Country’s fastest train Gatimaan Exp reaches Agra in 100 min on inaugural run
05 April, New Delhi
Heralding a new chapter in the history of the Indian Railways, country’s first semi-high speed train ‘Gatimaan Express’ running at a maximum speed of 160 kmph today completed Delhi-Agra journey of 188 km in a record 100 minutes.
The train, flagged off by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu at 1000 hrs from Nizamuddin Railway station in New Delhi, arrived here at 1150 hrs.The train was welcomed by Divisional Railway manager Prabhat Kumar at platform number one of Agra Cantt railway station. Gatimaan Express in its inaugural run carried 211 paid passengers.
There was a great enthusiasm among the people as they travelled long ways to line up on both sides of the railway track at different stations to see the country’s fastest train.Earlier, while flagging off the train in New Delhi, Mr Prabhu said, ”Enhancing the speed of trains was on the priority of the government. Under Mission Speed, Railways wants to get this done.”
With the launch of Gatimaan Express, the Railways has taken a new step towards meeting people’s expectations, Prabhu said.He said the train would help in improving the flow of domestic and international tourists.
The train would help in saving time and money of the travellers.Gatimaan Express would run six days a week except Friday, between Hazrat Nizammuddin and Agra Cantt. The on board catering on this train is being organised by the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a subsidiary of the Railways.
This train would see improved catering with options of different kinds of cuisines.Another unique feature of this train is free of cost on board entertainment facility provided by an agency MyFreeTv.in.
The coaches are the new LHB coaches turned out by Rail Coach Factory(RCF), Kapurthala which have been fitted with bio-toilets. These coaches have also been fitted with balanced draft gear couplers for smooth ride. Passenger amenities have also been enhanced.
There are micro-busters for good fragrance in the compartments. The train will be hauled by an electrical engine WAP 5 with horse power of 5500 HP. One package is for the full day, whereas the other package is for two days, the details of which could be seen at IRCTC website.
From tomorrow, the regular run of 12050 H Nizamuddin-Agra Cantt Gatimaan will start from H Nizamuddin station at 0810 hrs to reach Agra Cantt at 0950 hrs the same day.
The train will comprise two executive AC chair car and eight AC chair car coaches. The fare for AC chair car has been fixed at Rs 750, whereas it is Rs 1,500 for executive AC chair car. The Railways has not offered any concessions in this train.