Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, visited the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai on Wednesday to review the latest advancements in India’s railway infrastructure. The visit focused on several important projects, including the Vande Bharat rakes, the Amrit Bharat train coaches, and the Vistadome dining car, all aimed at enhancing the passenger experience and boosting the railway network’s capabilities.
Amrit Bharat Train: Enhanced Facilities for Ordinary Citizens
During his visit, Vaishnaw emphasized the upgraded Amrit Bharat train as a significant step towards providing high-quality travel options for ordinary citizens. This is the second version of the Amrit Bharat train. The General coach now offers facilities equivalent to premium coaches, designed with the philosophy of ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas, Vaishnaw said. The newly designed train features improved seating, better fans, charging points, lumbar support, a pantry car, and updated toilets, making it more comfortable and accessible for all passengers.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing enhancements to the Vande Bharat trains. These efforts are intended to further elevate the passenger experience and improve the quality of services offered across the network.
Vaishnaw also spoke about the recent additions to the Vistadome coaches, particularly the inclusion of a dining car. We’ve added a dining car to the Vistadome coaches, keeping tourists in mind. This feature will allow passengers to enjoy their meals while soaking in the breathtaking panoramic views, he explained. The Vistadome dining car will soon be deployed in Jammu and Kashmir, enhancing the travel experience for tourists in the region.
On the Jammu-Srinagar railway line, Vaishnaw announced the development of a new Vande Bharat train designed specifically for sub-zero temperatures in the area. “In the near future, the dream of connecting Jammu and Srinagar by railway will be realized,” he remarked.
The Minister also provided an update on railway safety measures, revealing that 10,000 locomotives are being equipped with ‘KAVACH,’ a state-of-the-art safety system designed to prevent train collisions. In addition, 15,000 km of trackside fittings, telecom towers, and locomotive cameras are being installed as part of the ongoing safety upgrades.
Regarding fare policies for the Amrit Bharat trains, Vaishnaw confirmed that the Railway Board will make decisions on pricing. He also shared that the progress of the Capital Expenditure (CapEx) for railway projects is on track, with 76% of the budget already utilized. This is the highest-ever CapEx in the history of Indian Railways, he noted.