Himgiri Superfast Express

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 coach of the trains were replaced with the new LHB coach during Mid 14 August 2018.

Himgiri Express
Overview
Service typeSuperfast
First service1 January 1979 (1979-01-01)[1]
Current operator(s)Eastern Railways
Route
TerminiHowrah (HWH)
Jammu Tawi (JAT)
Stops30
Distance travelled2,019 km (1,255 mi)
Average journey time37hrs 15 mins
Service frequencyTri-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 arrangementsYes
Sleeping arrangementsYes
Catering facilitiesAvailable
Observation facilitiesLarge windows
Technical
Rolling stockLHB coach
Track gauge1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)
Operating speed54.2 kilometres per hour (33.7 mph) average with halts

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 morning. In 1st 25 years of service this train used to stop only at Asansol Junction, Jasidih Junction, Kiul Junction, Patna 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 and 2020 period. This hampered operation & punctuality failed miserably. It was also when this express was launched that the Indian Railways abolished the third class in trains.

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 Railways rules, its fare includes a Superfast surcharge.

Route & halts

The important halts of the train are;

Traction

Both trains are hauled by a Howrah-based WAP-5 / WAP-7 (HOG)-equipped locomotive from end to end

Coach composition

The train consists of 22 coaches:

  • 1 composite (first class AC+2tier AC)
  • 1 AC 2 Tier
  • 4 AC three tier
  • 1 buffet car
  • 10 sleeper coach
  • 3 unreserved coach
  • 2 EOG

See also

References
  1. "Railway Budget speech 1979-80" (PDF). www.indianrailways.gov.in. Government of India, Ministry of Railways. 20 February 1979.
  2. "Himgiri Express Map". India Rail Info. Retrieved 4 April 2017.


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