Two year wait is over for the India’s fastest train. The “semi-bullet” Gatimaan Express is all set to go on tracks. It would be inaugurated on 5 April 2016. The only change is that the train would depart from HazratNizamuddin, instead of Delhi, and would reach Agra in 100 minutes.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu will flag off the train from Rail Bhawan with remote control from 10am. Train will run proper commercially from 6 April 2016. Marking a landmark for India the train would achieve a top speed of 160 kmph.

The 12049/50 Gatimaan Express is slated to run at 120kmph before the Tughlakabad-Agra section and would clock 160kmph speed from there. The fares of the train would be higher than that of a Shatabdi. The train will accommodate 12 executive class coaches as well as chair cars. However, it is not decided whether commercial booking should be allowed at the inaugural itself or the following day.

According to a Railway Board member,“Rail Hosts and Hostesses” will be in the train. They will be dressed in a blue uniform that is designed especially for them. End-to-end passenger interface activities like ticket checking would be carried out by an appointed private sector provider. Passengers can also pick from a wide variety of food options like continental, Italian, Indian and others.

-Sumana