06/04/2016
Hundreds of people lined up to catch a glimpse of India's fastest train, the Gatimaan Express, as it cruised on its inaugural run from Delhi to Agra on Tuesday.
Excitement ran high as the train hit top speed of 160 km per hour and completed its maiden journey in 99 minutes, a minute less than the scheduled 100. It upped its performance on the return journey taking 98 minutes to reach Delhi.
Elated, passengers said the Gatimaan Express came as a safer and a faster alternative to Yamuna expressway for their journey between Delhi and Agra. MAILTODAY experienced the journey on-board the first semi-high speed train which was flagged off by Union Rail Minister Suresh Prabhu from Hazrat Nizamuddin station.
Scores of people assembled on either sides along the tracks to watch the train go by as they clicked pictures and recorded videos. Passengers clicked selfies as they enjoyed the ride.
Of the 211 passengers on its inaugural run many found the train better than the Shatabdi Express irrespective of the higher fares. "This was long due. We were waiting for the semihigh speed train which is superior in all sense. At the same time, it is a faster and safe alternative to Yamuna expressway," said Ankita Jain, an executive class passenger on Gatimaan's maiden journey.
Painted in royal blue and grey with a yellow strip in between, the train has another first - train hostesses, who welcomed passengers on board with roses. Passengers praised the hostesses and said it would improve train journey in India.
Railway officials claimed the travel time will further be reduced after putting up safety barriers along the tracks in the Delhi division. "We are trying to further reduce the travel time.
In a few days, we will be able to complete the journey in around 90 minutes," Indian Railway spokesperson Anil Saxena said. Eyeing the tourism potential of the train, IRCTC has finalised tour packages involving bus service, sightseeing and lunch at Agra for tourists to coincide with the timetable of Gatimaan Express. Railways also plans to roll out similar trains on nine more routes including Kanpur-Delhi, Chandigarh-Delhi, Hyderabad-Chennai, Nagpur-Bilaspur, Goa-Mumbai and Nagpur-Secunderabad.
Earlier, Prabhu said the government is committed to increase the speed of all trains, whether ordinary or express, as part of the raftar mission. "It is not an easy task. It will take time but we have made a plan," Prabhu said.
Equipped with a 5,500 HP electric locomotive, two executive AC chair cars and eight AC chair car coaches, the train has a high-power emergency braking system and a GPS-based passenger information system. The experience has also been enhanced by providing better catering services (offering both Indian and Continental fare), improved interiors, bio-toilets, free multimedia and internet. Coaches are also been fitted with balanced draft gear couplers to ensure a smooth ride.
-HR
