Reaching a top speed of 160kmph, India's first semi-high speed train Gatimaan Express has completed its maiden journey from Delhi to Agra in just 100 minutes, and returned in even less time.
On Tuesday morning, the red carpet was rolled out at the Hazrat Nizamuddin station from where the new train started its journey. The whole train was decked with balloons and floral garlands. Train hostesses, in the their smart blue uniforms, welcomed passengers on board with chocolates and red roses.
Gatimaan Express started its momentous journey at 10:10 am with 224 passengers on board. The train has a total capacity of 736 seats -- two executive coaches with 56 seats each and eight chair cars with 78 seats each.
Though it resembles the Shatabdi, Gatimaan has much better services on offer. Plush interiors, hotspot infotainment, and a menu which includes a wide range of veg and non veg dishes -- the passenger feels cared for.
"The service is much better. The food quality is very good. There should be more such trains," said Ruchira, a passenger who is from Kolkata.
Her views were seconded by 72-year-old Subhash Sachdeva who claimed he had also witnessed the launch of Taj Express in 1964. "It is a proud moment that India got its fastest train. The service is very good. I'm hopeful that India will soon get trains running at speeds of over 300 kmph."
"The quality of the food is very good and it should be extended to other trains irrespective of the cost. For such high speed trains, there should be good tracks," said Amit Bhojari, another passenger.
"The train has specialised features to cater to every age group of citizens. From infotainment, to upgraded menu to better service on board. If need be, more coaches will be added," said Railways spokesperson Anil Saxena.
For train hostesses Maya aand Laxmi, it was a proud day. "We had a good experience. Passengers were very friendly. The service should be extended to other trains as well," said Maya.
The train reached Agra Cantonment at 11:50 am, covering a distance of 184 kms in 100 minutes. The return journey took a minute less -- starting at 5:52 pm and reaching Delhi at 7:31 pm.
Soon we will complete the journey in 90 minutes, said loco pilots Pankaj Garg and Sudesh Kumar.
The non-stop train will ply on all days except Friday, at 8:10 am from Hazrat Nizamuddin and 5:50 pm from Agra Cantonment. The fare for chair car is Rs 750 and Executive Class is Rs 1,500.
The entire onboard services, from catering to housekeeping, are managed by the IRCTC. Two Agra heritage tour packages, with trips to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, are aligned with the train timings.
And as they got down after their fastest ever rail journey, many of the passengers wondered aloud -- why can't we have more trains like this?
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