Amrit Bharat (trainset)

Amrit Bharat
An Amrit Bharat trainset
Stock typePush-pull train
In service30 December 2023
Manufacturers
DesignersRDSO, ICF
AssemblyChennai, Kapurthala
Constructed2023–present
Entered service30 December 2023
Number built9 (by ICF)[1]
Unknown (by RCF)
Formation2 locomotives and 22 coaches (Push-pull configuration)
Capacity1,834
OwnerIndian Railways
OperatorIndian Railways
Line served27
Specifications
Car body constructionSpotwelded stainless steel
Car length
  • 23.54 m (77 ft 2+3⁄4 in) (body)
  • 24 m (78 ft 8+7⁄8 in) (coupler-coupler)
Floor height1,320 mm (4 ft 4 in)
Platform height840 mm (2 ft 9+1⁄8 in)
EntryStep
DoorsManual pivot hinge doors
Wheel diameter855–915 mm (33.66–36.02 in)
Wheelbase14.9 m (48 ft 10+5⁄8 in) bogie centres
Maximum speed160 km/h (99 mph)
Weight39.5 t (38.9 long tons; 43.5 short tons) (average)
Electric system25 kV 50 Hz AC via overhead line
Current collectionPantograph
Track gauge1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)

Amrit Bharat is an Indian push-pull train, designed and developed by Indian Railways at its Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. It has non-air-conditioned three-tier sleeper and unreserved coaches.

Overview

Amrit Bharat trains have upgraded non-air-conditioned three-tier sleeper and unreserved coaches.[2] The coaches are manufactured by Integral Coach Factory, Chennai at the cost of ₹650 million (US$6.7 million) per trainset.[3] In contrast to other Indian trains, the trainsets have a locomotive at both ends in a push-pull configuration (the only regular train run in a push-pull configuration prior to this was the Mumbai CSMT–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express) enabling better acceleration and shorter turnaround times in direction reversals.[4][5][6] It has also be termed as common man train.[7]

Engineering

The trainsets are powered by two WAP-5 locomotives connected at each ends with vibration resistance engines manufactured by Chittaranjan Locomotive Works. The Locomotive also features aerodynamic design. Each trainset consists of 22 coaches: 12 3-tier sleeper class, 8 unreserved and 2 luggage coaches.[8] As part of the "Make in India" Initiative, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), a subsidiary of Indian Railways (IR), created and produced the Amrit Bharat Express.[9][7]

First Generation

The first generation of Amrit Bharat were built in 2023. The coaches are equipped with electric outlets, reading lights, CCTV cameras, bio-vacuum toilets, sensor-based water taps and passenger information system.[10][7] The trainsets also have semi-permanent couplers to avoid shocks during starting and stopping of the train and fully-covered vestibules to facilitate stability and safety.[11][12]

Second Generation

The first prototype of the second generation of Amrit Bharat was built in 2025.[13]

The semi-permanent couplers of the first generation have been replaced by semi-automatic couplers for easy attachment and detachment. Other improvements include an electro-pneumatic assisted brake system for quick brake application, a fully sealed gangway for quick coupling and decoupling, and a vacuum evacuation system.[14]

The train has an onboard condition monitoring system for real-time tracking of wheels and bearings, and internet-based water level indicators. External emergency lights have been added to provide basic lighting during emergencies.[14]

Improvements to toilets include adding a disabled-friendly toilet and toilet indicator lights. The toilets have an automatic hygiene odour control system. Toilets are built with sheet molding compound material for ease of maintenance and aesthetics.[15]

Each passenger has a dedicated charging socket with USB A and C-type ports. Other additions include a foldable snack table, mobile holder, and foldable bottle holder. A public address and passenger information system has been added, along with an emergency system to connect with the loco pilot. The seat and berth design has been improved for a comfortable ride.[16]

Third Generation

The first prototype of the third generation of Amrit Bharat was built in 2026.[17]

The trainsets will be powered by two WAP-7 locomotives connected at each ends with vibration resistance engines manufactured by the Indian Railways' subsidiary, Banaras Locomotive Works. The Locomotive also features aerodynamic design. Each trainset consists of 22 coaches: 1 1st AC Class, 2 2nd AC Class, 6 3rd AC Class, 6 Sleeper Class, 4 unreserved and 2 luggage coaches. As part of the "Make in India" Initiative, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), a subsidiary of Indian Railways (IR), created and produced the Amrit Bharat Express.[18][19]

Rake Formation

The rake formations of all the operational versions of the train are given below:[20]

Abbreviations

Rake formation of Amrit Bharat Express
Coach Sr. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Travel Class SLR UR / GS SL UR / GS SLR
Seating Capacity (Per Coach) 50 100 80 100 50
Rake formation of Amrit Bharat Express 2.0
Coach Sr. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Travel Class SLR UR / GS SL PC SL UR / GS SLR
Seating Capacity (Per Coach) 50 100 80 Nil 80 100 50

Rake formation of Amrit Bharat Express 3.0

See also

References

  1. ↑ "DETAILS OF COACHES DESPATCHED". icf.gov.in. Integral Coach Factory. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  2. ↑ "Indian Railways To Soon Launch Budget-Friendly Non-AC Vande Sadharn train". Times Now. 3 July 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  3. ↑ "Indian Railways: What is Vande Sadharan Train? What are its similarities with Vande Bharat train?". Zee Business. 18 July 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  4. ↑ Nigam, Saumya (27 December 2023). "Amrit Bharat Express to launch with Push-Pull technology and other exciting features". India TV. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
  5. ↑ "Vande Sadharan train: All you need to know; How it is different from Vande Bharat train?". Business Today. 30 October 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
  6. ↑ Athrady, Ajith (10 July 2023). "Indian Railways to produce non-AC Vande Sadharan trains". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  7. 1 2 3 "Amrit Bharat Express: What's special about Indian Railways new push-pull train for common man? Top images & facts". The Times of India. 26 December 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
  8. ↑ "New Vande Sadharan arrives in city". The Times of India. 30 October 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  9. ↑ "Eastern Railway". er.indianrailways.gov.in. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  10. ↑ "Vande Sadharan: Indian Railways' 'affordable' alternative to Vande Bharat trains". CNBCTV18. 19 July 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  11. ↑ "PM Modi to inaugurate 'Amrit Bharat Express' on Dec 30. All you need to know about this 'sleeper Vande Bharat' train". Hindustan Times. 27 December 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
  12. ↑ "Amrit Bharat Express with innovative 'push-pull technology' to start soon from Ayodhya – Know features, design, routes and more". Financial Express. 26 December 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
  13. ↑ "Vaishnaw: 50 Amrit Bharat trains to be manufactured at Integral Coach Factory in 2 yrs". The Indian Express. 11 January 2025. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  14. 1 2 "Indian Railways To Launch Upgraded Amrit Bharat 2.0 Express With 12 Key Features. Check Details". ABP Live. 14 January 2025. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  15. ↑ "Railway Minister Announced 12 Key Upgrades In Amrit Bharat Version 2.0 Trains". www.notopedia.com. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  16. ↑ Singh, Nivedita (10 January 2025). "Amrit Bharat 2.0: An Affordable Cousin Of Vande Bharat For Economical Rail Travel". News18. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  17. ↑ "Amrit Bharat Express 3.0 trains: ICF to manufacture two rakes by FY26 end – what's new". The Indian Express. 26 January 2026. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  18. ↑ Anbuselvan, B. (16 February 2026). "Amrit Bharat 3.0 rakes manufactured by ICF to replace LHB rakes on long-distance routes". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  19. ↑ "Indian Railways to manufacture Amrit Bharat 3.0 trains for all passenger segments". The Indian Express. 15 August 2025. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  20. ↑ "Amrit Bharat Express 3.0: What's New? AC Coaches, Pantry Car; All You Need To Know". The Daily Jagran. Retrieved 13 June 2026.