Gatimaan Express

Gatimaan Express holds a special place in Indian railway history because it was introduced as India's first regularly operated semi-high-speed train capable of 160 km/h.

The train began service on 5 April 2016, originally connecting Hazrat Nizamuddin in Delhi with Agra Cantonment.

The service was later extended beyond Agra to Gwalior and then to Jhansi, now known as Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi railway station. The extension was intended to improve connectivity to the Bundelkhand region and important tourist destinations.

Gatimaan uses modern LHB coaches designed to support higher-speed passenger operations. At its launch, Indian Railways noted that the coaches were fit for speeds up to 160 km/h and that the train was hauled by a high-powered WAP-5 electric locomotive.

The train's 160 km/h capability applies only on railway sections that have been approved for such speeds. Like other trains, it must operate more slowly through stations, curves, junctions and sections with lower permissible limits.

Gatimaan was particularly important because it demonstrated how upgraded conventional railway infrastructure could support significantly faster passenger services before the widespread introduction of self-propelled Vande Bharat trainsets.

Its introduction therefore represents an important bridge between India's traditional locomotive-hauled premium trains and the newer generation of semi-high-speed trainsets.