NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways has introduced the first air-conditioned version of the Amrit Bharat Express, with the upgraded Amrit Bharat 3.0 train making its debut as a Chhath Puja special between New Delhi and Patna. The train left New Delhi railway station around midnight on 11 November, carrying both AC and non-AC passengers during the festive rush to Bihar.
Earlier Amrit Bharat trains, versions 1.0 and 2.0, offered only sleeper and general-class accommodation. The 3.0 rake, built by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, adds First AC, Second AC and Third AC coaches. Northern Railway said the train is designed for ordinary and middle-class passengers, keeping long-distance travel affordable while offering more choice.
Coach Composition
| Coach type | Number |
| First AC | 1 |
| Second AC | 2 |
| Third AC | 6 |
| Sleeper | 6 |
| General | 4 |
| Pantry car | 1 |
| Power car | 1 |
| Divyangjan-cum-guard brake van | 1 |
| Total | 22 |
What Is New
According to Northern Railway, the train has push-pull operation with locomotives at both ends for quicker acceleration and braking, an improved suspension system, modern toilets and mobile charging points.
The push-pull arrangement uses a WAP-5 electric locomotive at each end of the rake, so the train does not need to be turned around at the terminal and can pick up speed and brake faster than a conventional single-locomotive train.
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From Non-AC to AC
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first Amrit Bharat trains on 30 December 2023, on the Ayodhya Dham-Darbhanga and Malda Town-SMVT Bengaluru routes. The series was designed as a low-fare alternative to ordinary express trains, with only sleeper and general coaches. Version 3.0 is the first to add air-conditioned classes, bringing the train closer to a full-service long-distance express while keeping the low-fare coaches on the same rake.
Railways has not yet announced the train number, fares, how long the Chhath special will run, or when AC coaches will be added to regular Amrit Bharat services.
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