Trials Underway To Launch Affordable Amrut Bharat Express From Pune To North India
Trials Underway To Launch Affordable Amrut Bharat Express From Pune To North India
Pune: With two Vande Bharat Express trains operating from Pune receiving positive passenger feedback, their high ticket prices remain a hurdle for the average traveler. To address this, the Railway Administration is planning the introduction of the affordable Amrut Bharat Express, connecting Pune to four key destinations in North India.
The Amrut Bharat Express, resembling the Vande Bharat Express in design but lacking air-conditioning, was first launched between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar in July 2023. This low-cost, efficient travel option has garnered significant popularity among passengers. The railways aim to replicate this success by introducing similar services on select routes from Pune, offering budget-friendly and convenient travel.
Under the Amrut Bharat Scheme, redevelopment work is ongoing at 20 railway stations, including Pune and Hadapsar. Additionally, new coaches modeled after the Vande Bharat Express are under production, with several projects nearing completion. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared this update during his visit to Pune on Saturday.
Currently, Pune has two Vande Bharat Express routes to Kolhapur and Hubli, with fares ranging from ₹1,160 to ₹2,005. However, officials have confirmed that the Amrut Bharat Express will have sleeper-class fares similar to regular trains, making it a more affordable option.
Preliminary plans include routes connecting Pune Station to Danapur and Chhapra, and Hadapsar Station to Muzaffarpur and Puri. With a significant number of passengers traveling to North India from Pune, the railways are conducting feasibility studies to finalize these routes.
