Amrit Bharat Trains: The Railway Ministry has introduced 12 significant improvements to the Amrit Bharat Version 2.0 trains, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Friday. He revealed that 50 trains will be manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in the next two years. Vaishnaw expressed his satisfaction with the manufacturing progress, noting that the first version of Amrit Bharat was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2024. The minister said that based on one year of operations, Indian Railways has incorporated numerous upgrades into Version 2.0.
Key Features of Amrit Bharat Trains 2.0
The upgraded trains boast 12 notable enhancements:
- Semi-automatic couplers
- Modular toilets
- Ergonomic seats and berths
- Emergency talk-back systems
- Continuous lighting system, similar to Vande Bharat trains
- Advanced pantry car designs
Targeting Affordable Travel for All
Vaishnaw highlighted that the new trains are designed to cater to low and middle-income families, offering a comfortable experience. He said that the Amrit Bharat 2.0 version trains provide affordable, long-distance travel with features like charging points, mobile holders, and water bottle slots even in general coaches.
Meanwhile, addressing concerns about the historic Pamban Bridge, Vaishnaw went on to clarify that the design adheres to Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) standards and incorporates insights from international experts. The bridge, he said, is a once-in-a-lifetime project and has received clearance from the Commissioner of Railway Safety.
The minister also stressed the need for collaboration between the state and central governments, calling on Tamil Nadu to support land acquisition for railway projects. He stated, “Public welfare should take precedence over politics,” highlighting that joint efforts could significantly enhance public infrastructure and services.
