| File:Himgiri exp.jpg | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Superfast Express |
| First service | 1 January 1979[1] |
| Current operator(s) | Eastern Railways |
| Route | |
| Start | Howrah (HWH) |
| Stops | 33 |
| End | Jammu Tawi (JAT) |
| Distance travelled | 2,024 km (1,258 mi) |
| Average journey time | 36hrs 45 mins |
| Service frequency | Tri-weekly |
| Train number(s) | 12331 / 12332 |
| On-board services | |
| Class(es) | AC 1 Tier, AC 2 Tier, AC 3 Tier, Sleeper Class, General Unreserved |
| Seating arrangements | Yes |
| Sleeping arrangements | Yes |
| Catering facilities | Available |
| Observation facilities | Large windows |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | LHB Coaches |
| Track gauge | 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) |
| Operating speed | 55.00 kilometres per hour (34.18 mph) average with halts |
The 12331 / 12332 Himgiri Superfast Express is a superfast train of the Indian Railways connecting Howrah Junction in West Bengal and Jammu Tawi in Jammu and Kashmir. It is currently being operated with 12331/12332 train numbers on three days in week.[2] It covers a total distance of 2,024 km (1,258 mi) that runs through the major north states of India. The old ICF coaches of the trains were replaced with the new LHB coaches during Mid August 2018.
History
In 1975 in order to bring equality amongst all classes and provide good train experience to all strata of society, the Himgiri Express was launched. The Himgiri Express made its inaugural run on 1 January 1979. From 1979 to 2004, Himgiri Express followed a fast time table. Departing from Howrah Junction at 23.45 hrs & arriving Jammu Tawi at 07.45 hrs on 3rd day & on return departing Jammu Tawi at 22.45 hrs, arriving Howrah at 06.45 hrs on 3rd Moring. In 1st 25 years of service this train used to stop only at Asansol Junction, Jasidih Junction, Kiul Junction, Patna Junction, Mughalsarai Junction(nowPt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction), Varanasi Junction, Lucknow Charbagh, Bareilly Junction, Moradabad Junction, Saharanpur Junction, Ambala Cantonment, Ludhiana Junction, Jalandhar Cantonment & Pathankot Cantonment. However, 19 more stoppages were added between 2004-2020 period. This hampered operation & puntuality failed miserably. It was also when this express was launched that the Indian Railways abolished the third class in trains.[citation needed]
Services
Currently the train takes 36 hrs 45 mins to cover the journey. Departing at 23.55 hrs from Howrah Junction & arriving Jammu Tawi at 12.40 hrs on 3rd day as 12331 Himgiri Express. On return, departing 22.45 hrs from Jammu Tawi & arriving Howrah Junction at 11.30 hrs on 3rd day as 12332 Himgiri Express. Train had been slowed by 4 hrs 45 mins from 2004 onwards after 19 more halts were added. As the average speed of the train is at par with speed of 55 kilometres per hour (34 mph), as per Indian Railway rules, its fare includes a superfast surcharge.
Route & Halts
The important halts of the train are;
- Howrah
- Asansol
- Madhupur
- Jasidih
- Jhajha
- Kiul
- Mokama
- Patna Junction
- Danapur
- Ara
- Buxar
- Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction
- Varanasi
- Jaunpur City
- Sultanpur
- Lucknow Charbagh
- Bareilly
- Moradabad
- Saharanpur
- Ambala Cantonment
- Ludhiana
- Phagwara
- Jalandhar Cantonment
- Pathankot Cantonment
- Kathua
- Jammu Tawi
Traction
Both trains are hauled by a Howrah based WAP 5 / WAP 7 (HOG) equipped locomotive from end to end
Coach composite
The train consists of 22 coaches :
- 1 composite ( first class ac+2tier ac)
- 1 ac 2Tier
- 4 ac three tier
- 1 buffet car
- 10 sleeper coach
- 3 unreserved coach
- 2 EOG
See also
References
- ↑ "Railway Budget speech 1979-80" (PDF). www.indianrailways.gov.in. Government of India, Ministry of Railways. 20 February 1979.
- ↑ "Himgiri Express Map". indiarailinfo.com. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
  | This Indian express train article is a stub. You can help Bharatpedia by expanding it. |