ROUTE:
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Mumbai) to Madgaon (Goa) via Konkan Railway.
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ETYMOLOGY:
The name of the translates as " Virgin of Konkan" . Aptly describing the train`s status as the first Express category train to run on the Konkan Railway. After the opening of the Konkan Railway, MAQ- UD passenger became the first train to be run via KR. The train brought about a huge impact on the lives of people in Konkan. For the first time people here had a direct connectivity to Mumbai and secondly many had not even seen trains.
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HISTORY:
Before the KR line was commissioned, NH 17(now re numbered as NH 66) was the sole connection to the regions of Konkan Coast. Steamers and ships were the other modes of travel. the region was under developed and had an inhospitable terrain. KR line proved to be a boon for the people here. The train was introduced on Jan 25 1998 and was the first Exp category train to run via the KR. The direct connectivity to Mangalore was formed 2 months later when the Netravati Exp was directed via KR and matsyagandha exp was introduced.
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DESCRIPTION:
The train is run by Konkan Railway Corporation which is a regd company as per the companies Act of India and hence operated differently from other railway organisations. Hence it cannot own its own coaches and rolling stock. Thus KR took a rake from SWR on lease. The rake is maintained and homed at MAO, but its ownership rests with SWR. The train has a 24 coach rake. The train offers both AC and non AC sleeper as well as non AC sitiing accomodation. It has 4 Gen Coaches, 2 SLRs, 11 non AC sleeper coaches, 1 pantry car, 4 AC 3 Tier coaches, 1 Ac 2 Tier coach, 1 AC 2 Tier cum First AC coach. The train traverses the Konkan Coast though the Sea cannot be spotted anywhere on KR. The train has a superb maintainence and has lived upto the reputation as an exceptionally neat and clean train. The train departs daily from Mumbai at 23.05 and reaches MAO at 10.45 the next day. The pairing train departs from MAO every day at 18.00 and reaches Mumbai at 05.50 the next day. The train averages around 49 kmph. The train has 20 stops in both directions. The 10111 has 2 Unreserved coaches specially earmarked for people boarding from Dadar and Thane respectively. The train was a hit from day one and is ever crowded. The WL touches phenomenal heights. The trains Pantry is very famous for its tasty hygenic and mouthwatering foods as well as a wide range of items on its menu. The train obtains a max speed of 110 kmph.
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LOCO LINK: The train was hauled by KJM WDM3a initially and later moved on to WDP4/4B from KJM and has loco sharing arrangement with Udyan Exp.
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RSA: Mandovi Exp.
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VERDICT:
Enjoy Tasty food. Unfortunately it traverses KR in the night thus scenic beauty cannot be viewed. But comfortable timings and great food and comfort make it unparalled
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FARES:
First AC- 2255 INR
2 AC- 1335 INR
3 AC- 925 INR
SL- 345
Gen- 147 INR
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RATINGS:
Speed: Poor 3/10
Comfort: Good 6/10
Cleanliness: Excellent 9/10
Food: Excellent 9/10
Punctuality : Good 6/10 unreliable during monsoon
Total score: 33/50
