Heralding a new era of semi-high speed trains in the country, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today flagged off the first such train which will cover the 200 km distance between Delhi and Agra in 100 minutes.
Train hostesses welcomed passengers with roses on board the Gatiman Express, which will have a maximum speed of 160 km per hour, as music floated in the air at Nizamuddin station from where the train embarked on its maiden journey.
“It is a happy occasion for us as the first semi-high speed train Gatiman starts today. We want to increase speed of all trains whether ordinary or express as part of our ‘raftar’ mission. It is not an easy task. It will take time but we have made a plan,” Prabhu said.
Painted in royal blue and grey colour combination with a yellow strip in between, the train has another first — train hostesses to welcome passengers. Also, Indian and continental food will be available on board the train.
Equipped with a 5,500 HP electric locomotive, two Executive AC Chair Cars and eight AC Chair Car coaches, the train has a high—power emergency braking system, automatic fire alarm, GPS—based passenger information system and sliding doors in the coaches.
The passenger amenities have been enhanced by providing better catering service, improved coach interiors with wide windows, bio—toilets besides free multimedia services enabling passengers to view movies, news and cartoons during their journey to Agra. Photographs of tourist spots in around Agra adorn the coaches.
Hotspot devices have been installed at coaches to enable passengers to access multimedia services free of cost directly on their smartphones, tablets or laptops.
India's fastest train GATIMAAN b/w H. Nizammuddin-Agra Cantt at maximum speed of 160kmph #TransformingIndiapic.twitter.com/n0kXgBPjNl
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) April 5, 2016