Railways Planning to Start Amrit Bharat Trains from Pune to North Indian Cities
Pune is set to benefit from the introduction of the affordable ‘Amrit Bharat Express’ trains, aimed at providing a budget-friendly travel option for passengers traveling to North India. Modeled after the premium ‘Vande Bharat Express,’ these new trains are designed for the general public seeking cost-effective travel.
The ‘Amrit Bharat Express’ was first introduced between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar in July 2023 and features similar aesthetics to the ‘Vande Bharat Express’ but without air conditioning and with significantly lower fares. This move addresses the high ticket costs associated with the ‘Vande Bharat Express,’ making rail travel more accessible.
Key Features and Fare Structure
The fare structure for the ‘Amrit Bharat Express’ will align with the standard sleeper class charges in regular trains, making it more affordable than the ‘Vande Bharat Express.’ Currently, the ticket prices for the Pune-Kolhapur route on the ‘Vande Bharat Express’ are ₹1,160 for a standard coach and ₹2,005 for an executive coach. The new service is expected to significantly reduce travel costs.
Proposed Routes from Pune
The Railway Administration plans to introduce the following routes for the ‘Amrit Bharat Express’ from Pune:
- Pune Railway Station to Danapur and Chhapra
- Hadapsar Railway Station to Muzaffarpur and Puri
These routes aim to connect Pune with key cities in North India, catering to the high passenger demand from the region.
Infrastructure Developments
In line with the launch, the Pune Railway Division is undergoing significant infrastructure upgrades under the ‘Amrit Bharat Yojana.’ Redevelopment work is in progress at 20 stations, including Pune and Hadapsar railway stations, to enhance passenger amenities. The manufacturing of coaches for the ‘Amrit Bharat Express,’ inspired by the design of the ‘Vande Bharat Express,’ is also nearing completion.
Minister’s Statement
During a recent visit to Pune, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the redevelopment projects and coach manufacturing are in the final stages. Public Relations Officer (PRO) Ram Paul Barpagga stated that a detailed study is being conducted to finalize the routes, emphasizing the importance of affordable rail connectivity for Pune’s large traveler base heading to North India.
Conclusion
With trial runs being conducted and projects nearing completion, the launch of the ‘Amrit Bharat Express’ is expected to revolutionize affordable rail travel for Pune passengers. The initiative promises a cost-effective and comfortable journey, connecting Pune with major northern destinations.
