Railways
Minister Suresh Prabhu on Tuesday flagged off India’s fastest train,
the “semi-bullet” Gatimaan Express, from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway
Station in New Delhi. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Prabhu said
that the launch is an important step for Indian Railways.
Gatimaan will run between Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station and Agra Cantonment Station.
The
proper commercial run of the train will commence from April 6. The
12049/50 Gatimaan Express will clock a speed of 160 km per hour speed in
the Tughlakabad-Agra section. Prior to that, it is slated to run at 120
km per hour.
Delhi: Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu flags off India’s First Semi-High Speed Train 'Gatimaan Express' pic.twitter.com/NE2t5RLX1v
The
original idea to run the train from New Delhi station and make it reach
Agra in 90 minutes or even in 105 or 110 minutes has been abandoned. In
fact, when starting from New Delhi, the flagship train was making
little improvement on time from the existing Bhopal Shatabdi. So
Railways chose the safe bet of starting it from Nizamuddin station so
that it reaches Agra in 100 minutes.
The
train’s fares will be higher than that of a Shatabdi. The train will
have 12 coaches of Executive Class as well as chair cars. It is yet to
be decided whether to allow commercial booking for the inaugural run or
start it the following day. With its timing not proving to be much to
boast about, Railways has decided to present exceptional on-board
services as Gatimaan’s USP.
According
to a Railway Board member, the train will have “Rail Hosts and
Hostesses” dressed in a blue uniform, specially designed for them. A
private service provider has been appointed to carry out end-to-end
passenger interface activities including checking of the tickets.
Passengers will also get a wide variety of food options to choose from —
continental, Indian, Italian, Indian and others.
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