Indian Railways is preparing to roll out the next generation of its affordable long-distance trains with the introduction of Amrit Bharat Express 3.0. The upgraded trainsets, featuring a mix of air-conditioned (AC) and non-air-conditioned (non-AC) coaches, are expected to be manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, by the end of FY 2025–26.
Production Plan and Timeline
Addressing officials and staff during the 77th Republic Day celebrations at the ICF stadium in Chennai, ICF General Manager U Subba Rao announced that the factory plans to manufacture two rakes of Amrit Bharat Express 3.0 during the current financial year.
“During the current financial year, ICF has planned to manufacture two rakes of Amrit Bharat 3.0,” Rao said.
Evolution of the Amrit Bharat Trains
First introduced in 2023, Amrit Bharat Express trains were conceptualised to provide a high-quality yet affordable travel experience, particularly for passengers from lower and lower-middle income groups. While offering comfort levels comparable to premium services like Vande Bharat Express, the focus remains on cost efficiency.
Currently, Amrit Bharat 1.0 and 2.0 trains are operating across various routes on the Indian Railways network.
What’s New in Amrit Bharat Express 3.0?
The most significant upgrade in Amrit Bharat 3.0 lies in its coach configuration and design philosophy. Unlike earlier versions—which included only General and Sleeper Class coaches—the new trainsets will be developed based on operational feedback from the existing fleet.
Key highlights include:
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Combination of AC and non-AC coaches
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Improved passenger comfort while retaining affordability
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Design refinements driven by real-world operational experience
This balanced approach aims to cater to a wider passenger base without significantly increasing fares.
Long-Term Vision
Indian Railways has already provisioned the production of 100 Amrit Bharat trains, underlining its commitment to expanding affordable, modern rail travel across the country. The Amrit Bharat Express series is expected to play a key role in enhancing connectivity while keeping long-distance travel accessible to millions.
