By the end of the financial year of 2015, the country’s fastest train, named the Gatimaan Express, will operate between the stations of New Delhi and Agra Cantt. It is said to be India’s fastest operating train. Here are 7 facts you need to know about Gatimaan Express.
The speed – In a test, which the train underwent in June 2015, it barreled at a maximum speed of 170+kmph.
Out of 6 trials, they train got late only 1
The train has undergone a total of 6 run trials. This very high speed train has achieved all its proposed parameters successfully and the operations will begin in early April next year, i.e. after the end of the current financial year. For now, the Indian Railways has done a total of 6 trials of the train. The most recent one was done on 2nd June in which Gatimaan Express got late by a mere five minutes. Its actual proposed time for the journey was 110 minutes for the 190km journey. (Around one hour and 30 minutes). At present, with a two minute stop at the Mathura railway station, the Bhopal Shatabdi Express covers the distance between Agra and New Delhi at over two hours and ten minutes.
Specifications
The train has 12 coaches and an electric locomotive of 5,300 HP
Faster than the current fastest
India’s current fastest train is the Bhopal Shatabdi Express, which takes 2 hours and 10 minutes to cover the distance between the capital and Agra, route of 195 km. However, the Gatimaan Express will cover the same at around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Ticket Fare
The one way fare of the air-conditioned car compartment between Delhi and Agra is said to be Rs 690, and a passenger will be needed to pay Rs 1,300 for the executive class. Currently, for the Shatabdi Express, a passenger is needed to pay Rs 500 for chair car; Rs 1,000 for the executive class.
Timing
The train will commence its journey from Agra Cantt Railway Station at 5.30 pm, and it will reach Delhi Junction at 7.15 pm. And when it runs the other way round, it will start from the capital at 8 am and reach Agra Cantt by 9.45 am.
The pilots will undergo a medical and psychological examination
The Indian Railways will be conducting medical and psychological tests to employ the best loco pilots in India and make sure that the Gatimaan Express becomes fastest and also the safest mode of distance traveling in the country. These tests will be conducted by the Research Standards and Designs Organization (RTDO). It will evaluate the pilot’s ability to keep utmost focus and make the best decisions under stress. The test will be undergone by a selected squad of 14 pilots from the A1 category, who will be chosen to take it. These train drivers are said to be the finest ones in the country.
And like any other train, you can check the pnr status mobile of your tickets for Gatimaan Express too. So, book your tickets soon for India’s own bullet train.