Tejas Express, ‘Aeroplane On Tracks’, Makes First Trip Today: 10 Points

MUMBAI:  The Tejas Express, India’s newest train, will make its first trip on Monday from Mumbai to Goa. The luxury train is expected to complete the journey in less than nine hours, which makes it faster than the Janshatabdi. The train was revealed to the public in Mumbai on Sunday. The bright yellow superfast train promises a flight-like experience on the track at less than Rs. 1,500 a ride. Its first commercial journey will be flagged off by Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu this afternoon.

Here are 10 facts on India’s newest train, the Tejas Express:

1. The Tejas Express has German coaches fitted with LED screens, coffee vending machines and Wifi connectivity.
2. The train will have thirteen coaches including one executive coach with a capacity of 56. All doors are centrally controlled.
3. The train also has CCTV cameras, besides fire and smoke detection facilities. Its body is “graffiti proof”.
4. The fare for Tejas Express’ executive class is Rs. 2,680 with food and Rs. 2,525 without. For the AC chair car, the fare is Rs. 1,280 with food and Rs. 1,155 without food.
5. The ticket fares will be cheaper than flights but 20 per cent higher than that of the Shatabdi Express.
6. The trains can run at a speed of 200 km per hour.
7. “This Tejas will take rail travel to a different level altogether. This is a first of its kind on Indian Railway. It will be a game changer,” DK Sharma, senior Central Railway officer, told NDTV, likening the train with an aeroplane on the ground.
8. Each coach has cost Rs. 3.25 crore, according to officials. These have leather seats, LCD screens and a call button to summon attendants.
9. The train will run between Mumbai and Goa five days a week. During monsoon, it will run for three days.
10. Tejas Express trains will also be launched between Delhi and Chandigarh and between Surat and Mumbai.