Opening a new chapter in the history of Indian Railways, the Railway Ministry has finally decided to run the much-awaited first semi-high speed train of the country named Gatimaan Express on Tuesday from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi. The Delhi-Agra Gatimaan Express, the first train in India to run at a speed of 160 km per hour (kmph), is expected to cover the 200 km distance in 100 minutes.
A senior Railway official said Gatimaan, which would be flagged off by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, will have the best-possible services, matching in-flight services in catering.
A private service provider has been appointed to carry out end-to-end passenger interface activities including checking of the tickets.
“Just like on flights, there will be hostesses on the train. Each passenger will be greeted upon boarding and both Indian and continental food will be made available,” said the official.
However, the fare will be 25 per cent higher than the existing slabs and class of Shatabdi Express.
The commercial run of the 12049/50 UP/DN Gatimaan Express with a speed of 160 kmph in the Tughlakabad-Agra section will begin from April 6. Between Nizamuddin to Tughlakabad it is slated to run at a speed of 120 kmph.