Gatiman Express
Semi-high speed train by Indian Railways
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The 12049 / 12050 Gatiman Express is an express train run by Indian Railways.[3] It connects Hazrat Nizamuddin in Delhi and Jhansi railway stations via the Delhi-Jhansi sector, India's busiest rail line. It is a Shatabdi Category Express and currently the third-fastest train service in India, after the Namo Bharat and the Delhi-Rani Kamlapati Vande Bharat Express.[4] [5] [6]
19 February 2018 (Extended to Gwalior Junction)
1 April 2018 (Extended to Virangana Lakshmibai Junction)
| Gatiman Express | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Gatimaan Express near Gwalior Junction | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Overview | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service type | Shatabdi Express | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Status | Operational | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| First service | 5 April 2016 (Inaugural run) 19 February 2018 (Extended to Gwalior Junction) 1 April 2018 (Extended to Virangana Lakshmibai Junction) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current operators | Indian Railways & IRCTC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Website | https://indianrailways.gov.in/ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Route | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Termini | Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi Junction (VGLJ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stops | Agra Cantt Gwalior Junction | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distance travelled | 403 km (250 mi) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service frequency | 6 days a week (Except Friday) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Train number | 12049[1] / 12050[2] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| On-board services | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Classes | AC Chair Car (CC), Executive class (EC) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Seating arrangements | Yes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sleeping arrangements | No | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Auto-rack arrangements | Overhead racks | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Catering facilities | Yes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Observation facilities | Large windows | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Baggage facilities | Available | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other facilities | Wi-Fi Smoke Alarms Passenger Information System | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Technical | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rolling stock | LHB coach | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Track gauge | 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) Broad Gauge | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating speed | 90 km/h (56 mph) average including halts. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Gatiman Express consist is most commonly made up of a WAP-5 locomotive, 12 passenger cars, and 1-2 brake vans. The train covers the 403 km (250 mi) journey in 4 hours 25 minutes at an average speed of 91 km/h (57 mph).[7] As of 2024[update], the train achieves the maximum operational speed achieved by any operating train in India with a speed of 160 km/h (99 mph) on the Tughlakabad–Agra section.[8][9] The train runs six days a week.[10]
In October 2014, Indian Railways applied for a safety certificate from the Commission of Railway Safety to start the service and the train was officially announced in June 2015.[11] The first service ran on 5 April 2016 from Hazrat Nizamuddin and Agra Cantonment.[12][13] The train was extended from Agra to Gwalior on 19 February 2018 and then to Virangana Lakshmibai junction on 1 April 2018.[14]
Incidents
In 2016, a Delhi-bound train suffered damage to its pantograph during a thunderstorm, halting the train between Baad and Mathura Junction.[15]
In 2024, the crew violated the advisory speed limits between Jajau and Mania railway stations.[16] In June 2024, the maximum speed of the train was reduced from 160 km/h to 130 km/h until the installation of the Kavach autonomous train protection system on the route.[17][18]
As of 2026, there have been no reported casualties onboard the train.
Reputation
The Gatiman Express has achieved internet fame for being one of the fastest trains in India. Despite its fame, the train has received negative reviews from critics, citing poor maintenance and a hostile Crew. Due to high ticket prices, very few locals use the express, as fares can be 3 to 4 times higher than that of an AC 2 Tier on a normal express/superfast.