First semi-high-speed train to hit tracks today

New Delhi: India’s first semi-high-speed train, Gatimaan, will run from Hazrat Nizamuddin to Agra on Tuesday. Capable of running at a maximum speed of 160 kmph, Gatimaan will reach Agra in 100 minutes during which the passengers will be shown airline-style hospitality.

Railway minister Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu will flag off the train. The railways stated that the event would mark the beginning of the process of the promised speeding up of trains in India.

“The on-board catering on this train is being organised by a railway PSU, namely Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). IRCTC has made arrangements for deploying train hostesses also. This train will see improved catering and will have options of different kinds of cuisine. Another unique feature of this train is a free-of-cost on-board entertainment facility provided by an agency, MyFreeTv.in,” said a senior Railway Board official.

Using this facility, passengers can view various entertainment videos during travel on their smart phones, tablets or laptops even without Internet connection, through WiFi.

“The coaches to be used in Gatimaan Express are new LHB coaches turned out by Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala. These coaches have been fitted with bio-toilets and are fit to run at 160 kmph. These coaches have also been fitted with balanced draft gear couplers for a smooth ride,” added the official. Passenger amenities have been enhanced by the provision of soap dispensers and autogenitors in the toilets of trains.

“Beautiful scenery has been pasted inside the coaches for better aesthetics. The exteriors of these coaches have also been given a new look with a different colour scheme.

The flooring of the coaches has been given ‘marathon shine’ treatment for cleaning. The train will be hauled by an electrical engine, WAP 5, with horsepower of 5,500,” said the official. Gatimaan Express will run six days a week, and not on Fridays.