Chennai: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the launch of Amrit Bharat 2.0, an initiative aimed at making train travel affordable for all, including low-income groups.

Speaking at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, he emphasized the program's foundation on the success of Amrit Bharat 1.0 and the Vande Bharat trains with sleeper facilities.

Highlighting 12 key features, including semi-automatic coach couplers, modern toilets, robust seating, emergency call systems, and advanced fire detection mechanisms, the minister underscored their safety and comfort benefits for passengers.

Additionally, the coaches boast mobile chargers, durable materials, and continuous lighting akin to Vande Bharat.

The government plans to produce 50 such coaches over the next two years, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "All join, all rise." The initiative promises enhanced travel experiences for long-distance passengers at minimal costs.

Vaishnaw also addressed advancements in safety, revealing that accident prevention systems have been installed in 10,000 locomotives. He highlighted a recent innovation in bolt design to prevent tampering.

During his visit, the minister inspected a railway wheel manufacturing facility in Tiruvallur District, a "Make in India" venture set to begin production by 2026.

The wheels, designed for both domestic and export markets, reflect India's growing self-reliance in the railway sector.