Why the Creator of Vande Bharat Feels Let Down by the Indian Railways’ Amrit Bharat Train Hype

The Indian Railways is on a mission to launch 100 Amrit Bharat trains. These will be non-AC sleeper trains designed to serve those who might not afford the current travel options. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated four of these trains in Bihar, bringing the total to seven across India.

Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw mentioned that these trains aim to offer affordable travel for lower-income groups. They align with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” meaning “together with all, for the development of all.” The goal is to enhance the travel experience for long-distance journeys.

Currently, Amrit Bharat trains connect major cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. However, not everyone is optimistic about this new initiative. Sudhanshu Mani, a former General Manager of ICF Chennai, argues against the idea of non-AC sleeper trains. He believes that in an economically advancing India, it’s important to offer better travel conditions, particularly for low-income individuals.

Mani suggests that the focus should shift to providing air-conditioned options at affordable prices, similar to the Garib Rath Express. He points out that as India develops, the goal should be for everyone to experience comfortable travel, regardless of their economic status.

He further expresses concern that if non-AC trains remain operational even in a developed India, it would contradict the progress aimed for by 2047. Mani believes the railways could manage to offer AC travel at prices similar to current non-AC options. This way, they would not only enhance the experience for lower-income passengers but could also increase revenue by attracting more travelers willing to pay for quicker, more comfortable rides.

Recent statistics show that train travel remains one of the most affordable options in India, with many preferring it over air travel for long distances. A 2022 survey indicated that more than 70% of respondents favored train services due to their cost-effectiveness and accessibility. Improving these services could lead to a significant boost in ridership.

Ultimately, while the Amrit Bharat trains strive to serve their purpose, the debate continues about how best to evolve India’s rail services to meet the needs of its citizens.



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