India’s premier semi-high-speed train, the Gatimaan Express, has celebrated a decade of operation since its inauguration on April 5, 2016, by former Railway Minister Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu at the Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station in Delhi. The Northern Railway zone is responsible for its operation and maintenance.
Initially connecting Hazrat Nizamuddin and Agra Cantt, the Gatimaan Express expanded its route on April 1, 2018, to include the Bundelkhand region, now reaching Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi Junction. This extension has enhanced accessibility to various tourist sites in and around Gwalior and Jhansi, with the train capable of achieving speeds of up to 160 km/h.
On its route from Hazrat Nizamuddin to Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi, the Gatimaan Express makes stops at two key stations: Agra Cantt and Gwalior. The train operates six days a week, with the exception of Fridays, under train numbers 12050/12049.
Equipped with a powerful 5500 HP electric locomotive, the Gatimaan Express comprises two Executive AC Chair Car coaches and eight AC Chair Car coaches. All coaches are outfitted with bio-toilets and were manufactured by the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala. The coaches feature balanced draft gear couplers for a smoother ride, and their exteriors sport a refreshed color scheme. The flooring has been treated to offer a bright and polished appearance.
The ticket prices for the fully air-conditioned Gatimaan Express are set at Rs 1,140 for the Chair Car from Hazrat Nizamuddin to Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi Junction, while the fare for Executive Class is Rs 2,300.
Anish Mondal, a journalist with more than nine years of experience focusing on railways and roadways, is currently part of the editorial team at Indianexpress.com, where he specializes in high-impact sectors.
In his professional journey, Anish began at Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he gained foundational knowledge of legislative processes and governance. He later moved to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com in 2018, refining his skills in market trends and corporate reporting over nearly six years. Prior to joining The Indian Express in 2025, he played a significant role at ETNowNews.com.
Anish’s journalistic endeavors are supported by a strong academic background in communication and the humanities, which includes a Master of Journalism and Mass Communication from Apeejay Stya University, a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production from Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Honours from the University of Calcutta.
His reporting focuses on connectivity, providing in-depth coverage of the expansion of the Indian Railways and National Highway networks.
Stay informed with the latest updates by following us on Instagram.
