Redefining Rail Mobility: Mapping Amrit Bharat Express for UPSC
Q. With reference to the 'Amrit Bharat Express', consider the following statements:
1. It is a premium high-speed train service consisting exclusively of AC-3 Tier and AC-2 Tier coaches.
2. The fare structure is based on a dynamic pricing model similar to that of Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains.
3. It features dedicated compartments designed to be disabled-friendly.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Context
Indian Railways has significantly expanded its Amrit Bharat Express network with the addition of nine new services, bringing the total number of operational trains to 39 (30 operational since December 2023). This flagship initiative of the Amrit Kaal aims to provide affordable, comfortable, and reliable long-distance travel for common passengers.
What is Amrit Bharat Express?
The Amrit Bharat Express is a modern, non-AC long-distance sleeper class train service designed by Indian Railways to address the mobility needs of the general public, particularly during peak migration and festive seasons.
Key Features:
- Coach Configuration: Typically configured with 22 coaches:
- 11 General Class coaches.
- 8 Sleeper Class coaches.
- 1 Pantry Car.
- 2 Second Class–cum–Luggage–cum–Guard Vans (with disabled-friendly compartments).
- Affordability: Fares are priced at approximately ₹500 per 1,000 kilometres.
- Transparent Pricing: Follows a simple fare structure with no dynamic pricing, ensuring predictable costs for short, medium, and long-distance journeys.
Broadening the National Reach
The latest expansion targets critical corridors connecting the Northeast, North, South, and Western India. Notable new routes include:
- Kamakhya-Rohtak: Links Assam with Haryana, serving six states.
- Dibrugarh-Lucknow: Strengthens the "Purvodaya se Bharat Uday" vision by linking frontier regions with Uttar Pradesh.
- New Jalpaiguri-Nagercoil: Connects the eastern Himalayan foothills (Dooars) with the southern tip of India (Kanyakumari).
- Alipurduar-Bengaluru: Directly links a strategic border district with India’s technology capital.
- Santragachi-Tambaram: Improves access to education and healthcare hubs across West Bengal, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.
- Sealdah-Banaras: Daily service linking Kolkata with major spiritual centers like Kashi Vishwanath.
Significance for India
1. Economic Integration: Enhances employment mobility by connecting labor-surplus regions with industrial and tech capitals like Mumbai and Bengaluru.
2. Tourism Development: Routes are strategically planned to pass near major spiritual and cultural hubs (e.g., Kamakhya Temple, Ayodhya, Konark Sun Temple).
3. Inclusive Growth: By focusing on the non-AC segment, the service ensures that the benefits of modern rail technology reach the "common man."
4. National Integration: Massive corridors (e.g., New Jalpaiguri to Nagercoil) bridge the geographic divide, fostering social cohesion across diverse landscapes.
🎯 Analysis & Insights
Prelims mastery
Correct Answer: (b) 3 only.
Reasoning: Statement 1 is incorrect because Amrit Bharat Express is a fully non-AC service (General and Sleeper classes). Statement 2 is incorrect because the service follows a transparent fare structure with no dynamic pricing. Statement 3 is correct as it includes Second Class–cum–Luggage–cum–Guard Vans with disabled-friendly compartments.
Mains perspective
"Modernizing rail infrastructure for the non-AC segment is a critical step toward achieving equitable growth in India." Analyze this statement in light of the launch of Amrit Bharat Express. (150 words)