The Indian Railways’ new flagship train, Tejas Express, will be making its first run between Mumbai and Goa on Monday. Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu will flag off the train’s first commercial journey. Here are 10 things you need to know about the Tejas Express:
- The newly launched luxury train is expected to complete the journey from Mumbai to Goa in less than nine hours, making it the faster than the Janshatabdi running on the same route.
- The Tejas Express is well endowed technologically. The German coaches have been fitted with LED screens, coffee vending machines and Wifi connectivity. The bright orange and yellow coaches have also been wrapped in vinyl, making them graffiti proof.
- The fare for Tejas Express’ executive class is Rs. 2,680 with food and Rs. 2,525 without. The fare for AC chair car has been fixed at Rs 1,280 (with food) and Rs 1,155 (without food).
- The trains are expected to run at a maximum speed of 200 km per hour in the future and at present, will run at an average speed of 130 km per hour.
- The train will run between Mumbai and Goa five days a week. During the monsoon season, it will run for three days.
- Tejas Express trains will also be launched between Delhi and Chandigarh and between Surat and Mumbai at a later date.
- The train will have thirteen coaches including one executive coach with a seating capacity of 56. The AC chair cars will have a capacity of 78 seats each. All doors are centrally controlled.
- The ticket fares for the Tejas Express will be cheaper than flights but 20 percent higher than that of the Shatabdi Express.
- Each coach has cost Rs. 3.25 crore, according to officials. These coaches have been installed with leather seats, LCD screens and a call button to summon attendants.
- The train has been fitted with bio-vacuum toilets in all the coaches. It will also have other features like hand dryers, water level indicators, and touch-less water taps.
