By Kavita Mistry 
In a significant move to enhance budget rail travel, Indian Railways has launched the first Amrit Bharat Express from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Mumbai, to Saharsa, Bihar. This non-AC, push-pull express is part of Indian Railways’ effort to modernise sleeper-class travel with improved safety and comfort features.
What is Amrit Bharat Express?
The train is one of 50 new push-pull express trains being manufactured at Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, and among just three currently operational in India. Its design includes:
- Bidirectional operation using two locomotives (one at each end)
- No locomotive reversal needed, reducing delays
- Modern, vestibule-style sleeper coaches
- Maximum Speed: 130 kmph
Features Onboard
The Amrit Bharat Express coaches come with several upgrades:
- LED lighting
- CCTV surveillance
- Ergonomic luggage racks
- Mobile charging points
- Enhanced ventilation
These features aim to provide dignified, efficient travel for passengers in unreserved and sleeper categories.
Route Details: LTT to Saharsa
The train runs via:
- Samastipur
- Muzaffarpur
- Danapur
- Buxar
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (formerly Mughalsarai)
However, this routing has faced significant criticism from commuters and transport activists.
Why the Backlash?
Activists argue the train is redundant on an already saturated Mumbai–Bihar corridor and misses key intra-state and southern routes that desperately need such services.
According to Pune-based commuter Piyush Sangapurkar, deploying Amrit Bharat on corridors like Kolhapur–Nagpur or Pune–Amravati would save up to 2 hours by eliminating 4+ locomotive reversals. These routes connect vital cities and pilgrimage centers and run at over 200% occupancy, yet still rely on outdated rail configurations.
Congestion Concerns in Mumbai
Activists also warn the new train may clash with Mumbai’s suburban network, especially between Kasara, Kalyan, and Thane. “Authorities cite congestion as a reason to deny restoring intra-Maharashtra services, yet introduce long-haul trains that add pressure,” says activist Akshay Mahapadi.
Missed Opportunity on Southern Routes
Despite fully electrified and double-tracked lines from Mumbai to Bengaluru and Chennai, no Amrit Bharat or Vande Bharat sleeper services operate on these routes. These corridors could support 130 kmph trains but remain stuck at average speeds of just 56 kmph, often taking 22+ hours to complete journeys.
The launch of Amrit Bharat Express represents progress in budget rail innovation—but also highlights persistent gaps in resource allocation, regional equity, and modernisation priorities across India’s railway network.