Context: Recently, the Railway Minister inspected the first Amrit Bharat train, scheduled to be launched on December 30 by the Prime Minister in Ayodhya.

About Amrit Bharat Train

• Amrit Bharat Train: Originally known as Vande Sadharan during the design stage, the Amrit Bharat Train is designed to be a train for the common man, combining features from the Vande Bharat Express.
• Manufacture: At the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. 
• Production: 20 to 30 trains of the Amrit Bharat train model will be produced monthly, following a similar strategy to the Vande Bharat trains. 

Features of Amrit Bharat Train

• It has a high speed potential of 130 kmph with aerodynamically designed locomotives.
• Special attention has been given to designing water-saving toilets. 
• Modified engines for the comfort of loco pilots. 
• It is a non-air-conditioned train, thus the space between the two coaches is fully covered to minimize air pressure. Later, the trains will offer general class configurations extending up to AC-II.
• The general coaches also have cushions for passenger comfort. 
• A specially-designed ramp allows easy wheelchair access.
• Other amenities include charging points and spaces for water bottles.
• Comprising 22 coaches, including 8 general second-class coaches for unreserved passengers, 12 second-class 3-tier sleeper coaches, and two guard compartments.

Technologies Associated with Amrit Bharat Train

• Push-Pull Technology: This technology involves two engines, one at the front and the other at the end of the train. It is equipped with a WAP5 locomotive at each end.
  • While the front engine pulls the train, the rear engine pushes it forward, resulting in improved acceleration and deceleration. 
  • Push–pull is a configuration for locomotive-hauled trains, allowing them to be driven from either end of the train.
• Distributed Power Technology: In this technology, every second or third coach has a motor running on electricity supplied through overhead equipment. Vande Bharat trains are also based on distributed power technology. 
• Semi-Permanent Coupler: This minimizes jerks during the train’s starts and stops, ensuring safer operation. 
  • The new coupler replaces the older technology used in the 1990s, which often caused discomfort to passengers due to jerks.

Continue Reading: Amrit Bharat Express

News Source: ET