India’s rail tourism sector is poised for a breakthrough as Indian Railways introduces Amrit Bharat 3.0—a revolutionary trainset that promises comfort, affordability, and enhanced reach across the country. Developed at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, the mixed-class design integrates Air-Conditioned (AC) and Non-AC coaches to serve diverse budgets and preferences.
Building on the success of Amrit Bharat 1.0 and 2.0, launched in 2023, this upgraded variant aims to deliver a superior travel experience without compromising accessibility. The earlier versions were known for innovations like modular bio-vacuum toilets, semi-automatic couplers, continuous interior lighting akin to Vande Bharat trains, mobile charging facilities, emergency talk-back systems, sleek seating, and fire detection systems. Amrit Bharat 3.0 retains these features while adding AC options and enhancing overall passenger comfort.
As of August 2025, eight Amrit Bharat trains are already operating on vital corridors—from Darbhanga to Anand Vihar Terminal, Malda Town to SMVT Bengaluru, Mumbai LTT to Saharsa, and more—linking secondary towns to key metros and cultural hubs. With Amrit Bharat 3.0, Indian Railways plans to ramp up production, aiming for 100 trainsets to be launched in phases starting later this year.
The introduction of AC coaches at sleeper-class prices marks a pivotal step in democratizing rail tourism. Budget-conscious travelers can now opt for a more comfortable ride, while remote and underserved regions gain better access to tourism circuits—pilgrimage centers, heritage towns, and coastal escapes—without high travel costs.
Environmentally, Amrit Bharat 3.0 underscores a commitment to sustainable tourism. Its design emphasizes energy-efficiency, eco-friendly amenities, and optimized capacity to reduce per-passenger carbon footprint, aligning with India’s ‘Green Railways’ goals.
Rail Tourism and Regional Growth Boost
Affordable, comfortable, and eco-conscious travel is expected to spur domestic tourism significantly. Regions around Darbhanga, Malda, Gomti Nagar, Saharsa, and Sitamarhi could see a surge in visitor inflow, positively impacting local economies, handicrafts, hospitality services, and cultural experiences.
Seamless Connectivity and Passenger Value
The mixed-coach setup allows travelers to choose comfort without steep prices, appealing to families, senior citizens, and middle-income groups. Pantries, modern seating, gangways, external lighting, and safety enhancements promise smoother journeys.
ICF Chennai at the Helm
ICF’s General Manager, U Subba Rao, announced on Independence Day 2025 that the 3.0 trainsets are being engineered with feedback from previous versions to deliver both innovation and affordability. This confidently ushers in a new era of inclusive rail travel infrastructure across India.
Aligned with Broader Railway Modernization
Amrit Bharat 3.0 complements the nationwide Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which has seen over 1,300 stations earmarked for modernization since 2023. To date, 103 redeveloped stations were inaugurated in May 2025 with amenities such as climate-controlled areas, escalators, lifts, digital signage, and architectural motifs reflecting local culture. Key examples include Haibargaon station in Assam—gateway to Kaziranga—and Darbhanga Junction in Bihar, slated for a ₹340 crore overhaul featuring modern concourses, escalators, solar energy, and rainwater harvesting to become a regional tourism magnet.
Looking Ahead
As Amrit Bharat 3.0 trains enter service, India’s rail tourism is set for a sweeping transformation. The harmony of budget fares, modern comforts, and eco-sensitivity will broaden travel access, encourage cultural exploration, and enhance regional integration.
By making train journeys both aspirational and attainable, Amrit Bharat 3.0 exemplifies how smart, inclusive transport design can elevate tourism and national connectivity—empowering citizens across demographics to explore India with greater ease, pride, and sustainability.
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