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Trains, Trains Between Cities

About 12631/32 Nellai Express

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Highlights of Nellai Express –

No of Coaches Total – 24,  AC – 7, SL – 12, GN – 5
Pantry Car No
E-Catering Yes By TravelKhana.com
Avg. Running Status Excellent
Cleaning Good
Ticket Availability Average
Passenger Safety Excellent
Mobile/Laptop Charger Yes

12631/Nellai Express, Chennai to Tirunelveli Route, Schedule & Time Table –

Station Code Station Name Arrival Time Departure Time Stoppage Time
CHENNAI EGMORE
origin
20:10
Origin
TAMBARAM
20:33
20:35
2 min
CHENGALPATTU
21:03
21:05
2 min
MELMARUVATTUR
21:33
21:35
2 min
TINDIVANAM
22:03
22:05
2 min
VILLUPARAM JN
22:35
22:40
5 min
VRIDHACHALAM JN
23:20
23:22
2 min
TIRUCHCHIRAPALI
02:05
02:10
5 min
DINDIGUL JN
03:28
03:30
2 min
SHOLAVANDAN
04:05
04:06
1 min
MADURAI JN
04:35
04:40
5 min
VIRUDUNAGAR JN
05:18
05:20
2 min
SATUR
05:41
05:42
1 min
KOVILPATTI
06:04
06:05
1 min
TIRUNELVELI
08:00
destination
Destination

12632/Nellai Express, Tirunelveli to Chennai Route, Schedule & Time Table –

Station Code Station Name Arrival Time Departure Time Stoppage Time
TIRUNELVELI
origin
19:25
Origin
KOVILPATTI
20:23
20:25
2 min
SATUR
20:43
20:45
2 min
VIRUDUNAGAR JN
21:18
21:20
2 min
MADURAI JN
22:05
22:10
5 min
SHOLAVANDAN
22:29
22:30
1 min
DINDIGUL JN
23:13
23:15
2 min
TIRUCHCHIRAPALI
01:00
01:05
5 min
VRIDHACHALAM JN
02:43
02:45
2 min
VILLUPARAM JN
03:53
03:55
2 min
TINDIVANAM
04:29
04:30
1 min
MELMARUVATTUR
04:54
04:55
1 min
CHENGALPATTU
05:38
05:40
2 min
TAMBARAM
06:08
06:10
2 min
MAMBALAM
06:28
06:30
2 min
CHENNAI EGMORE
07:10
destination
Destination
Trains

About 12727/28 Godavari Express

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Highlights of Godavari Express –

No of Coaches Total – 23,  AC – 6, SL – 12, GN – 2
Pantry Car No
E-Catering Yes By TravelKhana.com
Avg. Running Status Good
Cleaning Excellent
Ticket Availability Average
Passenger Safety Good
Mobile/Laptop Charger Yes

The Railways has become the lifeline of Indian people irrespective of the fact that it is local or long route train. Among all trains, Godavari Express train is a very renowned train. This is being one of the most prestigious trains running down south starting from Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad. Initially, this used to be known as the Waltair – Hyderabad express. But on special demand, the train name as well as its number was changed. Now, it runs between the two stations with numbers 12727 up and 12728 down.

This train is in a demand because of its extra classic comfort with the sleeper and third AC coaches. This is serving the purpose to connect the four coastal districts including East Godavari, West Godavari and Krishna Visakhapatnam, district. Rather being a super fast express, the train has been serving with classic sleeper facilities with the total of 1170 seats including AC1, 2 and 3 tiers.

Running on the broad gauge of 1,676 mm and operating with a speed of 57 km per hour, the train covers a distance of 710 km in 12 hours 25 minutes. For the ease of the passengers, the Indian Railways has been providing with the paid catering services. Food is made available on the train.

Booking of the tickets are now made available online whose charges are liable to change under the Government of India and Ministry of Indian Railways, or you may even get one from authorized travel agencies or directly from the reservation counter. Though there is no pantry available, there is a complete preference to provide with good food by the paid catering services. The catering charges are quite low and no extra charge is collected by the Railways for the purpose. The lavatories too are cleaned and hygienically maintained by the cleaning staffs of the South Eastern Railways. This train started its first service on 1st February 1974.

12727/Godavari Express Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad Route, Schedule & Time Table –

Station  Sch. Arrival  Sch. Departure
 VISAKHAPATNAM (VSKP)   Starting Station  17:25
 DUVVADA (DVD)  17:54  17:55
 ANAKAPALLE (AKP)  18:08  18:09
 ELAMANCHILI (YLM)  18:28  18:29
 NARSIPATNAM RD (NRP)  18:43  18:44
 TUNI (TUNI)  18:59  19:00
 ANNAVARAM (ANV)  19:13  19:14
 PITHAPURAM (PAP)  19:32  19:33
 SAMALKOT JN (SLO)  19:45  19:46
 ANAPARTI (APT)  20:05  20:06
 RAJAMUNDRY (RJY)  20:42  20:46
 NIDADAVOLU JN (NDD)  21:09  21:10
 TADEPALLIGUDEM (TDD)  21:27  21:28
 ELURU (EE)  22:01  22:02
 VIJAYAWADA JN (BZA)  23:40  23:55
 KHAMMAM (KMT)  01:13  01:15
 MAHBUBABAD (MABD)  01:54  01:55
 WARANGAL (WL)  02:46  02:48
 KAZIPET JN (KZJ)  03:05  03:07
 SECUNDERABAD JN (SC)  05:45  05:50
 HYDERABAD DECAN (HYB)  06:15   Destination Station

12728/Godavari Express Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam Route, Schedule & Time Table –

Station  Sch. Arrival  Sch. Departure
 HYDERABAD DECAN (HYB)   Starting Station  17:15
 SECUNDERABAD JN (SC)  17:35  17:40
 KAZIPET JN (KZJ)  19:30  19:32
 WARANGAL (WL)  19:45  19:47
 MAHBUBABAD (MABD)  20:32  20:33
 KHAMMAM (KMT)  21:10  21:12
 VIJAYAWADA JN (BZA)  23:05  23:20
 ELURU (EE)  00:06  00:07
 TADEPALLIGUDEM (TDD)  00:41  00:42
 NIDADAVOLU JN (NDD)  00:57  00:58
 RAJAMUNDRY (RJY)  01:39  01:41
 ANAPARTI (APT)  02:01  02:02
 SAMALKOT JN (SLO)  02:23  02:24
 PITHAPURAM (PAP)  02:36  02:37
 ANNAVARAM (ANV)  02:53  02:55
 TUNI (TUNI)  03:10  03:11
 NARSIPATNAM RD (NRP)  03:30  03:31
 ELAMANCHILI (YLM)  03:47  03:48
 ANAKAPALLE (AKP)  04:05  04:06
 DUVVADA (DVD)  05:10  05:11
 VISAKHAPATNAM (VSKP)  05:50   Destination Station
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About 18646/45 East Coast Express

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Highlights of East Coast Express –

No of Coaches Total – 22,  AC – 5, SL – 11, GN – 3
Pantry Car No
E-Catering Yes By TravelKhana.com
Avg. Running Status Average
Cleaning Average
Ticket Availability Good
Passenger Safety Good
Mobile/Laptop Charger Yes

The East Coast Express is a daily express train that runs between Hyderabad Deccan in the state of Telengana and Howrah junction in Kolkata, West Bengal. The train gets its name due its route that runs parallel to the eastern coast of India.

Howrah junction is one of the most important stations that serve Kolkata, which is the capital of the state of West Bengal. Kolkata is famous with international tourists, due to British infrastructure that was built during the British rule in India; the city was then the capital of India. Hyderabad is one of the largest cities of South India and is the capital of the state of Telengana. The city is known for its software business and other business and job opportunities. Hundreds of passengers, which are mainly students, businessmen and tourists, travel to and from these cities every day. The cities are simply home to countless business and tourist attractions.

The East Coast Express completes its 1592km long journey in 29hours 55minutes and consists of Ac, Sleeper and Unreserved coaches to meet the requirements of different classes of passengers travelling on its route. The East Coast Express 18646 departs from Hyderabad Deccan at 10:00 am every day and reaches Howrah Junction at 4:15 pm the next day. The return train East Coast Express 18645 departs from Howrah junction at 11:45 am and reaches Hyderabad Deccan at 6:30 pm the next day. On its long route, the train also halts at other major stations like, Secunderabad junction, Vijayawada junction, Vishakhapatnam, Kharagpur junction and Bhubaneswar.

The train does not have a pantry car but IRCTC and privatized e-catering services are available. Customers can just book an online food order and the food is delivered at your seat when the train halts at a station. You can choose the station for food delivery according to your convenience.

18646/East Coast Express Route, Schedule & Time Table –

Station Code Station Name Arrival Time Departure Time Stoppage Time
HYB HYDERABAD DECAN origin 10:00 Origin
SC SECUNDERABAD JN 10:20 10:25 5 min
BG BHONGIR 11:04 11:05 1 min
ALER ALER 11:24 11:25 1 min
ZN JANGAON 11:39 11:40 1 min
KZJ KAZIPET JN 12:38 12:40 2 min
WL Warangal JN 12:53 12:55 2 min
MABD MAHBUBABAD 13:40 13:41 1 min
KMT KHAMMAM 14:30 14:32 2 min
BZA VIJAYAWADA JN 16:30 16:50 20 min
EE ELURU 17:38 17:39 1 min
TDD TADEPALLIGUDEM 18:15 18:16 1 min
NDD NIDADAVOLU JN 18:35 18:36 1 min
RJY RAJAMUNDRY 19:22 19:27 5 min
DWP DWARAPUDI 19:39 19:40 1 min
SLO SAMALKOT JN 20:05 20:06 1 min
PAP PITHAPURAM 20:18 20:19 1 min
ANV ANNAVARAM 20:36 20:37 1 min
TUNI TUNI 20:52 20:53 1 min
YLM ELAMANCHILI 21:23 21:24 1 min
AKP ANAKAPALLE 22:09 22:10 1 min
DVD DUVVADA 22:50 22:52 2 min
VSKP VISHAKAPATNAM 23:35 23:55 20 min
SCM SIMHACHALAM 00:11 00:13 2 min
KTV KOTTAVALASA 00:28 00:30 2 min
VZM vizianagaram 01:00 01:02 2 min
CPP CHIPURUPALLE 01:28 01:30 2 min
CHE SRIKAKULAM ROAD 01:55 01:57 2 min
NWP NAUPADA JN 02:32 02:34 2 min
PSA PALASA 03:15 03:17 2 min
SPT SOMPETA 03:45 03:47 2 min
IPM ICHCHPURAM 04:00 04:02 2 min
BAM BERHAMPUR 04:23 04:28 5 min
CAP CHATRAPUR 04:43 04:44 1 min
KIT KHALLIKOT 05:16 05:17 1 min
CLKA CHILKA 05:29 05:30 1 min
BALU BALUGAN 05:36 05:38 2 min
KAPG KALUPARA GHAT 06:00 06:02 2 min
NKP NIRAKARPUR 06:13 06:15 2 min
KUR KHURDA ROAD JN 07:10 07:25 15 min
BBS BHUBANESWAR 07:50 07:55 5 min
BRAG BARANG 08:10 08:11 1 min
CTC CUTTACK 08:25 08:30 5 min
KNPR KENDRAPARA ROAD 08:36 08:37 1 min
DNM DHANMANDAL 08:58 08:59 1 min
JJKR JAJPUR K ROAD 09:22 09:24 2 min
KRIH KORAI HALT 09:30 09:31 1 min
BTV BAITARANI ROAD 09:38 09:39 1 min
BHC BHADRAKH 10:38 10:40 2 min
MKO MARKONA 10:51 10:53 2 min
SORO SORO 11:08 11:10 2 min
BLS BALASORE 11:37 11:42 5 min
ROP RUPSA JN 11:59 12:01 2 min
BTS BASTA 12:11 12:13 2 min
JER JALESWAR 12:29 12:31 2 min
BLDA BELDA 12:56 12:58 2 min
KGP KHARAGPUR JN 13:42 13:47 5 min
PKU PANSKURA 14:28 14:30 2 min
MCA MECHEDA 14:43 14:45 2 min
SRC SANTRAGACHI JN 15:30 15:32 2 min
HWH HOWRAH JN 16:15 destination Destination

18645/East Coast Express Route, Schedule & Time Table –

Station Code Station Name Arrival Time Departure Time Stoppage Time
HWH HOWRAH JN origin 11:45 Origin
MCA MECHEDA 12:38 12:40 2 min
PKU PANSKURA 13:00 13:02 2 min
KGP KHARAGPUR JN 13:47 13:52 5 min
BLDA BELDA 14:21 14:23 2 min
JER JALESWAR 14:48 14:50 2 min
BTS BASTA 15:08 15:10 2 min
ROP RUPSA JN 15:23 15:25 2 min
BLS BALASORE 15:45 15:50 5 min
SORO SORO 16:13 16:15 2 min
MKO MARKONA 16:28 16:30 2 min
BHC BHADRAKH 17:13 17:15 2 min
BTV BAITARANI ROAD 17:38 17:39 1 min
KRIH KORAI HALT 17:45 17:46 1 min
JJKR JAJPUR K ROAD 17:52 17:54 2 min
DNM DHANMANDAL 18:19 18:20 1 min
CTC CUTTACK 18:57 19:02 5 min
BRAG BARANG 19:18 19:19 1 min
BBS BHUBANESWAR 19:50 19:55 5 min
KUR KHURDA ROAD JN 20:25 20:40 15 min
NKP NIRAKARPUR 21:01 21:03 2 min
KAPG KALUPARA GHAT 21:16 21:18 2 min
BALU BALUGAN 21:38 21:40 2 min
CLKA CHILKA 21:47 21:49 2 min
KIT KHALLIKOT 21:58 22:00 2 min
CAP CHATRAPUR 22:30 22:32 2 min
BAM BERHAMPUR 22:50 23:00 10 min
IPM ICHCHPURAM 23:21 23:23 2 min
SPT SOMPETA 23:36 23:38 2 min
PSA PALASA 00:33 00:35 2 min
NWP NAUPADA JN 00:55 00:57 2 min
CHE SRIKAKULAM ROAD 01:30 01:32 2 min
CPP CHIPURUPALLE 02:00 02:02 2 min
VZM vizianagaram 02:35 02:40 5 min
KTV KOTTAVALASA 03:08 03:10 2 min
SCM SIMHACHALAM 03:24 03:26 2 min
VSKP VISHAKAPATNAM 03:55 04:15 20 min
DVD DUVVADA 04:45 04:47 2 min
AKP ANAKAPALLE 05:09 05:10 1 min
YLM ELAMANCHILI 05:34 05:35 1 min
TUNI TUNI 06:09 06:10 1 min
ANV ANNAVARAM 06:26 06:27 1 min
PAP PITHAPURAM 06:59 07:00 1 min
SLO SAMALKOT JN 07:09 07:10 1 min
DWP DWARAPUDI 07:39 07:40 1 min
RJY RAJAMUNDRY 08:10 08:12 2 min
NDD NIDADAVOLU JN 08:36 08:37 1 min
TDD TADEPALLIGUDEM 08:53 08:54 1 min
EE ELURU 09:25 09:26 1 min
BZA VIJAYAWADA JN 11:15 11:35 20 min
KMT KHAMMAM 12:40 12:42 2 min
MABD MAHBUBABAD 13:25 13:26 1 min
WL Warangal JN 14:28 14:30 2 min
KZJ KAZIPET JN 14:43 14:45 2 min
ZN JANGAON 15:30 15:32 2 min
ALER ALER 15:55 15:56 1 min
BG BHONGIR 16:26 16:27 1 min
SC SECUNDERABAD JN 18:00 18:05 5 min
HYB HYDERABAD DECAN 18:30 destination Destination

 

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About 12724/23Andhra Pradesh Express

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The A.P. (Andhra Pradesh) Express is a superfast train of the Central Railways that operates between New Delhi and Hyderabad. It is a daily train which takes around 27 hours to traverse its route while touching the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra before reaching New Delhi.

The number 12723 has been allocated by the Indian Railways (IR) for the Hyderabad- New Delhi route while number 12724 has been assigned to the train on its New- Delhi- Hyderabad route. Railways Minister Madhu Dandavate flagged off this train service in 1976.

Operational History –

In 1976, the AP Express covered the route in just less than 23 hours. Thereafter, the running time of the train has risen. During the time of introduction of this train, many of the route sections were a single line. In 1978, signalling was based on Semaphore.

During the original years in which the train and its 14 coaches operated, they were hauled by a WDM2 or a Diesel locomotive derived by 2600 HP ALCO. After 1981, capacity of the train was raised to 21 coaches hauled by two locomotives derived from WDM2 (ALCO) featuring a combined HP of 5200. Originally, the train featured a well-appointed pantry car.

Coaches and Traction –

Nowadays, 12723/Andhra Pradesh Express features 24 coaches (also 7 AC coaches) and is hauled by WAP-4/ WAP-7 electric locomotives.

Stoppages –

From the time of commission in 1978 till late 1990’s, there were just 5 stops for the AP Express- Bhopal Junction, Jhansi Junction, Kazipet, Balhar Shah and Nagpur. Thereafter, 7 in-between stops have been added thus lengthening running time up to about 27 hours.

Latest News –

After the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, the AP Express operates from Telengana, and, therefore, the name of the train will be changed to Telengana Express. A new train between Delhi and Vijayawada will be renamed as Andhra Express.

Other Details –

Secunderabad Railway Station is located in the city of Hyderabad. It is operated by the South Central Railways. It is connected well to all other parts of the country. Located on the Nanded- Guntakal and Vijayawada- Wadi lines, it also acts as the Zonal H.Q. of the South Central Railways. The station has been awarded ISO 9001 Certification (Quality Management) in luggage and parcel booking, platform management and ticket booking. Over 200 trains arrive at and depart from this station, daily.

This station is one of the busiest and biggest stations of India. It is one of the three stations serving the city of Hyderabad, the others being Deccan Nampilli Station and Kachiguda Railway Station.

New Delhi is the capital of the country and home to the judicial, legislative and executive branches of the central government. It is also the capital of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. The metropolis is home to a population of 23 million.

The New Delhi Railway Station is the major railway station in Delhi, the second busiest and one among biggest stations in Asia. It connects Delhi to all other parts of the country as well as Lahore in Pakistan. The AP Express thus connects two of the most important stations of India.

  • 12724/Andhra Pradesh Express Route, Schedule & Time Table –
Station Code Station Name Arrival Time Departure Time Stoppage Time
NDLS New Delhi origin 17:25 Origin
MTJ Mathura Junction 19:33 19:35 2 min
AGC Agra Cantt 20:42 20:45 3 min
GWL Gwalior Junction 22:05 22:08 3 min
JHS Jhansi Junction 23:35 23:47 12 min
BPL Bhopal Junction 03:20 03:30 10 min
NGP NAGPUR 09:40 09:50 10 min
CD CHANDRAPUR 12:23 12:26 3 min
BPQ BALHARSHAH 13:20 13:40 20 min
SKZR SIRPUR KAGAZNGR 14:18 14:20 2 min
BPA BELAMPALLI 14:53 14:55 2 min
MCI MANCHERAL 15:13 15:15 2 min
RDM RAMGUNDAM 15:23 15:25 2 min
KZJ KAZIPET JN 16:45 16:47 2 min
SC SECUNDERABAD JN 19:15 19:20 5 min
HYB HYDERABAD DECAN 19:50 destination Destination
  • 12723/Andhra Pradesh Express Route, Schedule & Time Table –
Station Code Station Name Arrival Time Departure Time Stoppage Time
HYB HYDERABAD DECAN origin 06:25 Origin
SC SECUNDERABAD JN 06:45 06:50 5 min
KZJ KAZIPET JN 08:40 08:42 2 min
RDM RAMGUNDAM 09:48 09:50 2 min
MCI MANCHERAL 10:01 10:02 1 min
BPA BELAMPALLI 10:27 10:28 1 min
SKZR SIRPUR KAGAZNGR 10:54 10:55 1 min
BPQ BALHARSHAH 12:25 12:35 10 min
CD CHANDRAPUR 12:54 12:55 1 min
NGP NAGPUR 15:45 15:55 10 min
BPL Bhopal Junction 21:50 22:00 10 min
JHS Jhansi Junction 02:08 02:20 12 min
GWL Gwalior Junction 03:29 03:32 3 min
AGC Agra Cantt 05:20 05:23 3 min
MTJ Mathura Junction 06:06 06:08 2 min
BVH Ballabgarh 07:50 07:52 2 min
NZM Delhi Hazrat Nizamuddin 08:38 08:40 2 min
NDLS New Delhi 09:05 destination Destination
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Palace on Wheels

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The ‘Palace on Wheels’ is an opulent tourist train. It was started by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways to promote Rajasthan tourism.

The train was re-launched and renovated in August 2009 with a fresh itinerary, cuisine and décor. In 2010, it got the vote as the fourth luxurious train in the world.

History –

The Palace on Wheels was a concept derived from the coaches’ royal background. The coaches were intended to be the personal railway coaches of the past rulers of princely states like Gujarat, Rajputana, Hyderabad Nizam, and the Indian Viceroy.

Each saloon throws light on the cultural ethos of the state. This is embodied by the use of paintings, furnishings, furniture and handicrafts. The interiors of the train were done by Monica Khanna, an interior designer based in Delhi.

Facilities –

The train consists of 14 carriages. These carriages are named after former Rajput states and match the beauty and interior design of the regal past: Bharatpur, Alwar, Bundi, Bikaner, Dholpur, Bundi, Dungar Garh, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Kota, Kishangarh, Udiapur and Sirohi. Every coach has four cabins with luxury amenities.

The train features two restaurants: the Maharani and the Maharaja having a Rajasthani atmosphere serving Chinese, Continental cuisine, spa saloon and one lounge cum bar.

Route –

The train has 7 nights and 8 days itinerary departing from New Delhi (Day one) and travels via Jaipur (Day two), Sawai Madhopur and Chittorgarh (day 3), Udaipur (day 4), Jaisalmer (day 5), Jodhpur (day 6), Agra and Bharatpur (Day 7) and return to New Delhi (day 8).

New Delhi: It is the capital of India and seat of legislative, judicial and executive branches of the Indian government. The metropolis of India is home to 23 million.

Sawai Madhopur: A city in Rajasthan state. It houses the Ranthambore National Park and also the Ranthambore Fort, which happens to be deemed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Chittorgarh: A city of Rajasthan, it lies on the Berach River. It is home to the largest fort in India- Chittorgarh Fort. It is the site of many battles and home to legendary warriors.

Udaipur: Called as the City of Lakes, it is the historic capital of the Mewar Kingdom. Mewar was ruled by the Rajputs’ Sisodia clan and its capital was changed from Chittorgarh to Udaipur, led by Maharana Udai Singh. The city is famous for its Rajput era palaces such as the Lake Palace.

Jodhpur: It is the second largest city in Rajasthan. It features many temples, forts and palaces. It is called ‘Sun city’ for its sunny and bright weather. The city was ranked number one in the list of the Most Extra-Ordinary Places to Stay (2014) by travel publication- Lonely Planet.

Bharatpur: City in Rajasthan state, it was once the capital of the Jat kingdom. It is known as the Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan and renowned for Keoladeo National Park.

Agra: Famous for Mughal Era buildings like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri, which are all World Heritage sites deemed by UNESCO. Agra is covered by the Golden Triangle Tourist Circuit along with Jaipur and Delhi.

Special Trains, Trains, Trains Between Cities

About Golden Chariot Express

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Golden Chariot is a luxury tourist train and derives its name from the Stone Chariot in the Vitthala Temple at Hampi. The train connects tourist destinations in the Indian states of Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the union territory of Pondicherry.

The train is an adaptation of the more popular Palace on Wheels and boasts facilities such as accommodation, spa treatment and dining. It has also been conferred with the title ‘Asia’s Leading Luxury Train’ at World Travel Awards 2013. Though operated by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, a private company is responsible for hospitality-related services on the train. The 19 coaches of the train are coloured purple and gold. Each one of them also displays the logo of a mythical animal with the head of an elephant and the body of a lion.

History –

This luxury train is the result of a 2002 Memorandum of Understanding between the State Tourism Board and the Indian Railways, drawing inspiration from the success of the Palace on Wheels. The Integral Coach Factory was given responsibility to give shape to this luxury train. Engineers had prepared 900 layouts before the final design was prepared. An architect and 200 carpenters worked tirelessly for four months to finish the design of the coaches.

Finally, in 2008, the luxury train was inaugurated to mark the golden jubilee of Karnataka state. It was on 10 March 2008 that the train embarked on its maiden journey from Bangalore to Goa.

Accommodation and Amenities –

The train offers accommodation in 44 cabins of 11 coaches, each one named after a dynasty that ruled the region: Kadamba, Hoysala, Rashtrakuta, Chalukya, Ganga, Bahamani, Adil Shahi, Sangama, Satavahana, Yadukula and VijayNagar. The train also features two restaurants, a lounge bar and conference room, gym, as well as spa facilities. Internet connectivity is available on board the train via USB-stick and live satellite television service is available in the cabins.

Passengers –

It is possible to have 88 passengers on the train at a time and, according to March 2009 data, the train had 35 percent occupancy. Most tourists, who travel on the train, are British, French, Americans, Japanese or Germans.

The luxury train offers two tours, namely, Pride of the South and Splendour of the South.

Pride of the South –

Pride of the South is a 7 nights 8 days tour that will take an individual to various tourist sites in Karnataka. Bangalore is covered in the tour on the first day; Mysore on the second; the Nagarhole National Park on the third; Hasan, Karnataka, Belur and Halebidu on the fourth day; Hospet and Hampi on the fifth day; Aihole, Pattadakal , and Badami on the sixth day; Goa on the seventh day and back to Bangalore on the eighth day.

Splendour of South –

Splendour of South is a tourist itinerary across three South Indian states, namely, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Pondicherry. As part of this tour, Bangalore is covered on the first day; Chennai on the second day; Pondicherry on the third day; Tanjavur on the fourth day; Madurai on the fifth day; Thiruvananthapuram on the sixth day; Alleppey and Kochi on the seventh day and return to Bangalore on the eighth day.

  • Golden Chariot Express Express Route, Schedule & Time Table –

–> Day 1 – Bangalore

–> Day 2 – Mysore / Kabini

–> Day 3 – Mysore Palace

–> Day 4 – Gomateswara Hill Monolith

–> Day 5 – UNESCO World Heritage Site

–> Day 6 – UNESCO World Heritage Site of Badami and Pattadakal

–> Day 7 – GOA Churches & Golden Beaches

–> Day 8 – Bangalore

Special Trains, Trains, Trains Between Cities

About 345678/Deccan Odyssey Express

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Yet another train with the concept of Palace on Wheels as its ideal, Deccan Odyssey is a train to give a fillip to luxury tourism on the Konkan route of the Indian Railways.

A crown jewel of Maharashtra tourism, it is a collaborative project between Maharashtra Government and the Ministry of Railways in New Delhi.

Apart from reaching tourism hot-spots, the train is a moving five-star hotel having two restaurants, a bar, a sauna centre, and also a business centre. Manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory, the coaches come with special amenities.

This luxury train was scrapped in 2004 by the state government claiming poor response but has been reinstated since.

This train takes passenger on a tour of 7 nights, beginning every Wednesday at Mumbai.

Accommodation –

The train has 10 deluxe cabin saloons. Each deluxe cabin saloon boasts of four twin-bedded chambers, and two fully air-conditioned Presidential Suite saloons, each of which has two suites with a combination of the living room and bedroom. Saloons come with music systems, intercom, attached toilets, running hot and cold water, carpet, shower and more of such amenities.

Locations –

The train begins its journey from Mumbai and takes passengers to Sindhudurg, Goa, Vasco, Kolhapur, Aurangabad, Jalgaon, and lastly to Nashik. It makes the return journey from Nashik back to Mumbai.

  • Deccan Odyssey Express Route, Schedule & Time Table –

Seven Nights / Eight Days;

–> Day 1 – Mumbai

–> Day 2 – Sindhudurg Nagari

–> Day 3 – Goa

–> Day 4 – Kolhapur

–> Day 5 – Aurangabad

–> Day 6 – Bhusawal

–> Day 7 – Nasik

–> Day 8 – Mumbai

Special Trains, Trains Between Cities

About Mahaparinirvan Express

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The Mahaparinirvana Express targets Buddhist pilgrims interested in visiting holy sites associated with the Buddha and located in Northern India.

History –

Launched on 28 March 2007, it takes passengers on a 7-nights-and- 8-days spiritual journey to pilgrim spots such as Bodhgaya, Varanasi, Lumbini and Kushinagar. It is named after Mahaparinirvana Sutra that includes some of the famous episodes from the final months of the Buddha’s life.

Services –

The train is operated by the Indian Railways using carriages of the Rajdhani Express. It offers completely air-conditioned travel in three classes – first class, two-tier and three-tier.

The toilets and showers are limited on board, but pilgrims are taken to hotels daily to allow them to freshen up or even for an overnight rest. A hygienic kitchen on board the train serves hot meals, whereas packaged drinking water and tea/coffee are available free of cost.

Because this train is targeted at pilgrims, it is not lavish enough and comparison with luxury trains must be avoided at all costs.

  • Mahaparinirvan Express Route, Schedule & Time Table –

–> Day 1 – Delhi

–> Day 2 – Bodhgaya

–> Day 3 – Nalanda/Rajgir

–> Day 4 – Varanasi/Sarnath

–> Day 5 – Kushinagar

–> Day 6 – Lumbini

–> Day 7 – Sravasti

–> Day 8 – Agra/Delhi

Special Trains, Trains, Trains Between Cities

About Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

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A luxury train from the stable of the Indian Railways, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels seeks to emulate the success of Palace on Wheels. Travelling by this luxury train allows an individual to visit several places of tourism, wildlife and historical importance.

History –

This luxury train began offering its service in January 2009, to tap the huge untapped demand for luxury tourism in the country.

Facilities –

  • The train has 14 luxury cabins named after royal palaces of the state. The cabins are further classified into deluxe and super deluxe suites and are laced with WIFI internet connectivity, Satellite TV, music systems and temperature control systems. Some of the cabins have the names Hawa Mahal, Padmini Mahal, Kishori Mahal, Phool Mahal and a super deluxe coach has been named Taj Mahal.
  • Two dining cars on the luxury train are named Swarn Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. Swarn Mahal sticks to the gold and brass plot, but the Sheesh Mahal is adorned with bright floor lamps and crystal pelmets.
  • The souvenir coach is where the passengers can select from a range of handicraft products and apparels to take back with them as souvenirs.
  • A spa and recreation zone is the latest development on this luxury train.

The Journey –

The train takes passengers on a 7 nights 8 day tour of tourist destinations in Rajasthan. It chugs off from Safdarjung station in Delhi on the first day and stops at Jodhpur on the second. Udaipur and Chittorgarh are covered on the third day; Ranthambhore National Park and Jaipur are for the fourth day; Khajuraho on day five; Varanasi and Sarnath on day six; Agra on the seventh day and return to Delhi on the eighth day.

The famous sites this train reaches are Hawa Mahal, Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Ranthambhore National Park, Chittorgarh Fort, Jag Niwas, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Agra Fort, and lastly, the Taj Mahal.

Description of Famous Tourist Sites –

Hawa Mahal –

Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the form of the crown of Lord Krishna and is called so because it was a screen for women in the royal family to witness street festivities remaining unseen to the outside world.

Ranthambhore National Park –

Located in the Sawai Madhopur district, Ranthambhore National Park is a tiger reserve spread over 392 sq kms. The best months for tiger spotting in the Reserve are November and May. Other animals in the wild, that one can expect to see, are leopards, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, hyenas, sloth bear and chital.

Chittorgarh Fort –

The fort is a World Heritage Site and is spread over 280 ha on top of a hill. It is the largest fort in India and by far the grandest too. The fort used to be the capital of Mewar, and today is located within Chittor city. Chittorgarh Fort is a majestic complex because of its historical palaces, gates, temples and two famous commemoration towers.

Taj Mahal –

The Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, is arguably India’s most famous tourist destination. It is a mausoleum of white marble built by the great Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, in the loving memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is regarded as the finest examples of Mughal architecture and has become renowned across the world for its remarkable elegance. Work on the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and was completed in 1653, with the services of thousands of artisans and craftsmen.

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Route, Schedule & Time Table –
2014 2015
October-5, 12, 19, 26 January-4, 11, 18, 25
November-2, 9, 16, 23, 30 February-1, 8, 15, 22
Decmber-7, 14, 21, 28 March-1, 8, 15, 22, 29

 

For more details please visit – http://rtdc.rajasthan.gov.in/rrow.aspx

Special Trains, Trains, Trains Between Cities

12171/12172 Mumbai LTT – Haridwar & Haridwar – Mumbai LTT AC Express

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The Lokmanya Tilak Terminus – Haridwar AC-Superfast Express is regarded to be a train that is superfast and belongs to Central Railways Zone of the Indian Railways. Right from its introduction, this train has been helping passengers to board at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and in between to reach the holy city of Haridwar by alighting them at the Haridwar Junction.

This train is said to operate with the number 12171 when it runs from LTT to Haridwar Junction. On its way back to Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, the number is changed to 12172. The 12171/12172 Mumbai LTT -Haridwar AC Express (LTT-HW) is said to serve commuters of different states like Maharashtra, M.P., U.P., Delhi and Uttarakhand.

Coach Composition –

This superfast express is said to comprise at present the following coaches. There is a single AC 1st Class, two AC two-tier, nine AC three-tier and two end-on generator coaches. However, there is no pantry car coach in it. But passengers can avail hot, delicious, hygienic food at the several halts that the train would stop from time to time. Coach composition similar to other Indian trains could be changed by the Railway Board according to the present needs, requirements and booking circumstances.

Service –

This superfast express is said to cover a total distance of about 1771 kilometres. The total time taken for reaching the destination from its origin station is around 29 hours and 15 minutes, with an average speed of about 60.55 km/hr. On its return, the time taken by the train is just 28 hours and 55 minutes. According to Indian Railways rules, this train qualifies to be a Superfast Express, and is eligible for including superfast surcharge that is to be paid by the passengers. However, the rates charged are still very reasonable and considered to be the lowest, when compared with the other developing or developed nations across the globe.

Its Routes –

The different major stations that it crosses and halts are Nasik Road, Bhusaval Jn., Bhopal Junction, Jhansi Jn., Hazrat Nizamuddin, and finally, terminating at Haridwar Junction.

Traction –

The whole route still is to be completely electrified. Previously, a WCAM 3 engine that was Kalyan based used to haul this express from the LTT till Bhusaval Junction. After which, it was handed over to the WAP 4, Bhusaval based one until Hazrat Nizamuddin. From here the WDM 3D, which is Tughlakabad, is said to power the train throughout the remainder of its journey.

With the Central Railways moving progressively towards complete changeover to AC traction from DC, it is presently hauled by WAP 4 based on Bhusaval from LTT till Hazrat Nizamuddin and then being taken care of by the WDM 3A that is Tughlakabad based to power remaining journey.

Timings –

This superfast express is said to leave the LTT Terminus each Monday and Thursday at about 07:55 hours. It reaches its destination Haridwar Junction at about 13:10 hours the following day. On its return, the train is said to leave Haridwar Jn. every Tuesday and Friday at about 18:50 hours, to reach its destination LTT at about 23:45 hours, the following day.

Station Code Station Name Arrival Time Departure Time Stoppage Time
LTT LOKMANYATILAK origin 07:55 Origin
KYN Kalyan Junction 08:28 08:30 2 min
NK Nasik Road 11:12 11:15 3 min
BSL Bhusaval Junction 14:10 14:20 10 min
BPL Bhopal Junction 20:30 20:35 5 min
JHS Jhansi Junction 00:28 00:38 10 min
AGC Agra Cantt 04:00 04:05 5 min
NZM Delhi Hazrat Nizamuddin 06:55 07:30 35 min
MTC Meerut City 09:03 09:05 2 min
MOZ Muzaffarnagar 10:03 10:05 2 min
RK Roorkee 11:53 11:55 2 min
HW Haridwar Junction 13:10 destination Destination
Station Code Station Name Arrival Time Departure Time Stoppage Time
HW Haridwar Junction origin 18:50 Origin
RK Roorkee 19:38 19:40 2 min
MTC Meerut City 21:32 21:34 2 min
NZM Delhi Hazrat Nizamuddin 23:15 00:10 55 min
AGC Agra Cantt 03:05 03:10 5 min
JHS Jhansi Junction 05:55 06:05 10 min
BPL Bhopal Junction 10:30 10:45 15 min
BSL Bhusaval Junction 16:35 16:45 10 min
NK Nasik Road 19:40 19:45 5 min
KYN Kalyan Junction 22:58 23:00 2 min
LTT LOKMANYATILAK 23:45 destination Destination