India’s second private train started its commercial journey on Sunday between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The train, run completely by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), is now the fastest train between the two cities.
It takes just six hours to complete the journey, 25 minutes quicker than Doronto. It will run six days a week except Thursday.
It will depart from Ahmedabad at 6.40 am and reach Mumbai Central at 1.10 pm. On its return journey, Mumbai to Ahmedabad Tejas Express will depart from Mumbai Central at 3.40 pm and arrive in Ahmedabad at 9.55 pm. The train has stoppages at Nadiad, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Vapi and Borivali stations.
The luxury train will have dynamic pricing. There’s welcome tea, breakfast and combo lunch/snacks along with tea and coffee vending machines. Every coach also has a RO water filter machine.
Tickets for this train can be booked online only. There will not be any booking at railway reservation counters or tatkal option, IRCTC said in a press release.
The train has two AC executive class chair cars and eight AC chair cars with a capacity to carry 736 passengers.
Also, for the first time, IRCTC has decided to pay travellers if the train is delayed. For over an hour of delay, Tejas passengers will get a compensation of ₹100. For two hours and more, passengers will receive Rs 250.
There’s also a free insurance of Rs 25 lakh for all the passengers.
