It may have to do with the fact that there is a 20% premium on top of the king right behind it, and if average delay is accounted for, it basically takes the same time as the old king. The old king also connects New Delhi proper to Mumbai proper, while the special is more of a suburban cpnnector.

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Not much difference on the side, besides curtain. Best images I have for you, both from Malani Express (Delhi-Jaisalmer-Delhi) which has RSA with Shalimar Express...

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Good to know. However, categorization would also depend on number of services available. Many large cities cannot make A1 category if they don't have sufficient services to begin with (they will use a nearby railhead that, while being smaller, becomes a key station). Commercial contribution for any station should go up with better services/connectivity.

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Debate is indeed more fun in person, but here you're posting online so deal with that fact.

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I think GPS is fairly reliable within a small error. I recorded Jnaneswari doing 114-115 between Badnera and Wardha in December (and of course was running well ahead of its schedule), probably 110 in reality with minor error. I also recorded Habibganj Shatabdi at 157 km, probably 150 in reality, (during the fog days, but that run was short lived as the rest of the way the train crawled at 70-75).

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