In an important step to make long-distance train travel more comfortable and well-managed, Indian Railways has officially announced the Amrit Bharat II Express fare structure for 2026. These new rules and fares have been approved and shared by the Railway Board and will come into effect from January 2026, when the second-generation Amrit Bharat Express trains start running across different railway zones in India.
The main goal behind the Amrit Bharat Express train’s new fare structure is very clear—provide affordable tickets while improving comfort, safety, and travel experience for long-distance passengers. With this change, Indian Railways is slowly moving towards better planning, less crowding, and smoother journeys, especially for people travelling between states.
What Is Amrit Bharat II Express?
The Amrit Bharat II Express is a non-AC, long-distance train service specially designed for common passengers who want better facilities at reasonable prices. These trains use push-pull technology, which means locomotives are attached at both ends of the train. Because of this, the train can speed up and slow down faster than regular express trains, helping reduce total travel time.
Even though the train remains affordable, the Amrit Bharat II Express fare structure 2026 introduces some new booking rules to make sure that long-distance travelers get priority and better comfort.
Amrit Bharat II Express Fare Structure 2026 Explained in Simple Words
Under the Amrit Bharat train fare structure 2026, the base ticket prices have not increased much. Instead, Indian Railways has changed how minimum distances are charged, especially for Sleeper class passengers.
Minimum Distance and Basic Fare Details
| Class | Minimum Distance | Basic Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeper Class | 200 km | ₹149 |
| Second Class (Unreserved) | 50 km | ₹36 |
Important to know:
These fares are only basic fares. Reservation charges, superfast charges, and other fees will be added separately. The final ticket price will be rounded off as per existing railway rules.
This means that if you book a Sleeper class ticket, you must pay for at least 200 km, even if you are travelling a shorter distance.
Why Minimum Distance Rule Was Introduced
One major reason for the Amrit Bharat II Express fare structure in 2026 is to reduce overcrowding in sleeper coaches. Earlier, many short-distance passengers used Sleeper class, which made long journeys uncomfortable.
By fixing:
200 km minimum distance for Sleeper class
50 km minimum distance for Second class
Indian Railways wants sleeper coaches to be mainly used by passengers travelling longer distances. This helps ensure peaceful travel and less crowding.
Big Change: No RAC Tickets in Sleeper Class
One of the biggest and most talked-about changes in the Amrit Bharat Express train’s new fare structure is the removal of RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation).
What This Means for Passengers
No more sharing a berth with another passenger
Every confirmed Sleeper ticket gets one full berth
If berths are full, passengers will go directly to the waiting list
Earlier, RAC passengers had to share a side-lower berth, which was uncomfortable during long journeys. Now, under the Amrit Bharat II Express fare structure, it is either a confirmed full berth or no seat at all.
This rule greatly improves comfort, especially for overnight travel.
Limited Quotas Under Amrit Bharat II Express
To keep the booking system simple and fair, only three quotas will be available for Sleeper class tickets:
Ladies’ Quota
Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Quota
Senior Citizen Quota
No other special quotas will be available on this train. However, railway staff will still be allowed to travel on duty passes, as per normal railway rules.
Lower Berth Rules and Family-Friendly Changes
The Amrit Bharat train fare structure 2026 also focuses on helping families, senior citizens, and passengers travelling with children.
Passengers Travelling with Children
If a child does not need a separate berth
The system will try to allot a lower berth to the adult passenger
Senior Citizens
Men aged 60 years and above
Women aged 45 years and above
For these passengers, the system will automatically try to give lower berths, depending on availability.
Child fare rules themselves remain the same as before.
Digital-First Refund Policy Made Easy
Another important update under the Amrit Bharat II Express fare structure 2026 is the strong push towards digital payments.
How Refunds Will Work
If you pay digitally (UPI, debit card, credit card, net banking), refunds will be processed within 24 hours
Even at station counters, digital payment is preferred
Cash payments are allowed only if digital payment is not possible
Refunds for cash payments may take more time
For second-class unreserved tickets, the old booking and refund rules will continue.
This digital system helps passengers get faster refunds and reduces paperwork.
Why Indian Railways Made These Changes
The Amrit Bharat Express train’s new fare structure is part of a larger plan to improve non-AC train travel in India.
Main reasons behind the changes:
Reduce crowding in Sleeper class
Give long-distance passengers better comfort
Ensure every Sleeper passenger gets a full berth
Use technology for faster refunds and better planning
By setting minimum distances and removing RAC, Indian Railways is focusing more on quality travel rather than just increasing passenger numbers.
Amrit Bharat II Express Fare Structure 2026 at a Glance
Here are the most important points passengers should remember:
Sleeper class minimum booking distance: 200 km
Second class minimum distance: 50 km
Sleeper class basic fare starts at ₹149
No RAC tickets—only full berths
Digital payments recommended for faster refunds
Only Ladies, PwD, and Senior Citizen quotas available
The Amrit Bharat II Express fare structure 2026 is designed to make long journeys smoother, safer, and more comfortable. While short-distance travelers may feel the impact of minimum distance charges, long-distance passengers will benefit the most.
In conclusion, the Amrit Bharat II Express fare structure, the Amrit Bharat Express train new fare structure, and the Amrit Bharat train fare structure 2026 clearly show that Indian Railways is moving towards smarter and passenger-friendly travel. Whether you are booking under the Amrit Bharat II Express fare structure for work, family visits, or religious travel, the new Amrit Bharat Express train new fare structure promises a better and more organized railway journey for everyone.