The train will run at 100 mph, and will cover the 125-mile journey in 100 minutes. While nowhere near the speed of a bullet train or the high-speed trains in China, the train is still a significant step for the Indian railways, and is 20 mph faster than the previous record-holder the Shatabdi Express.
The train is particularly meant for tourists, visiting the world-famous Taj Mahal, one of the most popular destinations in India. The railways is also planning to bundle a bus service to the Taj from Agra as part of a tour package. The train will leave Delhi at 8:10 a.m. and arrive at Agra at 9:50 a.m. The train will run every day except Fridays, when the Taj is closed. The train will depart from Agra at 5.50 p.m. and return to Nizamuddin at 7.30 p.m. There will 10 air-conditioned coaches on the train, two of which will be first-class coaches.
Gatiman will feature many new firsts of the Indian railways. Passengers will be ushered to their seats by train hostesses. Free access to multimedia content, including movies and news will be available through an app. The content delivery cost is being paid for through advertisements.
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu will flag the train off from New Delhi’s Nizamuddin Station on April 5. “We are trying to provide the best service to passengers in the first semi-high speed train. While quality food with multiple choices will be offered to passengers, they will also be given free access to multimedia entertainment on their seats,” said a senior Railway Ministry official. The train will include on-board meals with both Indian and continental cuisine, another first for the railways, to cater to both Indian and overseas tourists.
The Indian railways is planning to offer such services on several other important routes, including Chandigarh Delhi, Hyderabad-Chennai and Goa-Mumbai.
