**Executive Summary:**
This document is a response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1678 regarding Amrit Bharat Trains in Tamil Nadu, answered on July 30, 2025, by the Minister of Railways, Information Broadcasting and Electronics Information Technology. It outlines the current status, features, and expansion plans of the Amrit Bharat Trains initiative, including its operation in Tamil Nadu. The initiative focuses on upgrading rolling stock to enhance passenger safety and comfort in the non-AC segment.
**Key Points / Main Content:**
* **Amrit Bharat Trains Overview:**
* Fully non-AC trains designed for the general public.
* Comprise 11 General Class coaches, 8 Sleeper Class coaches, 1 Pantry car, and 2 Second class cum Luggage cum Guard Van Disabled Friendly Compartments.
* Indian Railways (IR) has provisioned for the production of 100 Amrit Bharat Trains.
* **Enhanced Features and Amenities:**
* Improved aesthetics of seats and berths.
* Jerk-free semi-automatic couplers.
* Improved crashworthiness with crash tubes.
* CCTV systems in all coaches and luggage rooms.
* Improved toilet designs.
* Improved ladder design for upper berths.
* Improved LED lighting and charging sockets.
* EP-assisted braking system.
* Aerosol-based fire suppression in toilets and electrical cubicles.
* USB Type-A and Type-C mobile charging sockets.
* Emergency talk-back system.
* Non-AC pantry with enhanced heating capacity.
* Fully sealed gangways with a quick-release mechanism.
* **Implementation and Expansion:**
* Of the 14 Amrit Bharat Express services operating on the Indian Railways network, 8 services have been introduced w.e.f 18th July 2025.
* Currently, the 13433/13434 SMVT Bengaluru - Malda Town Amrit Bharat Express serves stations in Tamil Nadu, including Katpadi and Jolarpettai.
* Expansion of train services, including Amrit Bharat, is ongoing, subject to traffic justification, operational feasibility, and resource availability.
* **Staff Training:**
* Regular training is provided to maintenance staff to update their knowledge of maintenance practices and the latest technology.
**Impact Analysis**
* **Passengers:**
* *Impact:* Increased comfort, safety, and enhanced travel experience in the non-AC segment.
* *Action Required:* Utilize the new features and amenities provided in the Amrit Bharat Trains.
* **Indian Railways (IR) Staff:**
* *Impact:* Requires adaptation to new technologies and maintenance practices.
* *Action Required:* Participate in prescribed training to update knowledge and skills.
Key Entities Referenced
Amrit Bharat Trains: An initiative by Indian Railways to introduce non-AC trains with enhanced features for passenger comfort, safety and sustainability.
Tamil Nadu: A state in India where the Amrit Bharat Trains scheme is being implemented and where specific stations are being served by the trains.
Indian Railways: The operator of the railway network in India, responsible for implementing the Amrit Bharat Trains initiative.
SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW: Minister of Railways, Information Broadcasting and Electronics Information Technology, responsible for answering questions regarding the Amrit Bharat Trains initiative.
Vande Bharat Sleeper: A type of train whose aesthetics serve as inspiration for the Amrit Bharat Trains.
SMVT Bengaluru Malda Town Amrit Bharat Express: A specific Amrit Bharat Express train service that serves stations in Tamil Nadu.
Katpadi: A railway station located in Tamil Nadu served by the SMVT Bengaluru Malda Town Amrit Bharat Express.
Jolarpettai: A railway station located in Tamil Nadu served by the SMVT Bengaluru Malda Town Amrit Bharat Express.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1678
TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.07.2025
AMRIT BHARAT TRAINS IN TAMIL NADU
1678 SHRI MALAIYARASAN D:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:
(a) the current status and progress of the "Amrit Bharat Trains"
initiative;
(b) the details of the funds sanctioned, allocated and utilised under this
initiative;
(c) the number of trains that have been launched under the Amrit Bharat
Trains scheme so far within Tamil Nadu;
(d) the specific features and improvements introduced in the Amrit
Bharat Trains particularly in terms of passenger comfort, safety and
sustainability;
(e) the measures taken/being taken by the Government to ensure the
smooth operation of these trains in terms of infrastructure, staff
training and technology adoption; and
(f) whether the Government is proposing for expansion of these trains
across the country, if so, the details thereof particularly Tamil Nadu?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)
(a) to (f) Improvement/up-gradation of Rolling Stock to enhance safety
and comfort of passengers is a continuous and ongoing process on Indian
Railways.Indian Railways (IR) has introduced fully non-AC Amrit Bharat trains,
presently comprising 11 General Class coaches, 8 Sleeper Class
coaches, 1 Pantry car and 02 Second class cum Luggage cum Guard Van
& Disabled Friendly Compartment. These trains have been designed and
manufactured to cater to the needs of general public by providing World-
class modern and comfortable rail travel experience to passengers of
Non-AC segment. IR has provisioned for production of 100 Amrit Bharat
Trains.
High Speed, enhanced Safety standards and world class Service are the
hallmarks of these trains with following enhanced features and
amenities:
i. Better aesthetics of seat and berths with enhanced look & feel on
the lines of Vande Bharat Sleeper.
ii. Jerk Free Semi-Automatic Couplers.
iii. Improved Crashworthiness in coaches by provision of crash tube.
iv. Provision of CCTV system in all coaches and Luggage room.
v. Improved designs of toilets.
vi. Improved design of Ladder for ease of climbing on to the berth.
vii. Improved LED Light fitting & Charging Sockets.
viii. Provision of EP assisted braking system.
ix. Aerosol based fire suppression system in toilets and electrical
cubicles.
x. USB Type-A and Type-C mobile charging sockets.
xi. Emergency Talk Back system for two-way communication between
Passenger and Guard/Train Manager.
xii. Non-AC pantry with enhanced heating capacity.xiii. Fully sealed gangways with quick release mechanism for easy
attachment and detachment.
As the Railway network straddles across state boundaries, trains are
introduced across such boundaries as per network requirement. Of the
14 Amrit Bharat Express services operating on the Indian Railways
network, 08 services have been introduced w.e.f 18th July, 2025.
Presently, 13433/13434 SMVT Bengaluru - Malda Town Amrit Bharat
Express caters various stations including Katpadi and Jolarpettai,
located in the State of Tamil Nadu. Besides, introduction of train services
including Amrit Bharat train services is an on-going process on Indian
Railways, subject to traffic justification, operational feasibility,
availability of resources, etc.
Further, Prescribed training at regular intervals is imparted to each and
every maintenance staff to update their knowhow about maintenance
practices and latest technology.
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