Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Reviews Amrit Bharat Coach Facilities in Chennai, Emphasizes PM's Vision

New Delhi, Jan 10 (NationPress) Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw made a visit to the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) on Friday to evaluate the Amrit Bharat coach facilities.

Following his inspection, he shared with IANS that the Amrit Bharat Train has been specifically crafted to serve middle and lower-income groups.

"The Version 2 Amrit Bharat has been developed based on insights from the train introduced by the Prime Minister last year, now featuring numerous enhancements. You may have noticed the completely revamped designs of the couplers and pantry car. The air window design has also undergone a significant transformation. The primary focus has been on supporting low-income families and the middle class," he remarked.

He expressed his satisfaction with the Amrit Bharat version 2.0, stating, "Numerous enhancements have been incorporated into Amrit Bharat 2.0. A total of 12 substantial modifications have been made... Amrit Bharat trains are aimed at low-income and middle-class families... They will offer very economical services and a superior travel experience," the Minister asserted.

The Minister toured the plant, examining Vande Bharat rakes, Amrit Bharat train coaches, and the Vistadome dining car. He also engaged with the staff and workers on-site.

Minister Vaishnaw noted that the Amrit Bharat train has been designed with ordinary citizens in mind. The general coaches boast facilities comparable to those found in premium coaches.

He stated, "This train has been created with the ethos of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas'. You will notice a variety of new features, such as improved seat quality and fans, charging points, lumbar support in the chairs, and newly designed toilets. Continuous enhancements are also being made in Vande Bharat trains."

The Union Minister elaborated, "Significant upgrades have been made to Vistadome coaches, including the addition of a dining car. This enhancement caters to tourists, allowing passengers to enjoy meals while taking in panoramic views. In the future, this new coach will be deployed in Jammu and Kashmir."

Minister Vaishnaw announced that 10,000 locomotives are being equipped with 'KAVACH' technology, and 15,000 km of trackside fittings are underway. Cameras are also being installed at the front of locomotives.

The Amrit Bharat train will include general and sleeper coaches to make travel affordable while maintaining amenities similar to those of the premium Vande Bharat Express. As previously stated by the Ministry of Railways, the fares for Amrit Bharat will be lower than those of Vande Bharat, yet the facilities will remain comparable.

The inaugural Amrit Bharat Train was launched on December 30, 2023, to deliver budget-friendly non-AC services. The trains are equipped with LHB sleeper class, general class, and SLR coaches, powered by a locomotive featuring an orange and black paint scheme and a nose cone. Utilizing a push-pull method, these trains can achieve speeds of up to 130 kmph.

In February 2024, PM Modi laid the groundwork for 554 Amrit Bharat stations, part of a governmental initiative to rejuvenate key railway stations throughout the nation.