Mahamana Express is a superfast express series trains operated by Indian Railways in India. Initially it was started using ICF coaches with substantially improved facilities as compared to other superfast express trains in India. As of October 2024, only two Mahamana Express services use the original upgraded ICF coaches. The others have been converted to regular LHB coaches as in most other trains in India.[2][3]
| Mahamana Express | |
|---|---|
 New Delhi-Varanasi Mahamana Express | |
| Overview | |
| Status | Active |
| First service | 22 January 2016[1] |
| Current operator(s) | Indian Railways |
| Website | http://indianrail.gov.in |
| On-board services | |
| Class(es) | AC 1st Class, 2 Tier, 3 Tier and Sleeper |
| Seating arrangements | Yes |
| Sleeping arrangements | Yes |
| Catering facilities | On-board catering |
| Entertainment facilities | Electric outlets Reading Lights & Curtains (In some classes) |
| Baggage facilities | Underseat / Overhead racks |
| Other facilities | Bedrolls (In 1A, 2A, 3A classes only) Passenger Information System |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | ICF rakes (Modified Interiors) |
| Track gauge | 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) broad gauge |
| Track owner(s) | Indian Railways |
This train is named in the honour of Madan Mohan Malaviya (Mahamana), a freedom fighter and an education reformer who established Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.[4]
Overview
editMahamana Express was launched in 2016 with improved facilities for passengers compared to other superfast express trains in India. The first Mahamana Express connected Delhi and Varanasi. The first run saw a 15% hike in fare due to the upgraded facilities.[3][5]
Model Rake
editThe train was introduced with Model Rakes modified by Indian Railways under Make In India scheme. The coaches contain some modern facilities like:[6]
- Toilet: Bigger mirror, platform wash basin, controlled discharged water tap, odour control system, exhaust fans, LED lights, dustbin inside the toilet, All the toilets are fitted with bio-toilets, in line with Indian Railways' vision to make tracks defecation free.
- Ladder: Ergonomically designed Ladders for climbing up to upper berths are provided in all coaches.
- Side berths: Snack tables are provided for side berth passengers also with innovative design side lower berth arrangement.
- Windows: Windows with powered Venetian blinds and roller blinds instead of conventional curtains.
- Lighting: LED-based berth indicators for reserved coaches, and all other illumination.
- Charging Points: Charging points are made available for every berth.
- Safety: Fire extinguishers in all coaches.
- Pantry Car: Modular pantry with electric chimneys.
Active routes
edit| Number | Route | First Run | Rake |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22417/18 | Varanasi - New Delhi Mahamana Express | 22 January 2016 | ICF |
| 22163/64 | Bhopal - Khajuraho Mahamana Express | 13 July 2017 | ICF |
| 20903/04 | Ekta Nagar - Varanasi Mahamana Express | 22 September 2017 | LHB |
| 20905/06 | Ekta Nagar - Rewa Mahamana Express | 09 March 2019 | LHB |
| 19319/20 | Veraval - Indore Mahamana Express | 29 June 2018[7] | LHB |
| 19333/34 | Indore - Bikaner Mahamana Express | 26 January 2019[8] | LHB |
References
edit- ^ "Shri Narendra Modi Flags Off Mahamana Express". Government of India. Press Information Bureau. 22 January 2016.
- ^ Online, FE (25 April 2017). "Mahamana Express: Images of swanky new coaches will have you saying 'wow'! Check out what's new". The Financial Express. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
- ^ a b "15 per cent fare hike in new Mahamana Express". The Hindu. PTI. 22 January 2016. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
- ^ "PM Modi flags off Mahamana Express from Varanasi". The Times of India. PTI. 23 September 2017. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
- ^ "PM Modi flags off Mahamana Express connecting Varanasi". The Times of India. 22 January 2016. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
- ^ "Mahamana Express: Images of swanky new coaches will have you saying 'wow'! Check out what's new". Financialexpress. 25 April 2017. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
- ^ https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/indore-veraval-bikaner-mahamana-express-to-run-with-lhb-rake
- ^ https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/indore-veraval-bikaner-mahamana-express-to-run-with-lhb-rake