Passengers have to wait further for the first ever semi-high speed Gatiman Express, which is expected to cover the 200-km distance between New Delhi and Agra in 105 minutes. The semi-high speed train was expected to run from this year but now the train would be made operational from next year. Railway sources said that the new train is undergoing a series of safety clearance tests being conducted by the separate ministry other than railway.
“Only after the tests are concluded the launch date for the train will be announced,” officials said. The clearance test entails issuance of safety and speed certificates to various coaches before it can commence operations, railway officials said.
Agra divisional railway manager Vijay Sehgal informed that the clearance certified will be issued by the commissioner railway safety, which falls under the civil aviation ministry. ‘Safety inspectors have conducted a few checks. They had some queries on which we are working on. The reply to their last query was sent on December 24,’ he said adding that safety checks are conducted by ‘outside’ department to ensure foolproof checks.
Earlier, the train, country’s first semi-high speed train, missed its November 30 deadline and later it was shifted to December. Trains running schedule as well as fares have already decided by the railway authorities. According to information, one-side fare of air-conditioned chair car between the two destinations has been kept at Rs 690, while a passenger will need to pay Rs 1,365 to travel by executive class. In comparison Shatabadi fares are Rs 540 for chair car and Rs 1,040 for people commuting by executive class.