Travelling By Amrit Bharat Express? Changed Rules You Must Know Before Boarding The Train

Indian Railways has revised the operating and fare structure of its Amrit Bharat Express services, introducing changes that directly affect ticket booking, pricing and travel certainty.

From January 2026, the updated rules aim to bring clarity for passengers while positioning Amrit Bharat as a modern, affordable long-distance train category focused on essential upgrades rather than premium features.

No RAC In Sleeper Class, Clearer Booking Outcomes

One of the most significant changes is the removal of RAC, or Reservation Against Cancellation, in the sleeper class. On the new Amrit Bharat Express services, tickets will now be issued only as fully confirmed or wait-listed right from the opening of bookings. Partial confirmations will no longer be available.

For passengers, this means greater certainty about travel plans, as there will be no ambiguity around RAC upgrades closer to the journey date. However, it also reduces flexibility during peak travel periods, when RAC tickets earlier allowed some chance of travel despite heavy demand.

Minimum Fare Distance Introduced For Short Journeys

Indian Railways has also introduced minimum chargeable distances for Amrit Bharat fares. In sleeper class, passengers will be charged for a minimum distance of 200 km, even if the actual journey is shorter. The base sleeper fare for this distance starts at Rs 149.

For second class unreserved travel, a minimum fare applies for 50 km, with ticket prices starting at Rs 36. Reservation charges, superfast surcharges and other applicable fees continue to apply as per existing railway norms.

While long-distance travellers benefit from predictable pricing, passengers travelling shorter distances may see slightly higher fares due to the minimum charge rule.

What Amrit Bharat Offers Compared To Other Trains

The Amrit Bharat Express has been positioned as a non-AC, long-distance train designed for mass travel with improved basic amenities. The coaches primarily consist of sleeper class and second class unreserved compartments to keep fares affordable.

Key features include improved seating and berths with better ergonomics, upgraded toilets with improved hygiene standards, multiple mobile charging points, CCTV surveillance for safety, better lighting and ventilation, sealed gangways between coaches, and a modern coach design distinct from older ICF trains.

Unlike the Vande Bharat Express, which focuses on speed, air-conditioned comfort and premium services, Amrit Bharat prioritises affordability, durability and essential comfort. While Vande Bharat trains operate at higher speeds with fewer halts and higher fares, Amrit Bharat runs at speeds comparable to regular express trains and caters to longer corridors with heavy passenger demand.

Nine New Amrit Bharat Routes To Expand Long-Distance Connectivity

Indian Railways has announced nine new Amrit Bharat Express services, significantly expanding the network across eastern, northeastern, northern, southern and western India. These routes are designed to improve long-distance connectivity and link remote and border regions with major economic, educational and religious centres.

The new services include Kamakhya to Rohtak, Dibrugarh to Lucknow, New Jalpaiguri to Nagercoil, New Jalpaiguri to Tiruchirappalli, Alipurduar to Bengaluru, Alipurduar to Panvel, Santragachi to Tambaram, Howrah to Anand Vihar in Delhi, and Kolkata Sealdah to Banaras.

These routes cut across multiple states and offer weekly or daily connections on some of the busiest long-distance corridors. The expansion reflects Indian Railways' focus on meeting rising passenger demand while offering a modern, no-frills alternative to traditional express trains.

By strengthening links between distant regions and major cities, the new Amrit Bharat services are expected to improve access to jobs, education, healthcare and tourism for millions of travellers across the country.