MUMBAI: The stage is set for the inauguration of the Indian Railways’ first ever high-speed luxurious train, Tejas Express, which will embark on its inaugural journey here today.
The ceremony will be flagged off by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu in the presence of Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal, cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar and other dignitaries.
The journey will commence at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus at 3:25 pm on Monday, and will arrive at Karmali in Goa at 12:35 am the next day, with halts at Dadar, Thane, Panvel, Ratnagiri and Kudal.
However, prior to the train’s commencement, a group of people on Friday smashed the window of the brand new coach in Delhi.
The unidentified miscreants damaged the train en route Mumbai after it left the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala on Thursday.
Upon arrival, the train is said to be inspected and serviced well before the inauguration.
The state-of-the-art train, capable of running at 200 kilometres per hour, will operate five days a week during the non-monsoon period, and three days a week during the monsoon period.
Advance booking to reserve a seat on the inaugural journey were open from May 21. According to reports, over 300 tickets have already been sold so far.
The Central Railways also released a schedule of the train services via twitter to inform travelers of train timings during the forthcoming monsoon and non-monsoon time frames.
Currently running at 160 kilometres per hour due to operational constraints, here are some of the amenities that the luxurious coach offers:
Bio-vacuum toilets (less water consumption and hygienic)
Water level indicators
Touchless Water Taps, Soap dispenser
Marble finish Anti-graffiti coating
Hand dryers
New design Dust bin
Vinyl Wrapped specially designed exteriors
Automatic entrance plug type doors (provides better sound and heat insulation, can be controlled by Guard panel)
Secured gangways (reduce sound levels, dirt, sand, water ingress, increase passenger safety & Comfort, energy efficiency, elegant design)
Fire & smoke detection and suppression system
Fire suppression system in Power car
CCTV cameras for security
GPS based Passenger Information display System
Call bell integrated with berth reading light.
Digital Destination Boards
Integrated braille displays
E-Leather as improved upholstery
Redesigned backrest with higher height
Redesigned armrest
Leg support for Executive Chair Car with gas spring
Energy Efficient LED Lights
LED TV with Touch Control for each passenger (with recorded content, can be upgraded to Live TV)
Provided with USB charging facility
Magazines
Tea and Coffee vending machines
Local cuisine
Celebrity Chef Menu