Amrit Bharat Express: Affordable Rail Travel from Pune to North India in the Making

In a bid to make railway travel more accessible and affordable for the common man, trials are underway to launch the Amrit Bharat Express trains on routes connecting Pune to four major destinations in North India. This development promises to revolutionize long-distance travel by offering budget-friendly options, a much-needed alternative to the premium-priced Vande Bharat Express trains.

The concept of the Amrit Bharat Express trains gained traction after the successful launch of the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar route in July 2023. While the trains bear a striking resemblance to the Vande Bharat Express in design, they are not air-conditioned, which helps significantly lower ticket costs. With an overwhelming response from passengers for its affordability and relatively short travel times, the railway administration has decided to expand this service, focusing now on routes originating from Pune.

New Beginnings for Pune's Rail Infrastructure

Under the Amrit Bharat Scheme, the Pune railway division is spearheading redevelopment initiatives for 20 stations in the region. In addition, the construction of new coaches, modeled on the advanced Vande Bharat design but tailored for affordability, is well underway. Speaking at a press event in Pune, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed that most of the groundwork for these ambitious projects is nearing completion.

The Pune and Hadapsar railway stations are at the center of this transformative effort. While Pune station will serve as the hub for routes to Danapur and Chhapra, the Hadapsar station is being readied for services to Muzaffarpur and Puri. These destinations are expected to cater to a significant number of passengers traveling to North India for business, tourism, and familial visits.

Affordable Alternatives for Long-Distance Travel

The Vande Bharat Express trains currently operate on two routes from Pune—one to Hubli and another to Kolhapur. However, the ticket prices for these journeys, ranging from ₹1,160 for lower-class coaches to ₹2,005 for higher-class ones, are beyond the reach of many travelers. The Amrit Bharat Express aims to bridge this gap, offering tickets priced at par with sleeper-class fares in regular trains, making it a practical choice for the economically conscious traveler.

Rampal Barpagga, spokesperson for the Pune railway division, highlighted the concerted efforts being made to redefine rail travel for the masses. “The redevelopment of stations under the Amrit Bharat Scheme is a significant step forward. Simultaneously, we are focusing on equipping these trains with modern coaches inspired by the Vande Bharat Express. With ongoing inspections and planning at the ministerial level, we are optimistic about rolling out these trains on the proposed routes soon,” he stated.

A Boon for the Common Man

The introduction of the Amrit Bharat Express trains is set to bring substantial benefits to Pune’s railway commuters, particularly those traveling to Northern states. With affordable fares, upgraded infrastructure, and faster travel times, these trains are expected to be a game-changer for long-distance rail travel in India.

The trials currently in progress mark the beginning of a new era in Indian Railways—a shift from exclusivity to inclusivity. As the project nears its launch, passengers can look forward to a seamless and budget-friendly travel experience, bridging cities and communities like never before.