Indian Railways to launch budget air-conditioned Amrit Bharat Express trains

Indian Railways is preparing to introduce air-conditioned variants of its Amrit Bharat Express trains through the Amrit Bharat 3.0 initiative, marking a significant expansion of the budget-conscious service that has gained traction across India.

The national carrier has placed orders for 14 new rakes, or train sets, equipped with air-conditioned first-class, second-class, and third-class compartments. These additions are expected to roll out during the current financial year, bringing premium amenities to cost-conscious travellers.

The Amrit Bharat Express programme, launched to provide affordable long-distance rail travel, has previously focused on non-air-conditioned coaches. The introduction of AC options represents a strategic effort to capture middle-income passenger segments while maintaining competitive pricing structures.

Railways officials have indicated that the new AC-equipped Amrit Bharat trains will incorporate contemporary features and improved passenger comfort standards. The expansion reflects the government's broader initiative to modernise India's rail network and enhance accessibility across diverse passenger categories.

The rollout timeline suggests the new trains could begin operations within months, potentially transforming travel options on key routes across the country. Industry analysts view the initiative as a competitive response to growing demand for affordable yet comfortable rail travel in India's expanding middle-class market.