Southern Railway plans Amrit Bharat Express from TN to Kashmir
Green light for locos to run at 130 km/hr
The AB express will operate on heavily congested routes, improving interstate connectivity, particularly for migrant workers. The Southern Railway has been allocated two rakes of the Amrit Bharat train, with the first one likely to be introduced on the Shalimar route, while the second rake’s route is yet to be finalised.
In this backdrop, the Railway Board last month directed the transfer of four WAP-5 locomotives from Ghaziabad’s loco shed (Northern Railway) to the Royapuram electric loco shed. These locomotives, capable of operating at speeds of up to 160 kmph, have been cleared to run at 130 kmph, ensuring efficient and timely service.
Currently, the Himsagar Express operates from Kanniyakumari to Katra, covering a distance of 3,785 kilometres and serving pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi Temple.
The new 327-kilometre single railway line from Jammu Tawi to Baramulla, passing through Udhampur, Katra, Banihal, Qazigund and Srinagar, will provide direct rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley from the rest of the country.
Introduced in 2024, the Amrit Bharat Express consists of 22 coaches, including 12 sleeper coaches, eight general coaches and two luggage coaches. The prototype of the AB rake, which underwent 12 major upgrades, was unveiled by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in January this year at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai.
Key enhancements include semi-automatic couplers, modular toilets, ergonomic seats and berths, emergency talk-back systems and a continuous lighting system similar to that of Vande Bharat trains.
Additionally, the train features advanced pantry car designs, technology-based water level indicators and external emergency lights to ensure passenger safety and comfort during emergencies such as derailments or accidents.
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