Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has made a big announcement. 21 new trains will be run across the country from January 21. This step has been taken to meet the increasing demand of passengers and to make the rail network more extensive. These new trains will not only provide more choices to passengers, but will also improve connectivity between many cities and towns.
The initiative aims to connect different parts of the country and reduce travel time. IRCTC has used coaches with modern facilities for these new trains, which will provide a comfortable and safe travel experience to the passengers. Let us know about this new scheme in detail and see where these trains will run.
Overview of IRCTC’s new train service
Description | Information |
start date | January 21, 2025 |
number of new trains | 21 |
main road | Delhi-Mumbai, Chennai-Kolkata, Bengaluru-Hyderabad |
types of trains | Superfast Express, Intercity Express |
facilities | Wi-Fi, Bio-toilet, On-board Entertainment |
booking platform | IRCTC website, mobile app |
fare structure | Affordable to premium ranges |
special facilities | Special provisions for disabled passengers |
Route and Schedule of new trains
Of the 21 new trains being launched by IRCTC, some of the major routes and their schedules are as follows:
- Delhi-Mumbai Superfast Express
- Departure: Delhi – 6:00 am
- Arrival: Mumbai – 10:30 pm
- Frequency: Daily
- Chennai-Kolkata Intercity Express
- Departure: Chennai – 7:30 am
- Arrival: Kolkata – 9:00 pm
- Frequency: 5 days a week
- Bengaluru-Hyderabad Express
- Departure: Bengaluru – 2:00 pm
- Arrival: Hyderabad – 8:30 pm
- Frequency: Daily
Apart from these major routes, other trains will also connect various cities and towns, giving passengers the benefit of a wider network.
Features and facilities of the new trains
IRCTC has provided many modern facilities for passengers in these new trains:
- High-Speed Wi-Fi: Free high-speed internet connectivity for passengers.
- Bio-toilet: Eco-friendly and hygienic toilet.
- On-board Entertainment: Touchscreen display with multimedia content.
- Mobile charging points: Available at every seat.
- Pantry Car: Convenience of fresh and hot food.
- CCTV surveillance: To ensure the safety of passengers.
Ticket Booking and Fare Structure
IRCTC has simplified the ticket booking process for these new trains:
- Online Booking: Available on IRCTC official website and mobile app.
- Counter Booking: Tickets can also be booked at railway stations.
- Tatkal Booking: Some seats will be available under Tatkal category.
The fare structure is designed for different classes of passengers:
- General Category: Affordable Fare
- Sleeper Class: Mid-range fare
- AC Chair Car: High Class Fare
- Executive Class: Higher fares with premium services
Special provisions for passengers
IRCTC has made several provisions for passengers with special needs:
- Disabled passengers: wheelchair ramps and special seats.
- Senior Citizens: Lower berth with easy access.
- Female Passengers: Coaches reserved for females.
- Traveling with children: Baby feeding corner and diaper changing station.
Impact and importance of new trains
The introduction of these 21 new trains is expected to have many positive impacts:
- Better connectivity: Better connectivity of small cities and towns with big metros.
- Economic development: Promotion of tourism and trade.
- Reduction in travel time: Faster trains will reduce travel time.
- Employment Generation: Employment opportunities will increase with the operation of new trains.
- Environment friendly: Dependence on road transport will be reduced.
Future plans of IRCTC
Apart from these new trains, IRCTC has made many ambitious plans for the future:
- High-speed rail corridors: Bullet train services between major cities.
- Green Initiative: Solar powered trains.
- Smart Coaches: Coaches with IoT based smart features.
- AI-Powered Booking System: Further simplifying the booking process by using artificial intelligence.
Tips and Precautions for Travelers
To take advantage of the new train services, passengers should keep a few things in mind:
- Reach on time: Reach the station at least 30 minutes early.
- Ticket Verification: Verify all ticket information before travelling.
- Baggage rules: Adhere to the allowed baggage limit.
- Safety Instructions: Follow the safety instructions given on the train.
- Maintain cleanliness: Cooperate in keeping the train and station clean.
Impact of new train services on society
These new train services are likely to have a wide-ranging impact on society:
- Social integration: Better interaction between people from different regions.
- Education Opportunities: Access to big cities for students from remote areas.
- Access to health services: Easy travel to cities with better medical facilities.
- Cultural exchange: increased contact between different cultures.
- Rural development: Better connectivity of small towns and villages to urban centres.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Although we have tried to provide accurate information, IRCTC policies and train schedules are subject to change. Please confirm latest information from IRCTC official website or helpline before travelling. The author or publisher will not be responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided in this article.