No longer just non-AC train: Indian Railways' first Amrit Bharat Express 3.0 with AC coaches hits tracks between Delhi and Patna to ease Chhath Puja rush

Indian Railways has introduced its first Amrit Bharat Express 3.0 train featuring air-conditioned (AC) coaches, with the new service operating between New Delhi and Patna to accommodate the surge in passenger traffic during Chhath Puja. The special train departed from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) for Patna Junction (PNBE) at midnight on November 11. Manufactured by Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF), the upgraded trainset brings together AC and non-AC accommodation, giving passengers a wider choice of travel options.

According to Northern Railway, the latest version has been developed with the requirements of ordinary and middle-income passengers in mind. Along with upgraded passenger amenities, the train incorporates push-pull technology intended to improve acceleration and make journeys more comfortable.

The introduction comes amid heavy passenger movement from Delhi towards Bihar and other parts of eastern India for Chhath Puja, one of the most widely observed festivals in the region.


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Amrit Bharat Express 3.0: What is new in the first AC version?

The latest Amrit Bharat Express marks an upgrade to the train's earlier configuration by incorporating both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned coaches.

The train has been designed to offer improved onboard facilities, including comfortable seating arrangements, an upgraded suspension system, modern toilet facilities and mobile charging points.

It also uses push-pull technology, which allows locomotives positioned at both ends of the train to assist with acceleration. This arrangement is intended to improve operational efficiency and provide a smoother journey.

Northern Railway said the special service would help accommodate the increased demand for travel between Delhi and Bihar during the Chhath festival.

Delhi-Patna Amrit Bharat Express 3.0: Complete coach composition

The new Amrit Bharat Express 3.0 has a total of 22 coaches, with a combination of different accommodation classes.

The coach composition is as follows:

• 6 Third AC coaches
• 2 Second AC coaches
• 1 First AC coach
• 6 Sleeper Class coaches
• 4 General coaches
• 1 Pantry car
• 1 Power car
• 1 Divyangjan-cum-Guard Brake Van

The inclusion of First AC, Second AC and Third AC coaches is a notable change, as the train now caters to passengers seeking air-conditioned accommodation alongside those opting for sleeper and general class travel.

Chhath Puja rush: Heavy passenger movement at Delhi railway stations

The introduction of the special Amrit Bharat service comes as railway stations in the national capital witness increased crowds ahead of Chhath Puja.

Anand Vihar railway station also saw a considerable rush of passengers on Thursday morning, with many travelling to their hometowns to celebrate the festival with their families.

The annual festival, which is observed with great devotion in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country, sees a significant movement of migrant workers and families from major cities towards their native places.

Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar said Chhath Puja had grown beyond its traditional geographical reach and was now celebrated across the country.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Gangwar said the festival was no longer restricted to two or three states. He also spoke about the demanding nature of the fast, during which devotees offer prayers while standing in water.

He extended his greetings to people observing the festival across Bihar, Jharkhand and other states.

Delhi's 11-km Chhath Ghat along Munak Canal to be inaugurated

Meanwhile, the Delhi government is preparing to dedicate an approximately 11-km-long Chhath Ghat along the Munak Canal to devotees on Thursday.

The facility, being developed along both banks of the canal, is being presented as the national capital's longest Chhath Ghat. The project is also being described as a first-of-its-kind initiative to create a large-scale Chhath celebration space along a canal.

The inauguration programme is scheduled to take place in the afternoon near Labour Chowk, close to Singalpur village in Shalimar Bagh.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said her government had changed the condition of the Munak Canal area within a year, adding that the stretch had remained neglected for several years.

The new ghat is expected to provide devotees with a dedicated space to perform Chhath rituals in the capital, particularly during the festival's evening and morning offerings to the Sun God.