Indian Railways has introduced the Amrit Bharat Express between Sealdah and New Delhi.
This newly launched service under the ambitious Amrit Bharat scheme aims to bridge regional transit gaps while offering an affordable, efficient, and comfortable travel alternative for millions. Positioned as a semi-premium, non-AC alternative to high-speed trains like Vande Bharat Express, the Amrit Bharat Express is tailored to meet the rising demand for economical intercity mobility across India. The train covers a distance of approximately 1,454 kilometres between Sealdah and New Delhi in around 30 hours, making it one of the more time-efficient options in its category.
Running with train numbers 22325 (Sealdah to New Delhi) and 22326 (New Delhi to Sealdah), the Amrit Bharat Express currently operates bi-weekly, with departures from Sealdah on Mondays and Thursdays and returns from New Delhi on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It has been equipped with LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) push-pull coaches that offer greater safety and stability at higher speeds while ensuring a smoother ride on long-haul journeys. With a maximum speed capacity of 130 km/h and average operational speed around 50 km/h due to multiple halts, the train caters to a diverse passenger base. Its scheduled stoppages include major junctions such as Patna, Prayagraj, Dhanbad, Gaya, and Kanpur, covering densely populated belts and creating better access between eastern India and the national capital.
Fares for the Amrit Bharat Express have been deliberately kept modest to cater to the working-class, students, and low-income groups. A sleeper class ticket from Sealdah to New Delhi is priced under ₹600, while the second sitting class remains even more affordable, reaffirming Indian Railways’ stated goal of “accessible mobility for all.” Experts in the transport sector view the Amrit Bharat series as a pragmatic alternative to India’s high-speed train aspirations, offering a bridge between premium luxury services and overcrowded conventional trains. With its efficient travel time, reduced energy footprint, and cost-accessible fares, this train model is seen as a step towards equitable and environmentally conscious transit infrastructure.
Railway officials also point out that the new design and push-pull configuration significantly reduce travel time by improving acceleration and deceleration rates, thereby eliminating the need for engine reversals and enhancing operational efficiency. The coaches, though non-air-conditioned, are ergonomically designed and fitted with mobile charging points, improved ventilation, bio-toilets, and LED lighting—marking a shift in quality standards for general class travel. As India continues to urbanise and expand its intercity networks, the Amrit Bharat Express is shaping up to be more than just a train—it represents a vision for sustainable, inclusive, and modern rail travel, without leaving behind the masses. It may not have the glamour of high-speed corridors, but it has the potential to revolutionise the backbone of Indian mobility.
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