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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2017}}
{{Infobox rail service
{{short description|Train in India}}{{Italic title}}{{Infobox rail service
| name = Grand Trunk Express
| name               = Grand Trunk Express
| image= G.T Express Trainboard 1.jpg
| logo              = GT Express TB.jpg
| image_width = 250px
| color              = FFBB00
| caption =  
| image             = Gt express.jpg
| type = [[Superfast Express trains in India|Superfast Express]]
| image_width       =  
| locale =  
| caption           = Grand Trunk Express at [[Itarsi Junction railway station|Itarsi Junction]]
| first = {{start date and age|df=yes|1929|04|01}}
| type               = [[Superfast Express trains in India|Superfast Express]]
| last =  
| status            =
| operator = [[Southern Railway zone|Southern Railways]]
| locale             =  
| ridership =  
| first             = {{start date and age|df=yes|1929|04|01}}
| start = [[Chennai Central]] '''(MAS)'''
| last               =  
| stops = 40
| operator           = [[Southern Railway zone|Southern Railway]]
| end = [[New Delhi railway station|New Delhi]] '''(NDLS)'''
| ridership         =  
| distance = {{convert|2182|km|0|abbr=on}}
| start             = {{stnlnk |Chennai Egmore}} (MS)
| journeytime = 35 hours 15 minutes
| stops             = 36
| frequency = Daily
| end               = {{stnlnk|New Delhi}} (NDLS)
| class = AC First, AC Two Tier, AC Three Tier, Sleeper Class, Unreserved
| distance           = {{convert|2211|km|0|abbr=on}}
| seating = Yes
| journeytime       = 36 hours
| sleeping = Yes
| frequency         = Daily
| autorack =  
| class             = AC First Class, AC 2 Tier, AC 3 Tier, Sleeper Class, General Unreserved
| catering = Yes
| seating           = Yes
| observation = Large and Small windows
| sleeping           = Yes
| entertainment =  
| autorack           =  
| baggage = Luggage-cum-Brake Van
| catering           = Available
| otherfacilities=  
| observation       = Large windows
| stock = [[ICF Coaches]]
| entertainment     =  
| gauge = {{RailGauge|1676mm}}
| baggage           = Available
| el =  
| otherfacilities   = Below the seats
| trainnumber = 12615 / 12616
| stock             = [[LHB coach]]
| speed = {{convert|62|km/h|0|abbr=on}} average with halts
| gauge             = {{track gauge|1676mm}}
| map = [[File:Grand Trunk Express and Tamil Nadu Express (NDLS-MAS) Route map.jpg|300px]]
| el                 =  
| map_state =  
| trainnumber       = 12615 / 12616
| speed             = {{convert|62|km/h|0|abbr=on}} average including halts.
| map               = [[File:Grand Trunk Express and Tamil Nadu Express (NDLS-MAS) Route map.jpg|250px]]
| map_state         =  
}}
}}


The 12615 / 12616 '''Grand Trunk Express''' (commonly called '''G.T.''' or '''G.T. Express''') is a daily [[Superfast Express trains in India|Superfast Express]] train on [[Indian Railways]], running between [[New Delhi railway station|New Delhi]] and [[Chennai Central]]. It is a historic train and is one of the oldest trains starting services in 1929. It originally ran between [[Peshawar]] in [[Pakistan]] (then capital of the [[North-West Frontier Province (1901–55)|North West Frontier]] Province) and [[Mangalore Central]] in [[Karnataka]] (then in the [[Madras Presidency]]).{{citation needed |date=October 2019}}
The 12615 / 12616 '''Grand Trunk Express''' (commonly called '''G.T.''' or '''G.T Express''') is a Daily [[Superfast Express trains in India|Superfast Express]] train on [[Indian Railways]], running between {{stnlnk|New Delhi}} and [[MGR Chennai Central railway station|Madras Central]]. From February 2024, the train starts from [[Chennai Egmore railway station|Madras Egmore]]. It is a historic train and is one of the oldest trains starting services in 1929. It originally ran between [[Peshawar]] in the [[North-West Frontier Province (1901–55)|North West Frontier Province]] (present-day capital of the [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]] province, [[Pakistan]]) and [[Mangalore Central]] in the [[Madras Presidency]] (present-day city in [[Karnataka]], India).<ref name=":0" /> From September 2021, it runs with modern new LHB coach with revised coach position.


==History==
==History==
For most of the 19th century, the main railway route from [[Madras]] to [[Calcutta]] and [[Delhi]] was through [[Bombay]]. The Madras-Bombay mail train carried through carriages between Madras and [[Manmad]] which were detached at [[Daund]]. Passengers would then transfer to the [[Great Indian Peninsular Railway]]'s Calcutta mail at Manmad to proceed to the northern and the eastern parts of the country. The [[Howrah–Chennai main line|East Coast line]] between [[Madras]] and [[Calcutta]] opened in 1900, providing a shorter route for the passengers bound to Calcutta, but the passengers bound to [[Delhi]], [[Lahore]] and other major cities in the north, continued to rely on the Madras-Manmad mail service.
For most of the 19th century, the main railway route from [[Madras]] to [[Calcutta]] and [[Delhi]] was through [[Bombay]]. The Madras–Bombay mail train carried through carriages between Madras and [[Manmad]] which were detached at [[Daund]]. Passengers would then transfer to the [[Great Indian Peninsular Railway]]'s Calcutta Mail at Manmad to proceed to the northern and the eastern parts of the country. The [[Howrah–Chennai main line|East Coast line]] between Madras and Calcutta opened in 1900, providing a shorter route for the passengers bound to Calcutta, but the passengers bound to Delhi, [[Lahore]] and other major cities in the north, continued to rely on the Madras–Manmad mail service.


A record in through train running was set in 1921 by a military train conveying families of a regiment from Peshawar to [[Cannanore]] (now Kannur in [[Kerala]]). The journey represented a continuous run of over 2500 miles over the [[North Western Railway (British India)]], [[Great Indian Peninsular Railway]], [[Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway]] and the [[South Indian Railway]].<ref>{{cite book|title=The Locomotive Railway Carriage and Wagon Review, Volume: XXVII.-January-December, 1921|year=1921|publisher=The Locomotive Publishing Company, Limited|location=3, Amen Corner, Paternoster row, E.C.4|page=5}}</ref> Following this record journey, interest in a shorter through route between [[Madras]] and [[Delhi]] was rekindled and the [[Nizam's Guaranteed State Railway]] hastened the construction of the missing rail link between [[Kazipet]] and [[Balharshah Junction railway station|Balharshah]]. The link was opened throughout on 15 November 1928 with the commissioning of the [[Komaram Bheem, Telangana|Komaram Bheem]] Road - [[Balharshah Junction railway station|Balharshah]] section.<ref>{{cite book|title=Report by the Railway board on Indian Railways for 1928-29:Volume I|year=1930|publisher=Central Publication Branch, Government of India|location=Calcutta|page=28|chapter=III}}</ref> This link reduced the distance between [[Madras]] and [[Delhi]] by over 200 miles.
A record in through-train running was set in 1921 by a military train conveying families of a regiment from Peshawar to [[Cannanore]] (now Kannur in [[Kerala]]). The journey represented a continuous run of over 2500 miles over the [[North Western Railway (British India)]], [[Great Indian Peninsular Railway]], [[Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway]] and the [[South Indian Railway]].<ref>{{cite book|title=The Locomotive Railway Carriage and Wagon Review, Volume: XXVII.-January-December, 1921|year=1921|publisher=The Locomotive Publishing Company, Limited|location=3, Amen Corner, Paternoster row, E.C.4|page=5}}</ref> Following this record journey, interest in a shorter through route between Madras and Delhi was rekindled and the [[Nizam's Guaranteed State Railway]] hastened the construction of the missing rail link between [[Kazipet]] and {{stnlnk|Balharshah Junction}}. The link was opened throughout on 15 November 1928 with the commissioning of the [[Asifabad, Telangana|Asifabad]] Road – {{stnlnk|Balharshah Junction}} section.<ref>{{cite book|title=Report by the Railway board on Indian Railways for 1928-29:Volume I|year=1930|publisher=Central Publication Branch, Government of India|location=Calcutta|page=28|chapter=III}}</ref> This link reduced the distance between Madras and Delhi by over 200 miles.


From 1 April 1929 the 'Grand Trunk' express commenced operating as two through carriages running between [[Peshawar]] in the [[North Western Railway (British India)]] and [[Mangalore]] in the [[South Indian Railway]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Report by the Railway board on Indian Railways for 1929-30:Volume I|year=1930|publisher=Central Publication Branch, Government of India|location=Calcutta|page=71|chapter=VIII}}</ref> The two coaches, consisting of a composite First and Second class coach and a composite Third class and Luggage coach, made their way to [[Madras]] attached to the [[South Indian Railway]]'s Mangalore-Madras mail train. Between Madras and [[Itarsi]] sectional coaches to [[Itarsi]], Bezwada (now [[Vijayawada]]) and [[Hyderabad]] were operated. At Itarsi, the two through coaches from Mangalore were attached to the Great Indian Peninsular Railway's Bombay-Delhi service. In the final leg of the journey between [[Delhi]] and [[Peshawar]], the two through carriages were attached to the [[Golden Temple Mail|Frontier mail]] and reached Peshawar traveling through [[Bathinda]], [[Ferozepore]] and [[Lahore]]. Thus the train covered a distance of 2497 miles in a little over 96 hours. This was not an independent train and the name 'Grand Trunk express' only referred to the 2 through carriages operating between Mangalore and Peshawar.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Railway Magazine:Volume 64|year=1929|publisher=IPC Business Press|page=490}}</ref>
From 1 April 1929 the 'Grand Trunk' express commenced operating as two through carriages running between [[Peshawar]] in the [[North Western Railway (British India)]] and [[Mangalore]] in the [[South Indian Railway]].<ref name=":0">{{cite book |url=https://dspace.gipe.ac.in/xmlui/handle/10973/18188 |title=Report by the Railway board on Indian Railways for 1929-30:Volume I |author=Railway Department, Government of India |publisher=Central Publication Branch, Government of India |year=1930 |location=Calcutta |page=38 |chapter=Chapter IV-Transportation and Working}}</ref> The two coaches, consisting of a composite First and Second class coach and a composite Third class and Luggage coach, made their way to [[Madras]] attached to the [[South Indian Railway]]'s Mangalore–Madras mail train. Between Madras and [[Itarsi]] sectional coaches to Itarsi, Bezwada (now [[Vijayawada]]) and [[Hyderabad]] were operated. At Itarsi, the two through coaches from Mangalore were attached to the Great Indian Peninsular Railway's Bombay–Delhi service. In the final leg of the journey between Delhi and Peshawar, the two through carriages were attached to the [[Golden Temple Mail|Frontier Mail]] and reached Peshawar traveling through [[Bathinda]], [[Ferozepore]] and [[Lahore]]. Thus the train covered a distance of 2497 miles in a little over 96 hours. This was not an independent train and the name 'Grand Trunk express' only referred to the 2 through carriages operating between Mangalore and Peshawar.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Railway Magazine:Volume 64|year=1929|publisher=IPC Business Press|page=490}}</ref>


Shortly after the inauguration of the service, from 15 October 1929, the two through carriages operating between Mangalore and Peshawar were restricted to run between [[Mettupalayam, Coimbatore|Mettupalayam]] and [[Delhi]]. From 1 March 1930, the service was extended to Lahore.<ref>{{cite book|title=Report by the Railway board on Indian Railways for 1929-30:Volume I|year=1930|publisher=Central Publication Branch, Government of India|location=Calcutta|page=71|chapter=VIII}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Classic Trains of India|url=http://irfca.org/~shankie/famoustrains/famtraingt.htm|work=Indian Railways Fan Club Association|accessdate=5 November 2013|author=S. Shankar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504053951/http://irfca.org/~shankie/famoustrains/famtraingt.htm|archive-date=4 May 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Shortly after the inauguration of the service, from 15 October 1929, the two through carriages operating between Mangalore and Peshawar were restricted to run between [[Mettupalayam, Coimbatore|Mettupalayam]] and Delhi with Slip Coach to Peshawar/Landi Kotal .<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.irfca.org/articles/khyber-pass-railway.html | title=&#91;IRFCA&#93; Khyber Pass Railway }}</ref> From 1 March 1930, the service was extended to Lahore.<ref>{{cite book|title=Report by the Railway board on Indian Railways for 1929-30:Volume I|year=1930|publisher=Central Publication Branch, Government of India|location=Calcutta|page=71|chapter=VIII}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Classic Trains of India|url=http://irfca.org/~shankie/famoustrains/famtraingt.htm|work=Indian Railways Fan Club Association|accessdate=5 November 2013|author=S. Shankar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504053951/http://irfca.org/~shankie/famoustrains/famtraingt.htm|archive-date=4 May 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>


As the train consisted of only 2 through coaches, it proved insufficient to meet the traffic requirements. In addition, the train's schedule depended on the schedules of the trains carrying the through carriages, and was thus subject to regular delays. This led to a revision in the operation of the train and the revamped 'Grand Trunk express' commenced operating as a dedicated daily train between Madras and Delhi from 1 September 1930.<ref>{{cite book|title=Report by the Railway board on Indian Railways for 1930-31:Volume I|year=1932|publisher=Central Publication Branch, Government of India|location=Calcutta|page=36|chapter=IV}}</ref> The rakes used for the train were supplied by the [[Great Indian Peninsular Railway]] for the next few years.
As the train consisted of only 2 through coaches, it proved insufficient to meet the traffic requirements. In addition, the train's schedule depended on the schedules of the trains carrying the through carriages, and was thus subject to regular delays. This led to a revision in the operation of the train and the revamped 'Grand Trunk express' commenced operating as a dedicated daily train between Madras and Delhi from 1 September 1930.<ref>{{cite book|title=Report by the Railway board on Indian Railways for 1930-31:Volume I|year=1932|publisher=Central Publication Branch, Government of India|location=Calcutta|page=36|chapter=IV}}</ref> The rakes used for the train were supplied by the [[Great Indian Peninsular Railway]] for the next few years.


Until the mid 1960s, the Grand Trunk express completed the 1360 mile journey between [[Madras]] and [[New Delhi]] in about 50 hours. After the introduction of the [[Dakshin Express]] in 1968, the Grand trunk express was moved to a faster schedule. For a few years after the change in schedule, the train operated as a fully air-conditioned service for two days every week and with a mixed consist on the remaining 5 days. In time, the air-conditioned service was discontinued. Today, the train covers the 2183 kilometer journey in 35 hours and 15 minutes, with 40 halts (exclusive of the terminals) at an average speed of 62kmph.
Until the mid-1960s, the Grand Trunk Express completed the 1356 mile journey between Madras and [[New Delhi]] in about 50 hours. After the introduction of the [[Dakshin Express]] in 1968, the Grand Trunk Express was moved to a faster schedule. For a few years after the change in schedule, the train operated as a fully air-conditioned service for two days every week and with a mixed consist on the remaining 5 days. In time, the air-conditioned service was discontinued. Today, the train covers the 2182.4 kilometer journey in 35 hours and 15 minutes, with 40 halts (exclusive of the terminals) at an average speed of 62kmph.


From 10 December 2015, the train started terminating at [[Delhi Sarai Rohilla railway station|Delhi Sarai Rohilla]] instead of [[New Delhi railway station|New Delhi]].<ref name="NDLStoDEE">{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Grand-Trunk-Express-train-to-be-operated-from-Delhi-Sarai-Rohilla-railway-station/articleshow/48792063.cms |title=Grand Trunk Express train to be operated from Delhi Sarai Rohilla railway station |date=3 September 2015 |accessdate=2015-09-05 |location=Chennai |work=[[Times of India]]}}</ref> From 12 May 2018, the terminal was reverted to [[New Delhi railway station|New Delhi]].<ref name="DEEtoNDLS">{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-railways-shifts-terminals-of-18-train/articleshow/64253859.cms|title=Indian Railway shifts terminals of 18 trains|date=21 May 2018|work=[[Times of India]]}}</ref>
From 10 December 2015, the train started terminating at {{stnlnk|Delhi Sarai Rohilla}} instead of {{stnlnk|New Delhi}}.<ref name="NDLStoDEE">{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Grand-Trunk-Express-train-to-be-operated-from-Delhi-Sarai-Rohilla-railway-station/articleshow/48792063.cms |title=Grand Trunk Express train to be operated from Delhi Sarai Rohilla railway station |date=3 September 2015 |accessdate=2015-09-05 |location=Chennai |work=[[Times of India]]}}</ref> From 12 May 2018, the terminal was reverted to {{stnlnk|New Delhi}}.<ref name="DEEtoNDLS">{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-railways-shifts-terminals-of-18-train/articleshow/64253859.cms|title=Indian Railway shifts terminals of 18 trains|date=21 May 2018|work=[[Times of India]]}}</ref>


==Schedule and Service==
From 9 February 2024, This train got shifted to [[Chennai Egmore railway station|Madras Egmore]] few kms away from [[Chennai Central railway station|Chennai Central]]. Additional stoppage provided in [[Chennai Egmore railway station|Chennai Egmore]].


The train passes through the states of [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Telangana]], [[Maharashtra]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[Haryana]] and [[Delhi]].{{citation needed|date=March 2019}}
==Timings==
 
 
12615 [[Chennai Egmore railway station|Madras Egmore]] - [[New Delhi]] Grand Trunk Express leaves [[Chennai Egmore railway station|Madras Egmore]] by 17:40 and reaches [[New Delhi]] by 05:05 the third day.  


As per the numbering of the Indian Railways, the train has been assigned the numbers 12615/12616, with 12615 being assigned for the [[Chennai Central]] ('''MAS''') - [[New Delhi]] ('''NDLS''') run and 12616 for the [[New Delhi]] ('''NDLS''') - [[Chennai Central]] ('''MAS''') run.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}}
12616 [[New Delhi]] - [[Chennai Egmore railway station|Madras Egmore]] Grand Trunk Express leaves [[New Delhi]] by 16:10 and reaches [[Chennai Egmore railway station|Madras Egmore]] by 05:00 the third day.


It runs with standard ICF Coaches. It has totally 24 coaches.
==Schedule and service==


* 1 AC First Cum AC Two Tier
The train passes through the states of [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Telangana]], [[Maharashtra]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[Haryana]] and [[Delhi]].{{citation needed|date=March 2019}}
* 3 AC Two Tier
* 2 AC Three Tier
* 13 Sleeper Class
* 1 Pantry Car
* 2 General Unreserved
* 2 Luggage Cum Disabled Coach


As per the numbering of the Indian Railways, the train has been assigned the numbers 12615/12616, with 12615 being assigned for the [[Chennai Egmore railway station|Madras Egmore]] (MS) – [[New Delhi]] (NDLS) run and 12616 for the [[New Delhi]] (NDLS) – [[Chennai Egmore railway station|Madras Egmore]] (MS) run.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}


It shares its rake with two trains.
==Coach composition==


12621 / 12622 Chennai Central - New Delhi Tamil Nadu Superfast Express
It runs with [[LHB coach]]. It has a total of 22 coaches.


* 1 [[Indian Railways coaching stock|AC First Class Cum AC Two Tier]]
* 2 [[Indian Railways coaching stock|AC Two Tier]]
* 6 [[Indian Railways coaching stock|AC Three Tier]]
* 6 [[Indian Railways coaching stock|Sleeper class]]
* 1 [[Indian Railways coaching stock|Pantry car]]
* 4 [[Indian Railways coaching stock|General Unreserved]]
* 1 [[Indian Railways coaching stock|Luggage Cum Disabled Coach]]
* 1 [[Indian Railways coaching stock|End On Generator Car]]


12669 / 12670 Chennai Central - Chhapra Ganga Kaveri Bi-weekly Superfast Express
==Route and halts==


==Route & Halts==
The important halts of Grand Trunk Express are :-
The important halts of Grand Trunk Express are;


* '''{{rws|Chennai Central}}'''
* {{stnlnk|Chennai Egmore}}
* {{rws|Gudur}}
* {{stnlnk|Gudur Junction}}
* {{rws|Nellore}}
* {{stnlnk|Nellore}}
* {{rws|Vijayawada}}
* [[Ongole railway station|Ongole]]
* {{rws|Warangal}}
* {{stnlnk|Vijayawada Junction}}
* {{rws|Sirpur Kaghaznagar}}
* {{stnlnk|Khammam}}
* {{rws|Balharshah}}
* {{stnlnk|Warangal}}
* {{rws|Sewagram Junction}}
* Ramagundam
* {{rws|Nagpur}}
* {{stnlnk|Mancherial}}
* {{rws|Betul}}
* {{stnlnk|Balharshah Junction}}
* {{rws|Itarsi Junction}}
* {{stnlnk|Nagpur Junction}}
* {{rws|Bhopal Junction}}
* {{stnlnk|Itarsi Junction}}
* {{rws|Bina}}
* {{stnlnk|Bhopal Junction}}
* {{rws|Jhansi Junction}}
* {{stnlnk|Jhansi Junction}}
* {{rws|Gwalior}}
* {{stnlnk|Gwalior Junction}}
* {{rws|Dholpur}}
* {{stnlnk|Agra Cantonment}}
* {{rws|Agra Cantonment}}
* {{stnlnk|Mathura Junction}}
* {{rws|Mathura}}
* '''{{stnlnk|New Delhi}}'''
* {{rws|Hazrat Nizamuddin}}
* '''{{rws|New Delhi}}'''


==Traction==
==Traction==
It is hauled by a [[Electric Loco Shed, Royapuram|Royapuram]] based [[WAP 7]] or [[Electric Loco Shed, Arakkonam|Arakkonam]] / [[Electric Loco Shed, Erode|Erode]] based [[WAP 4]] locomotive  on its entire journey.
It is hauled by a [[Electric Loco Shed, Royapuram|Royapuram]] based [[WAP-7]] locomotive  on its entire journey.


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
<gallery>
<gallery>


File:Grand Trunk Express - AC 2 tier coach.jpg |Grand Trunk Express - AC 2 tier coach
File:Grand Trunk Express - AC 2 tier coach.jpg |Grand Trunk Express – AC 2 tier coach
File:Grand Trunk Express with Erode based WAP 4.jpg |Grand Trunk Express with [[Erode Junction railway station|Erode]] based [[WAP 4]]
File:Grand Trunk Express with Erode based WAP 4.jpg |Grand Trunk Express with [[Electric Loco Shed, Erode|Erode]]-based [[WAP-4]]
File:Grand Trunk Express - Train board.jpg |Grand Trunk Express - Train board
File:Grand Trunk Express - Train board.jpg |Grand Trunk Express – Train board
File:Grand Trunk Express - AC 2 tier coach - A3.jpg |Grand Trunk Express - AC 2 tier coach - A3
File:Grand Trunk Express - AC 2 tier coach - A3.jpg |Grand Trunk Express – AC 2 tier coach – A3
File:Grand Trunk Express - AC 3 tier coach.jpg |Grand Trunk Express - AC 3 tier coach
File:Grand Trunk Express - AC 3 tier coach.jpg |Grand Trunk Express – AC 3 tier coach
</gallery>
</gallery>


Latest revision as of 19:50, 27 March 2026

Grand Trunk Express
Grand Trunk Express at Itarsi Junction
Overview
Service typeSuperfast Express
First service1 April 1929; 97 years ago (1929-04-01)
Current operator(s)Southern Railway
Route
StartChennai Egmore (MS)
Stops36
EndNew Delhi (NDLS)
Distance travelled2,211 km (1,374 mi)
Average journey time36 hours
Service frequencyDaily
Train number(s)12615 / 12616
On-board services
Class(es)AC First Class, AC 2 Tier, AC 3 Tier, Sleeper Class, General Unreserved
Seating arrangementsYes
Sleeping arrangementsYes
Catering facilitiesAvailable
Observation facilitiesLarge windows
Baggage facilitiesAvailable
Other facilitiesBelow the seats
Technical
Rolling stockLHB coach
Track gauge1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)
Operating speed62 km/h (39 mph) average including halts.
Route map

The 12615 / 12616 Grand Trunk Express (commonly called G.T. or G.T Express) is a Daily Superfast Express train on Indian Railways, running between New Delhi and Madras Central. From February 2024, the train starts from Madras Egmore. It is a historic train and is one of the oldest trains starting services in 1929. It originally ran between Peshawar in the North West Frontier Province (present-day capital of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan) and Mangalore Central in the Madras Presidency (present-day city in Karnataka, India).[1] From September 2021, it runs with modern new LHB coach with revised coach position.

History[edit | edit source]

For most of the 19th century, the main railway route from Madras to Calcutta and Delhi was through Bombay. The Madras–Bombay mail train carried through carriages between Madras and Manmad which were detached at Daund. Passengers would then transfer to the Great Indian Peninsular Railway's Calcutta Mail at Manmad to proceed to the northern and the eastern parts of the country. The East Coast line between Madras and Calcutta opened in 1900, providing a shorter route for the passengers bound to Calcutta, but the passengers bound to Delhi, Lahore and other major cities in the north, continued to rely on the Madras–Manmad mail service.

A record in through-train running was set in 1921 by a military train conveying families of a regiment from Peshawar to Cannanore (now Kannur in Kerala). The journey represented a continuous run of over 2500 miles over the North Western Railway (British India), Great Indian Peninsular Railway, Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway and the South Indian Railway.[2] Following this record journey, interest in a shorter through route between Madras and Delhi was rekindled and the Nizam's Guaranteed State Railway hastened the construction of the missing rail link between Kazipet and Balharshah Junction. The link was opened throughout on 15 November 1928 with the commissioning of the Asifabad Road – Balharshah Junction section.[3] This link reduced the distance between Madras and Delhi by over 200 miles.

From 1 April 1929 the 'Grand Trunk' express commenced operating as two through carriages running between Peshawar in the North Western Railway (British India) and Mangalore in the South Indian Railway.[1] The two coaches, consisting of a composite First and Second class coach and a composite Third class and Luggage coach, made their way to Madras attached to the South Indian Railway's Mangalore–Madras mail train. Between Madras and Itarsi sectional coaches to Itarsi, Bezwada (now Vijayawada) and Hyderabad were operated. At Itarsi, the two through coaches from Mangalore were attached to the Great Indian Peninsular Railway's Bombay–Delhi service. In the final leg of the journey between Delhi and Peshawar, the two through carriages were attached to the Frontier Mail and reached Peshawar traveling through Bathinda, Ferozepore and Lahore. Thus the train covered a distance of 2497 miles in a little over 96 hours. This was not an independent train and the name 'Grand Trunk express' only referred to the 2 through carriages operating between Mangalore and Peshawar.[4]

Shortly after the inauguration of the service, from 15 October 1929, the two through carriages operating between Mangalore and Peshawar were restricted to run between Mettupalayam and Delhi with Slip Coach to Peshawar/Landi Kotal .[5] From 1 March 1930, the service was extended to Lahore.[6][7]

As the train consisted of only 2 through coaches, it proved insufficient to meet the traffic requirements. In addition, the train's schedule depended on the schedules of the trains carrying the through carriages, and was thus subject to regular delays. This led to a revision in the operation of the train and the revamped 'Grand Trunk express' commenced operating as a dedicated daily train between Madras and Delhi from 1 September 1930.[8] The rakes used for the train were supplied by the Great Indian Peninsular Railway for the next few years.

Until the mid-1960s, the Grand Trunk Express completed the 1356 mile journey between Madras and New Delhi in about 50 hours. After the introduction of the Dakshin Express in 1968, the Grand Trunk Express was moved to a faster schedule. For a few years after the change in schedule, the train operated as a fully air-conditioned service for two days every week and with a mixed consist on the remaining 5 days. In time, the air-conditioned service was discontinued. Today, the train covers the 2182.4 kilometer journey in 35 hours and 15 minutes, with 40 halts (exclusive of the terminals) at an average speed of 62kmph.

From 10 December 2015, the train started terminating at Delhi Sarai Rohilla instead of New Delhi.[9] From 12 May 2018, the terminal was reverted to New Delhi.[10]

From 9 February 2024, This train got shifted to Madras Egmore few kms away from Chennai Central. Additional stoppage provided in Chennai Egmore.

Timings[edit | edit source]

12615 Madras Egmore - New Delhi Grand Trunk Express leaves Madras Egmore by 17:40 and reaches New Delhi by 05:05 the third day.

12616 New Delhi - Madras Egmore Grand Trunk Express leaves New Delhi by 16:10 and reaches Madras Egmore by 05:00 the third day.

Schedule and service[edit | edit source]

The train passes through the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi.[citation needed]

As per the numbering of the Indian Railways, the train has been assigned the numbers 12615/12616, with 12615 being assigned for the Madras Egmore (MS) – New Delhi (NDLS) run and 12616 for the New Delhi (NDLS) – Madras Egmore (MS) run.[citation needed]

Coach composition[edit | edit source]

It runs with LHB coach. It has a total of 22 coaches.

Route and halts[edit | edit source]

The important halts of Grand Trunk Express are :-

Traction[edit | edit source]

It is hauled by a Royapuram based WAP-7 locomotive on its entire journey.

Gallery[edit | edit source]

  • Grand Trunk Express – AC 2 tier coach
    Grand Trunk Express – AC 2 tier coach
  • Grand Trunk Express with Erode-based WAP-4
    Grand Trunk Express with Erode-based WAP-4
  • Grand Trunk Express – Train board
    Grand Trunk Express – Train board
  • Grand Trunk Express – AC 2 tier coach – A3
    Grand Trunk Express – AC 2 tier coach – A3
  • Grand Trunk Express – AC 3 tier coach
    Grand Trunk Express – AC 3 tier coach

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Railway Department, Government of India (1930). "Chapter IV-Transportation and Working". Report by the Railway board on Indian Railways for 1929-30:Volume I. Calcutta: Central Publication Branch, Government of India. p. 38.
  2. ↑ The Locomotive Railway Carriage and Wagon Review, Volume: XXVII.-January-December, 1921. 3, Amen Corner, Paternoster row, E.C.4: The Locomotive Publishing Company, Limited. 1921. p. 5.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  3. ↑ "III". Report by the Railway board on Indian Railways for 1928-29:Volume I. Calcutta: Central Publication Branch, Government of India. 1930. p. 28.
  4. ↑ The Railway Magazine:Volume 64. IPC Business Press. 1929. p. 490.
  5. ↑ "[IRFCA] Khyber Pass Railway".
  6. ↑ "VIII". Report by the Railway board on Indian Railways for 1929-30:Volume I. Calcutta: Central Publication Branch, Government of India. 1930. p. 71.
  7. ↑ S. Shankar. "Classic Trains of India". Indian Railways Fan Club Association. Archived from the original on 4 May 2015. Retrieved 5 November 2013.
  8. ↑ "IV". Report by the Railway board on Indian Railways for 1930-31:Volume I. Calcutta: Central Publication Branch, Government of India. 1932. p. 36.
  9. ↑ "Grand Trunk Express train to be operated from Delhi Sarai Rohilla railway station". Times of India. Chennai. 3 September 2015. Retrieved 5 September 2015.
  10. ↑ "Indian Railway shifts terminals of 18 trains". Times of India. 21 May 2018.

External links[edit | edit source]

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