Despite the lingering whispers of the holiday season, a different kind of festive buzz filled the Srikakulam railway station. A large troop of smiling schoolchildren, their excitement brimming over, were gathered to greet a special arrival – the maiden voyage of the Amrit Bharat Express, a newly launched Indian Railways train bridging the distance between Malda Town and Bengaluru.
Flagged off virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi just Sunday, the Amrit Bharat Express has sparked a warm welcome across the northern coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh. This superfast service, a brainchild of the Indian Railways, offers a unique blend of affordability and convenience, featuring non-AC sleeper and unreserved coaches.
Compared to the sleek luxury of its air-conditioned cousin, the Vande Bharat Express, the Amrit Bharat Express takes a humbler yet practical approach. Its focus lies on providing a cost-effective travel option, making long-distance journeys accessible to a broader spectrum of the population.
But make no mistake; this is no stripped-down experience. The Amrit Bharat Express comes equipped with all the essential amenities one expects from a modern train journey. Mobile charging points, handy bottle and mobile holders, and even innovative slider-based window glass add a touch of comfort and ease. And for safety and information, each coach boasts CCTV cameras and a passenger information system displaying approaching stations.
But one feature stands out in the pursuit of hygiene: the foot-operated tap located at the base of the sink, an ingenious replacement for the traditional hand faucet. This simple addition allows passengers to activate water flow without direct contact, a welcome innovation in the post-pandemic era.
Catering to diverse needs, the Amrit Bharat Express also offers both Western and Indian-style washrooms onboard. And the praise poured in by a group of Kendriya Vidyalaya School children who experienced the train's clean and neat interiors speaks volumes about its commitment to a pleasant passenger experience.
The train's arrival wasn't met with mere curious glances but with enthusiastic celebration. In Srikakulam, dignitaries like Speaker Tammineni Seetharam and MP K Ramamohan Naidu graced the occasion, alongside BJP district president B Umamaheswar Rao and ADRM Infra Sudhir Kumar Gupta. Similar enthusiastic welcomes awaited the train in Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam, with MLC Pakalapati Raghu Varma, MP GVL Narasimha Rao, and DRM Saurabh Prasad among the esteemed guests.
The Amrit Bharat Express is more than just a new train service; it's a symbol of the Indian Railways' endeavor to bridge the gap between affordability and comfort. By catering to the needs of a wider segment of the population, it promises to democratize travel, making long-distance journeys accessible to millions who were previously priced out.
The excitement of the schoolchildren in Srikakulam, the warm welcomes by dignitaries across Andhra Pradesh, and the positive feedback from early passengers point towards a bright future for the Amrit Bharat Express. This iron steed, fueled by affordability and innovation, has begun its journey, not just on the tracks, but also in the hearts of the people it seeks to serve.