In its inaugural run, the Amrit Bharat Express received praise from a diverse group of passengers, including a septuagenarian monk, a patient, and migrant laborers. Divyanath, a monk en route to Puri Jagannath Temple, expressed his delight while boarding the train at Bardhaman station in West Bengal. Having traveled extensively across the country, he marveled at the new coach, highlighting the evolution of travel over the decades.
Accompanying his wife for medical reasons, motor mechanic Amit Bairagi considered himself fortunate to secure a spot on the Amrit Bharat Express. He emphasized the urgency of reaching Bengaluru for his wife’s treatment and appreciated the train’s comfortable facilities.
Migrant laborers, including Tony Mondal and his companions, received free passes for the inaugural run. They described the experience as magnificent, praising the train’s modern amenities compared to the challenges faced in general compartments of other trains.
The Amrit Bharat Express, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, boasts features such as radium-illuminated flooring, CCTV surveillance, mobile charging points, and ergonomic toilets. South Eastern Railway spokesperson Aditya Kumar Chaudhary mentioned plans to assess passenger demand and potentially increase the train’s frequency and introduce AC coaches.
The train, with 22 non-AC coaches, is set to start its commercial run on January 7. The two WAP-5 locomotives, designed for faster acceleration, eliminate the need to switch locomotives at stations.
By PTI
