Suresh Prabhu launches Bandra-Gorakhpur Antyodaya Express

Suresh Prabhu

Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu today inaugurated Antyodaya Express and Humsafar Express at Bandra Terminus here via video conferencing.

While Antyodaya Express is a fully unreserved service, Humsafar Express is touted as an affordable luxury train by the Railways.

"These express trains and host of other services for Mumbai suburban stations were launched by the Railways Minister through video conferencing," a Western Railway release said.

While Antyodaya Express will run between Bandra (T) and Gorakhpur stations, Humsafar Express between Bandra (T) and Patna.

"Antyodaya Express will leave Bandra terminus every Sunday at 5:10 am and will reach Gorakhpur at 5:35 pm the next day. It will leave Gorakhpur every Tuesday at 3:15 am and reach Bandra (T) at 4.15 pm the next day," it said.

Humsafar Express is fully air-conditioned train fitted with a GPS-based passenger information display system.

"It also has a passenger announcement system, a fire and smoke detection and suppression system, CCTVs, comfortable seats, mobile and laptop charging points. It also has integrated Braille display," the release said.

This is the second Humsafar service to become operational on the Western Railway.

"The first such train was launched recently between Ahmedabad and Chennai," it said.

The train will depart from Bandra (T) every Sunday at 12.55 pm and will reach Patna at 10.15 pm the next day.

"Similarly, the train will leave Patna at 11.10 pm every Tuesday and will reach Bandra (T) at 7.35 pm on Thursday," as per the release.

The regular services of both the trains from Bandra will commence from August 20.

Prabhu also inaugurated a lift facility at suburban Borivali station to facilitate the movement of specially-abled and senior citizens. He also inaugurated the wi-fi facility at suburban Vasai Road and Virar stations.