Affordable Travel: Amrit Bharat Express to Connect Pune with North India
Affordable Travel: Amrit Bharat Express to Connect Pune with North India
While Pune’s two Vande Bharat Express trains have received a good response, their high ticket prices make them unaffordable for many. To address this, the Railways is planning to introduce the budget-friendly Amrit Bharat Express, connecting Pune with four destinations in North India.
The Amrit Bharat Express, first launched between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar in July 2023, offers non-AC coaches and affordable fares. The train has been popular among passengers due to its low cost and faster travel times. Following its success, similar routes from Pune to North India are under consideration, providing economical and convenient travel options.
Under the Amrit Bharat scheme, redevelopment work is underway at 20 stations, including Pune and Hadapsar. The Pune railway station may see trains heading to Danapur and Chhapra, while routes from Hadapsar to Muzaffarpur and Puri are being planned. Coaches for the Amrit Bharat Express will be designed similar to those of the Vande Bharat trains.
Currently, Vande Bharat Express fares on the Pune-Kolhapur route are ₹1,160 for standard class and ₹2,005 for premium class. However, *Amrit Bharat Express* fares will match the sleeper class rates of regular trains, making it significantly cheaper.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed on Saturday that coach manufacturing and redevelopment projects are nearing completion. Efforts are focused on catering to the growing demand for affordable travel between Pune and North India.
