On Friday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the introduction of 12 significant improvements in the Amrit Bharat Version 2.0 trains. These enhancements are part of the ongoing efforts to modernize and upgrade Indian Railways, following the launch of the first version by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2024.
Key Features of Amrit Bharat Version 2.0 Trains
The new version of the Amrit Bharat trains comes with several upgrades designed to enhance passenger comfort and convenience. The key improvements include:
- Semi-Automatic Couplers: Improving safety and operational efficiency.
- Modular Toilets: Offering better hygiene and maintenance.
- Ergonomic Seats and Berths: Ensuring greater comfort for passengers.
- Emergency Talk-Back Systems: Enhancing communication during emergencies.
- Continuous Lighting System: Similar to the Vande Bharat trains, ensuring consistent lighting.
- Advanced Pantry Car Designs: Providing better food service options.
Affordability and Comfort for All
Vaishnaw emphasized that the new Amrit Bharat 2.0 trains are designed to cater to low and middle-income families. The trains offer affordable, long-distance travel with additional features such as:
- Charging Points
- Mobile Holders
- Water Bottle Slots
These features are available even in general coaches, ensuring a comfortable experience for all passengers.
Manufacturing and Progress
The Railway Minister also announced that 50 Amrit Bharat 2.0 trains will be manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) over the next two years. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of manufacturing and highlighted that these upgrades were based on feedback from one year of operations of the original Amrit Bharat trains.
Pamban Bridge Clarification
Addressing concerns about the historic Pamban Bridge, Vaishnaw clarified that the bridge design adheres to the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) standards. The design also incorporates insights from international experts. He reassured the public that the bridge had received clearance from the Commissioner of Railway Safety and is a once-in-a-lifetime project.
Call for Collaboration in Infrastructure Development
The Railway Minister called for greater collaboration between the central and state governments, particularly urging Tamil Nadu to support land acquisition for railway projects. He stressed that public welfare should take precedence over politics, as joint efforts could significantly enhance public infrastructure and services.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. How many significant improvements were introduced in Amrit Bharat Version 2.0 trains?
- a) 10
- b) 12
- c) 15
- d) 20
- Answer: b) 12
2. Where will the 50 Amrit Bharat 2.0 trains be manufactured?
- a) Mumbai Railway Factory
- b) Integral Coach Factory (ICF)
- c) Chennai Railway Factory
- d) Delhi Rail Works
- Answer: b) Integral Coach Factory (ICF)
3. What feature in the Amrit Bharat 2.0 trains ensures consistent lighting similar to Vande Bharat trains?
- a) LED Lights
- b) Solar Panels
- c) Continuous Lighting System
- d) Emergency Lighting System
- Answer: c) Continuous Lighting System
4. Which of the following is NOT one of the upgrades in Amrit Bharat Version 2.0 trains?
- a) Semi-Automatic Couplers
- b) Modular Toilets
- c) Wi-Fi in General Coaches
- d) Advanced Pantry Car Designs
- Answer: c) Wi-Fi in General Coaches
5. What did Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw urge Tamil Nadu to support for railway projects?
- a) Financial Funding
- b) Land Acquisition
- c) Manufacturing Facilities
- d) Technological Expertise
- Answer: b) Land Acquisition