program.

Key Features:

·       Train set technology adaptation for increased speed and efficiency.

·       Train sets are faster, easier to maintain, consume less energy, and offer greater operational flexibility.

·       Currently, two operational routes: New Delhi to Varanasi and New Delhi to Katra.

·       Plans to manufacture 400 new trains with aluminium bodies for better efficiency and reduced weight.

·       Operate without a locomotive, based on distributed traction power technology.

·       Passenger amenities include on-board WiFi, entertainment, GPS-based passenger information, CCTVs, automatic doors, rotating chairs, and bio-vacuum toilets.

·       Maximum speed of 160 kmph, reducing journey time by 25% to 45%.

·       Intelligent braking system with power regeneration for improved energy efficiency.