- Indian Railways will remove RAC in the sleeper class on Amrit Bharat trains from January 2026
- Minimum chargeable distances are introduced, with sleeper fares starting at Rs 149 for 200 km
- Amrit Bharat trains offer modern non-AC travel with safety and convenience upgrades
Indian Railways has reworked the rules for its newest Amrit Bharat Express services, bringing changes that directly affect how passengers book tickets and how much they pay. From January 2026, the updated Amrit Bharat trains follow a different approach to reservations and pricing. One of the biggest changes is the removal of RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) in the sleeper class. On these new Amrit Bharat trains, passengers will no longer receive partial confirmations. Tickets will be either fully confirmed or wait-listed from the moment bookings open. For passengers, it also means greater certainty, but fewer chances of travelling on an RAC ticket during busy periods.
At the same time, Indian Railways has introduced minimum chargeable distances. For sleeper class, tickets are charged for a minimum of 200 km, even if the actual journey is shorter. The basic sleeper fare for this distance starts at Rs 149. For second class (unreserved), a minimum charge applies for 50 km, with fares starting at Rs 36. Additional charges such as reservation fees and surcharges apply as usual.
What This Means For Travellers
For passengers, the revised rules mean booking becomes simpler, with no uncertainty around RAC upgrades. Short-distance travellers may pay more due to minimum fare limits. Long-distance passengers get a more predictable and upgraded non-AC travel experience.
As Indian Railways expands both budget and premium offerings, Amrit Bharat now fills a defined middle ground: modern, no-frills travel with clear pricing.
Key Features Of The Amrit Bharat Express
The Amrit Bharat Express has been positioned as a modern, non-AC long-distance train focused on affordability and essential upgrades rather than luxury. Key features include:
- Non-AC configuration: Designed primarily with sleeper class and second-class (unreserved) coaches to keep fares accessible.
- Improved seating and berths: Redesigned for better ergonomics and safety compared to older express trains.
- Upgraded toilets: Better hygiene standards, including improved fittings and water availability.
- Multiple charging points: Mobile and device charging points are provided inside coaches.
- CCTV surveillance: Cameras installed for enhanced passenger safety and security.
- Better lighting and ventilation: Improved coach interiors for night travel.
- Sealed gangways between coaches: Allow safer movement between coaches during the journey.
- Modern coach design: Visually distinct from conventional ICF coaches, with a focus on durability and ease of maintenance.
Amrit Bharat vs Vande Bharat Express: Key Differences
| Feature | Amrit Bharat Express | Vande Bharat Express |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning | Affordable, long-distance mass travel | Premium, faster intercity and long-distance travel |
| Coach Type | Non-AC Sleeper and Second Class (Unreserved) | Fully air-conditioned Chair Car and Sleeper variants |
| Reservation Rules | No RAC in sleeper class; tickets are confirmed or wait-listed | No RAC or wait-list; tickets are confirmed at booking |
| Minimum Fare Rule | Yes — minimum chargeable distance applies (200 km for sleeper) | Yes — higher minimum distance reflecting premium service |
| Fare Level | Lower fares aimed at affordability | Significantly higher fares |
| Speed | Comparable to regular express trains | Faster with fewer halts |
| Onboard Comfort | Functional upgrades such as better berths, toilets, and charging points | Premium interiors, quieter ride, and catering options |
| Amenities Focus | Safety, durability, and essential comfort | Speed, comfort, and service experience |
| Role in Rail Network | Modern replacement for crowded traditional express trains | Flagship premium train category |
In short, Amrit Bharat prioritises affordability and scale, while Vande Bharat prioritises speed and comfort.
New Amrit Bharat Express Routes
Indian Railways has announced the launch of nine additional Amrit Bharat Express services, significantly expanding the network of affordable long-distance trains across the country. These routes are designed to enhance connectivity between distant regions and major cities, linking the Northeast and eastern India with northern, southern, western and central parts of the nation.
The nine new services include:
- Kamakhya-Rohtak Amrit Bharat Express - Connects Assam with Haryana, running through multiple states and offering a weekly link from the Northeast to North India.
- Dibrugarh-Lucknow Amrit Bharat Express - Opens a direct corridor from upper Assam through Nagaland and Bihar to Uttar Pradesh, strengthening ties between remote eastern districts and key northern cities.
- New Jalpaiguri-Nagercoil Amrit Bharat Express - Creates one of the longest north-south connections in the network by linking the foothills of the eastern Himalayas with Tamil Nadu's southern tip.
- New Jalpaiguri-Tiruchirappalli Amrit Bharat Express - Another long-haul service that unites northeastern gateways with central and southern India, passing near major cultural and educational hubs.
- Alipurduar-Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express - Bridges the border districts in northern West Bengal with Bangalore, improving connectivity for passengers travelling between eastern and southern economic centres.
- Alipurduar-Panvel (Mumbai) Amrit Bharat Express - Establishes a broad east-west corridor linking North Bengal with the Mumbai suburban region, benefitting long-distance commuters and travellers.
- Santragachi-Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express - Strengthens east-south rail links by connecting suburban hubs near Kolkata with Tambaram in the Chennai region.
- Howrah-Anand Vihar (Delhi) Amrit Bharat Express - Offers a dependable weekly connection between Kolkata and the National Capital Region.
- Kolkata (Sealdah)-Banaras Amrit Bharat Express - Provides daily service between eastern India and Banaras, enhancing access to key pilgrimage and cultural destinations.
The introduction of these nine services reflects Indian Railways' focus on strengthening long-distance connectivity and catering to growing passenger demand, especially on long corridors that cut across multiple states. These new trains will serve major economic, educational and religious hubs, linking remote and border regions with populous urban centres. Enhanced rail links can improve access to jobs, education, healthcare and tourism opportunities for millions of travellers.
