India’s Amrit Bharat Express Trains Record Over 100% Occupancy in 2025–26

India’s Amrit Bharat Express services, introduced to provide affordable long-distance rail travel for lower and middle-income passengers, have recorded occupancy levels exceeding 100% during the 2025–26 financial year as of 10 March 2026. The update was shared by Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Lok Sabha. According to the official government release, the services reflect Indian Railways’ efforts to combine affordability with upgraded safety and passenger amenities.

Indian Railways currently operates 60 Amrit Bharat Express services across its national network. These trains are fully non‑air‑conditioned but designed with modern features intended to improve the travel experience while keeping fares accessible for ordinary passengers.

Affordable Non‑AC Trains With Modern Design

The Amrit Bharat service was introduced to provide cost‑effective transport for a large segment of India’s population. Each train typically includes 11 general class coaches, eight sleeper class coaches, one pantry car and two luggage‑cum‑divyangjan (persons with disabilities) coaches.

Routes connect multiple regions across the country, including services between cities such as Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Saharsa, Gaya and Delhi, Darbhanga and Anand Vihar Terminal, and SMVT Bengaluru and Malda Town. The services link major population centres with regional hubs, supporting mobility for work, education and family travel.

Southern Railway alone operates 14 of these services, including routes such as Tambaram–Santragachi, Tambaram–Thiruvananthapuram Central, Nagercoil–Mangaluru Junction, and New Jalpaiguri–Tiruchirappalli.

High Occupancy Reflects Passenger Demand

According to the ministry, passenger demand for the trains has been strong. Occupancy levels exceeded 100% during 2025–26 up to 10 March 2026, indicating that many services operate at full capacity with wait‑listed passengers.

Officials note that timetable rationalisation and service adjustments remain an ongoing process across the Indian Railways network. Operational feasibility, traffic patterns and service requirements are continually assessed to optimise routes and scheduling.

Safety and Passenger Comfort Features

Amrit Bharat Express trains incorporate several design and safety upgrades aimed at improving passenger comfort while maintaining non‑AC affordability.

• Enhanced interiors: Seats and berths designed with improved aesthetics similar to those used in Vande Bharat sleeper coaches.
• Semi‑automatic couplers: Shock‑absorbing couplers help reduce jerks between coaches.
• Crash safety: Crash tubes are installed to improve safety in the event of collisions.
• CCTV surveillance: Cameras are installed in all coaches to strengthen onboard security.
• Improved toilet design: Redesigned facilities aim to enhance cleanliness and usability.
• Passenger amenities: LED lighting, charging sockets and improved ladders for easier access to upper berths.
• Emergency communication: A talk‑back system enables two‑way communication between passengers and the train manager.
• Fire safety systems: Aerosol‑based fire suppression systems are installed in toilets and electrical compartments.
• Modern braking: EP‑assisted braking systems improve operational safety.
• USB charging ports: Both Type‑A and Type‑C charging points are provided.

These upgrades reflect a broader push by Indian Railways to modernise passenger services while retaining affordable travel options. The wider transformation of the rail system increasingly incorporates digital and emerging technologies, as seen in initiatives where AI and advanced technologies are being used to improve the rail travel experience.

Such infrastructure investments align with India’s broader technology and innovation agenda, highlighted in national policy priorities supporting digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies outlined in recent government budget initiatives focused on AI, semiconductors and IT development.