The Government on 5th April, 2016 launched the much awaited Gatimaan Express, a semi-high speed train that will ply between Delhi and Agra. Numbered as 12049/50, the railways had applied for the safety certificate from the Commission of Railway Safety way back in October 2014 only to get clearance now. The launch of the Gatimaan Express is a part of Modi’s ambitious $135 billion railway modernization plan that will be rolled out over the next 5 years.
Here are 5 facts you need to know about India’s fastest train – the Gatimaan Express:
1. Speed
The train runs at a top speed of 160 km/hr and cover a distance of 188 kms between New Delhi and Agra Cantt stations within a time of 100 minutes, a whole 7 minutes faster than the Shatabdi on the same route. However, this speed is still considered slow compared to its counterpart in Japan, China and France where trains reach a speed of 300 km/hr or more.
2. Tickets
The train has 2 Executive A/C Chair Car and 8 General A/C Chair Car coaches. The cost for Execute A/C one way is Rs. 1,500 while that for General A/C is Rs. 750. The Gatimaan Express is also the first train to have hostesses who will be in charge of the onboard housekeeping services, similar to an airplane.
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3. Timings
Gatimaan Express runs on all days except Fridays, when the Taj Mahal is shut. It will leave Nizamuddin station at 8:10 am and reach Agra at 9:50 am, while on the way back it will leave Agra at 5:50 pm and reach Nizamuddin at 7:30 pm. This effectively means that a person looking to visit the Taj Mahal and Agra fort can do both in the same day. IRCTC also offers a full-day Agra Guided Tour Package (City of love and heritage) or a 1 night, 2 day package (5-star hotel stay), which can be booked from their site directly.
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4. Food
IRCTC will ensure that passengers have a gastronomic experience on-board the Gatimaan Express. Cuisines on offer would include North Indian, South India, Continental and Healthy Food. Some of the prominent dishes on the menu are juices, cut fruits, brown bread, aloo paratha, whole wheat upma, veg shami kebab, swiss roll, chicken roll, mini kulche, lyonnaise potatoes, baked potato wedges, tomato salsa, coconut barfi, uttapam, omelette and digestive cookies.
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5. Loco-pilots
You can bet that the loco-pilots who operate the Gatimaan Express are the best in the business! The railways have conducted a psychological and medical examination at the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RSDO), to assess the loco-pilots’ ability to concentrate and maintain focus under stressful situations. 14 loco-pilots from A1 category have undergone this test to ensure the Gatimaan Express becomes the fastest and safest train in the country.
Would you travel on the Gatimaan Express if you had a chance?
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