What is the Amrit Bharat Express?
The Amrit Bharat Express is a new class of superfast train introduced by Indian Railways to serve long-distance routes with high passenger traffic. Designed as an affordable travel option for the common person, these trains are fully non-air-conditioned,
featuring sleeper and unreserved general seating coaches. What sets them apart is the use of 'push-pull' technology, with a locomotive at each end. This allows for faster acceleration and deceleration, significantly reducing travel time compared to conventional trains on the same routes. The primary goal is to provide a faster, more comfortable, and budget-friendly journey on busy corridors like Delhi to Gorakhpur.
Schedule and Key Stoppages
A special service on this route has been regularised into a weekly Amrit Bharat Express. Train No. 15095 departs from Gorakhpur Junction (GKP) every Thursday at 10:45 PM and is scheduled to arrive at Old Delhi (DLI) at 12:50 PM the next day. For the return journey, Train No. 15096 departs from Old Delhi every Friday at 2:10 PM, reaching Gorakhpur at 6:30 AM the following morning. The journey covers approximately 780 kilometres in about 14 to 16 hours. Major intermediate stops on this route include Ghaziabad, Moradabad, Bareilly, Sitapur, Gonda, Basti, and Khalilabad, providing crucial connectivity to several towns.
Onboard Amenities and Experience
The Amrit Bharat trains are designed with passenger comfort in mind. The LHB coaches are equipped with improved seating and berths, mobile charging sockets for every passenger, and foldable snack tables. For better hygiene, the trains feature modern bio-vacuum toilets with sensor-based taps and soap dispensers. Safety is enhanced with CCTV cameras in all coaches, fully sealed gangways for jerk-free travel, and an aerosol-based fire suppression system. The coaches also have a public information system to announce stations and other important updates, similar to Vande Bharat trains. One Divyangjan-friendly toilet is also available in a sleeper coach.
Fare Structure and How to Book
True to its aim of being an affordable service, the Amrit Bharat Express offers travel in non-AC Sleeper (SL) and General Unreserved (GS) classes. Fares are designed to be budget-friendly, though they are typically about 15-17% higher than the equivalent class on standard Mail/Express trains due to the enhanced speed and amenities. Tickets can be booked through the official IRCTC website and mobile app or at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters at railway stations. For unreserved coaches, tickets can be purchased at the station before travel. Given the high demand on this route, it is always advisable to book your tickets well in advance, especially for sleeper class.
Tips for a Comfortable Journey
To make your travel on the Amrit Bharat Express as smooth as possible, a little planning goes a long way. Arrive at the station well ahead of the scheduled departure, particularly if you are traveling in an unreserved coach, to find a comfortable spot. Pack essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank, although the train is equipped with charging points and a pantry car. Since it is an overnight journey, carrying a light blanket or bedsheet for sleeper class can enhance comfort. Always check the official National Train Enquiry System (NTES) for any real-time updates on the train's schedule before you leave for the station.
