Suresh Prabhu flags off first double decker Goa-Mumbai train

PANAJI: Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today flagged off the first Goa to Mumbai double-decker Shatabdi train through video conference from here.

The train will run thrice a week between Margao and the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) in Mumbai.

"I am always ready to support the demands of Goa government. They requested for the train and we ensured it could happen," Prabhu said.

Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Union Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Naik were present on the occasion.

Parsekar said the fully air-conditioned double decker train would help boost tourism.

"The train will help tourists to come to Goa. I am happy the service has been started. It's the first fully air-conditioned double decker train of its kind in India," he added.

The double decker train will cover the distance in around 12 hours. It has eight compartments with a seating capacity of 120 in each compartment.