- Speed
- 160 km/h
Gatimaan Express holds an important place in the history of high-speed passenger operations in India. Indian Railways introduced the train on 5 April 2016, initially between Hazrat Nizamuddin in Delhi and Agra Cantt.
At the time of its launch, Gatimaan became India's first semi-high-speed train in regular passenger service, with a maximum permitted speed of 160 km/h on the upgraded Delhi–Agra corridor.
Achieving this speed required more than simply introducing a faster train. Railway infrastructure on the route had to support higher-speed operations, including suitable track standards, signalling, overhead electrical equipment and safety systems.
The original Gatimaan rake used Linke Hofmann Busch, or LHB, coaches manufactured by Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala. These coaches were designed for higher speeds and improved passenger safety compared with older conventional ICF coaches.
At launch, the train was hauled by a high-powered electric locomotive and offered air-conditioned Chair Car and Executive Chair Car accommodation.
Gatimaan was particularly significant because it demonstrated that Indian Railways could operate passenger trains at 160 km/h on conventional broad-gauge railway infrastructure after appropriate upgrades.
It is important to understand that 160 km/h is a maximum operating speed, not the train's average speed throughout its entire journey. Trains must slow down for stations, curves, junctions, signalling restrictions and sections with lower permissible speeds.
Gatimaan helped pave the way for later semi-high-speed projects and trainset