Kolkata : In a momentous occasion marked by enthusiasm and pride, Indian Railways proudly launched two Amrit Bharat Trains between Darbhanga – Ayodhya Dham Jn. – Anand Vihar Terminal and Malda Town -Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminus (Bengaluru) with six New Vande Bharat Trains. The inaugural run witnessed the esteemed presence and virtual inauguration by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, who flagged off the Malda Town – M. Visvesvaraya Terminus (Bengaluru) Amrit Bharat Express train through a video conferencing from Ayodhya on December 30, 2023, ushering in a new era of connectivity and convenience for the people of Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Barddhaman, Hooghly, Midnapur in West Bengal.
The Malda Town – Bengaluru route promises to connect local communities to Bengaluru’s vibrant opportunities. Local residents of Malda along with some other districts of West Bengal now have a streamlined and efficient means to travel to Bengaluru for medical treatments, pursue education in prestigious institutions, and explore employment opportunities in the IT sector. The train service symbolizes progress, accessibility, and the government’s commitment to enhancing the lives of its citizens.
The Amrit Bharat Express, a product of Make in India innovation, signifies a significant leap forward in modernizing train travel, boasting features designed for speed, efficiency, comfort, and affordability. Notable among these, the key features are as follows :
• Utilization of two WAP-5 Locomotives at the front and rear ends (push-pull configuration) to ensure efficient acceleration and to eliminate the need of switching the locomotive at stations, thereby reducing the travel time.
• The Amrit Bharat Express consist of 21 Non-AC coaches with the configuration 02 Second class luggage Rake (SLRD), 07 General seating coach (GS) and 12 Sleeper class coach (SCN). These coaches have a sealed gangway to provide safe transition between coaches and to reduce noise and vibrations.
• Innovative exterior colour scheme
• Jerk free Semi Permanent Coupler
• Aerodynamically designed WAP5 Locomotives.
• MU Control couplers on end walls for push pull operation.
• Jerk free semi permanent coupler.
• Sealed vestibule gangway.
• ACP Panelling with extrusions with anti vibration measures.
• Improved and aesthetically pleasing lighting
• CCTV in luggage Room with monitor in Guard Room
• Ramp for disabled person
• Upgraded Coach Interior
• Foldable snack table
• Mobile Charger with suitable holder
• Foldable bottle holder
• Aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically designed Seat & berth
• Improved Luggage rack
• Radium Illumination Flooring strip
• FDB shifted to one side and placed behind openable mirror frame
• Standalone Passenger Announcement & Public Information System
• PA system operated by Guard
• CCTV surveillance for safe travel
• 22 Coach rake formation
• Speed potential: 130 Kmph
• Seating Capacity: 1834 passengers.
• The air-conditioned driver’s cabins at both ends prioritize the crew’s comfort and safety.
• Detail in toilet design reflects a dedication to continuous improvement, with a system that minimizes water wastage, contributing to the conservation of our precious natural resources.
• Ergonomically designed seats and the implementation of the Kavach system not only enhance the crew’s experience but also elevate safety standards.
• Fully cushioned upper tiers in General Coaches exemplify the commitment to a pleasant travel experience.
• Tap at wash basins in the toilets are foot operated for convenience of the passengers vis-à-vis minimum wastage of water.
• Electro-pneumatic pressurize flush system has been installed in this train. Electric push button has been provided for instant water flushing. Glowing green light of electric push button indicated readiness of system for flushing. This system saves water. Maximum water consumption is 1.5 Ltr/flush.
The inaugural run witnessed the esteemed presence and speeches of local dignitaries, Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury, MP, Khagen Murmu, MP, and Sreerupa Mitra Chaudhury, MLA at Malda Town Station. Vikash Chaube, Divisional Railway Manager/ Malda and all divisional branch officers and officers from Headquarters were present for coordination and seamless inaugural run.
Their support and commitment to development were evident as they joined the virtual inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Surendrajeet Singh Ahluwalia, MP, injects vitality and fervor into this historic journey from Barddhaman station, accompanied by Sanjeev Kumar, Divisional Railway Manager/ Howrah.
The train received a warm welcome from local, especially school students and youth during the inaugural run from Malda to Bengaluru. The key stations in Eastern Railway zone viz New Farakka, Rampurhat, Bolpur Shantiniketan, Barddhaman and Dankuni in Eastern Railway’s jurisdiction. In addition to these, Kharagpur, Andul and Belda stations are also included in West Bengal.
Local cultural programme was organised at Bolpur Shantiniketan, Barddhaman and Dankuni stations for welcoming the Malda Town – Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminus (Bengaluru) Amrit Bharat train.
Kausik Mitra, Chief Public Relations Officer/ Eastern Railway expresses his gratitude to all stakeholders, passengers of Eastern Railway for their support in making the inaugural run of Malda Town – Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminus (Bengaluru) Amrit Bharat Express a reality. Furthermore, he added that such initiative marks a step towards a more connected and prosperous India.
