India's fastest train completes final test run in record time

AGRA: The sixth and final trial for Gatimaan Express, the first semi high-speed train service between Delhi and Agra, was completed on Tuesday, during which the train covered the 195-km journey in 115 minutes, clocking a maximum speed of 160-plus kmph. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the train, touted to be the country's fastest, in the second week of June.

Equipped with a 5,400HP electric locomotive and 12 modern coaches, the train, however, arrived 10 minutes late as it was expected to cover the journey in about 105 minutes.

Bhupinder Dhillon, public relations officer for divisional railway manager (DRM), Agra, told TOI, "It was the last trial run of Gatimaan Express, which was conducted by the maintenance department of Northern Railway. So, now we can expect the train to be flagged off soon."

Another senior official said, "The clearance from CRS is expected any time and we are gearing up to launch the train. Plans are afoot to have the PM flag off the train in the second week of this month." Railways is celebrating Modi government's completion of one year in office with a fortnight of programmes from May 26 to June 9.

On Tuesday, the train, which has no stoppages in its 195-km route, began its journey from New Delhi station at 11.15 AM and arrived at Agra Catt station at 1.10 pm, 10 minutes later than its correct time. On its journey back, the train started from Agra Cantt at 2.20PM and reached Delhi at 4.25 PM, taking a total time of 2 hours 25 minutes. Interestingly, the current fastest train, Bhopal Shatabdi, takes 2 hours six minutes to cover the same distance, including a two-minute halt at Mathura.

The running schedule of the train as well as its fare have already been decided by the railway authorities. The fare for Gatimaan Express will be 25% more than what a Shatabdi passenger has to pay. One-way fare of the air-conditioned chair car has been fixed at Rs 690, while a passenger will be required to spend Rs 1,365 for the executive class.

For Shatabadi, a passenger is required to pay Rs 540 for a chair car seat and Rs 1,040 for the executive class.

The train is expected to start from New Delhi at 8 am and reach Agra by 9.45 am. On its journey back, the train will start from Agra at 5.30 PM are reach Delhi at 7.15 PM.