Understanding the Amrit Bharat Express
The Amrit Bharat Express is a new class of long-distance train designed to provide an upgraded and faster travel experience for passengers in non-AC sleeper and general unreserved coaches. It targets high-density routes, aiming to serve migrant workers
and budget-conscious travellers. A key feature is its 'push-pull' technology, with locomotives at both ends of the train. This allows for quicker acceleration and deceleration, significantly reducing travel time compared to conventional mail or express trains. The trains are designed for a maximum speed of 130 km/h, making them a faster alternative for affordable travel.
Route, Schedule, and Timings
A new weekly Amrit Bharat service has been regularised to connect Delhi and Gorakhpur, providing a crucial link between the national capital and eastern Uttar Pradesh. The journey from Delhi departs from Old Delhi station (DLI) and terminates at Gorakhpur Junction (GKP).
Train No. 15096 departs from Delhi Junction every Friday at 2:10 PM and is scheduled to arrive at Gorakhpur Junction at 6:30 AM the next morning. The reverse journey, Train No. 15095, leaves Gorakhpur Junction on Thursdays at 10:45 PM, reaching Delhi Junction at 12:50 PM the following day. The total journey covers approximately 726 to 780 kilometres in about 14 to 16 hours. Major stops along this route include Ghaziabad, Moradabad, Bareilly, Sitapur, Gonda, Basti, and Khalilabad. As schedules can be updated, it is always wise to verify the latest timings on the official Indian Railways website or the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) before your trip.
Coach Classes and Expected Fares
The Amrit Bharat Express is composed primarily of non-AC coaches, offering two main classes: Sleeper (SL) and General (GS) unreserved compartments. The train is designed with a focus on affordability. While fares are subject to dynamic pricing and should be checked at the time of booking, the cost for a sleeper class ticket is generally economical. For reference, Amrit Bharat fares are typically around 15-17% higher than conventional mail/express trains due to the enhanced speed and amenities but remain a budget-friendly option. There is no pantry car on this specific route, so passengers should plan to carry their own food and water or purchase them at station halts.
Onboard Amenities and Comfort
Passengers can expect a significant upgrade in comfort compared to older non-AC trains. The coaches feature improved, cushioned berths and seats, better ventilation, and modern, streamlined LED lighting. For convenience, each passenger has access to mobile charging sockets, often with both USB-A and C-type ports, and foldable snack tables and bottle holders. The coaches are connected by fully sealed gangways, which reduce noise and offer a jerk-free experience. The bio-vacuum toilets are a major improvement, featuring modern fittings, automatic soap dispensers, and better hygiene standards. Safety features include CCTV cameras in coaches, an aerosol-based fire suppression system, and radium-illuminated flooring for better visibility at night.
How to Book Your Tickets
Booking a ticket for the Amrit Bharat Express is straightforward. For Sleeper class, you can reserve your seat in advance through the official Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website or its mobile app, Rail Connect. Tickets can also be booked at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters at any major railway station. For General class, tickets are unreserved and can be purchased from the station's ticket counters or through the UTS mobile app shortly before your journey. It is advisable to book sleeper tickets well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, as they tend to fill up quickly.
