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Gitanjali Express
Gitanjali Express
Gitanjali Express
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Gitanjali Express
Gitanjali Express train board.
Overview
Service typeSuperfast
LocaleWest Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh & Maharashtra
First service4 November 1977; 48 years ago (1977-11-04)
Current operatorSouth Eastern Railway
Route
TerminiMumbai CSMT (CSMT)
Howrah Junction (HWH)
Stops25
Distance travelled1,963 km (1,220 mi)
Average journey time31 hrs 05 mins
Service frequencyDaily
Train number12859 / 12860
On-board services
ClassesAC 2 Tier, AC 3 Tier, AC 3 Tier Economy, Sleeper class, General Unreserved
Seating arrangementsYes
Sleeping arrangementsYes
Catering facilitiesAvailable
Observation facilitiesLarge windows
Baggage facilitiesAvailable
Other facilitiesBelow the seats
Technical
Rolling stockLHB coach
Track gauge1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)
Operating speed130 km/h (81 mph) maximum,
65 km/h (40 mph) average including halts.
Route map
Gitanjali Express Route map

The 12859 / 12860 Gitanjali Express is a Daily Superfast Express train of Indian Railways running between Two Major Metro Cities Kolkata, (Howrah Junction) in West Bengal and Mumbai, (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) in Maharashtra connecting the East with the West. Numbered 12859/60 this train belongs to the Superfast Express category. This train takes 30½ hrs to cover the distance of 1968 km between Mumbai and Howrah while the return takes 31 hrs 15 mins. This is first train which depart behind pure AC Loco from Mumbai CSMT after conversion of Mumbai CSMT to Thane from DC to AC. It has the top most priority in Howrah Mumbai route.

Relevance

[edit]

Rabindranath Tagore, a famous poet of India, wrote the book Gitanjali.[1] Since this train, too, starts from Bengal this train has the same name. This is the first Classless train in India, introduced by Ex Railway Minister Prof. Madhu Dandvate on 26 December 1977.[2]

Train schedule

[edit]

From Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to Howrah — 12859. The train starts from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus everyday.[3]

Station code Station name Arrival Departure
CSMT Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus --- 06:00
DR Dadar Central 06:12 06:15
KYN Kalyan Junction 06:52 06:55
KSRA Kasara railway station 08:00 08:03
IGP Igatpuri railway station 08:30 08:32
NK Nashik Road 09:25 09:30
JL Jalgaon 11:58 12:00
BSL Bhusaval Junction 12:40 12:45
MKU Malkapur 13:29 13:30
SEG Shegaon 14:14 14:15
AK Akola 14:45 14:50
BD Badnera 16:12 16:15
WR Wardha Junction 17:18 17:20
NGP Nagpur Junction 18:55 19:00
BRD Bhandara Road 19:51 19:53
G Gondia 20:48 20:50
RJN Raj Nandgaon 22:07 22:09
DURG Durg Junction 22:50 22:55
R Raipur Junction 23:30 23:35
BSP Bilaspur Junction 01:20 01:35
RIG Raigarh 03:11 03:13
JSG Jharsuguda 04:28 04:30
ROU Rourkela Junction 05:44 05:52
CKP Chakradhapur 07:13 07:15
TATA Tatanagar Junction 08:15 08:25
KGP Kharagpur 10:23 10:28
SRC Santragachi Junction 11:47 11:48
HWH Howrah 12:30 ---

Note : Train stops at Kasara & Igatpuri Railway Station only for Bankers Loco attachment & removal at the back of the Train. There is no Commercial halt at these Stations.

From Howrah to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus — 12860. The train starts from Howrah everyday.[4]

Station code Station name Arrival Departure
HWH Howrah --- 14:05
KGP Kharagpur 15:40 15:45
TATA Tatanagar Junction 17:41 17:48
CKP Chakradharpur 18:45 18:47
ROU Rourkela Junction 20:12 20:20
JSG Jharsuguda 21:53 21:55
RIG Raigarh 22:58 23:00
BSP Bilaspur Junction 01:00 01:15
R Raipur Junction 02:45 02:50
DURG Durg Junction 03:45 03:50
RJN Raj Nandgaon 04:12 04:14
G Gondia 05:40 05:42
BRD Bhandara Road 06:29 06:31
NGP Nagpur Junction 07:40 07:45
WR Wardha Junction 08:48 08:50
BD Badnera 10:32 10:35
AK Akola 11:30 11:35
SEG Shegaon 12:03 12:05
MKU Malkapur 12:43 12:45
BSL Bhusaval Junction 13:45 13:50
JL Jalgaon 14:18 14:20
NK Nashik Road 17:05 17:10
IGP Igatpuri 17:57 18:00
KYN Kalyan Junction 20:02 20:05
DR Dadar Central 20:47 20:50
CSMT Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus 21:20 ---

Arrival and departure

[edit]

Train No.12859 leaves source point, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Mumbai Daily Early Morning at 6:00 am and reaches its destination station Howrah Junction daily at 12:30 PM in afternoon the next day.[5] Train No.12860 leaves Howrah Junction at 2:05 pm daily and reach its destination, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus at 9:20 pm next evening [6] it is a daily Superfast Express service with Top Most High Level Priority.

Traction

[edit]

It is hauled by a Santragachi Loco Shed / Ajni Loco Shed / Kalyan Loco Shed based WAP-7 electric locomotive on its entire journey.

Coach composition

[edit]
Loco 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
SLR GEN S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 PC M1 M2 M3 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 A1 A2 GEN EOG

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Gitanjali Express

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Gitanjali Express (train numbers 12859/12860) is a daily superfast express train operated by the , connecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in , , with Howrah Junction (HWH) in , , over a distance of 1,965 kilometres. The train departs from at 06:00 and arrives in after approximately 31 hours and 50 minutes, achieving an average speed of 62 km/h with 25 intermediate halts, including major stations like , , , , , and Bilaspur. The return service (12860) leaves at 13:40 and reaches by 21:20 the next day. Named after , the celebrated 1910 collection of devotional poems and songs by Nobel laureate that earned him the 1913 Literature Prize, the train honors 's literary heritage while serving as a vital link for passengers traveling between western and eastern . Introduced in December 1977 as part of ' network of named expresses, it provides essential connectivity for business, tourism, and personal travel across diverse landscapes, from the Western Ghats to the Gangetic plains. The Gitanjali Express accommodates various passenger classes, including second AC (2A), AC 3-tier (3A), AC 3-tier economy (3E), and sleeper (SL), with a pantry car for onboard catering. It operates with modern LHB (Linke-Hofmann-Busch) coaches, introduced in 2019, for enhanced safety and comfort, and premium tatkal quotas are available for last-minute bookings. As one of the flagship long-distance trains, it exemplifies ' role in fostering national integration.

Overview

Introduction

The Gitanjali Express is a daily superfast operated by the South Eastern Railway (SER) zone of , providing a vital connection between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in and Howrah Junction in . It runs as train number 12859 from Mumbai CSMT to Howrah Junction and as train number 12860 in the reverse direction, serving as a key link for passengers traveling between western and eastern . The train covers a total distance of 1,965 kilometres along its route. The eastward journey (12859) typically takes 31 hours and 50 minutes, while the westward journey (12860) averages 31 hours and 40 minutes, maintaining an operational speed that reflects its superfast classification. As of 2025, it continues to operate daily without interruption, accommodating a high volume of passengers on this busy corridor. Introduced in 1977, the Gitanjali Express holds the distinction of being India's first classless train, featuring uniform sleeper accommodations across all coaches at its inception to promote egalitarian travel. Over the years, it has evolved to include diverse classes such as AC 2-tier (2A), AC 3-tier (3A), AC 3-tier Economy (3E), Sleeper (SL), and General (GN), now equipped with modern amenities including Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) coaches introduced in 2019 for enhanced safety and comfort.

Significance and Naming

The Gitanjali Express derives its name from the celebrated poetry collection , authored by and awarded the in 1913, thereby symbolizing India's rich literary heritage and Tagore's enduring cultural legacy. The term "Gitanjali" itself combines the Bengali words git (song) and anjali (offering), translating to "an offering of songs," which carries a profound devotional essence akin to a through poetry. By adopting this name, the train pays homage to Tagore's visionary blend of spirituality, humanism, and artistic expression, embedding a piece of Bengal's poetic tradition into the broader narrative of Indian rail travel. Launched in 1977 as India's inaugural classless train under the stewardship of Railway Minister , the Gitanjali Express embodied a progressive social reform aimed at fostering equality in public transportation. It featured exclusively second-class sleeper coaches with cushioned berths, deliberately eschewing first-class and other tiered accommodations to democratize comfort and for all passengers, regardless of . This innovative approach challenged traditional class hierarchies in rail services, promoting inclusivity and aligning with broader national ideals of during the post-Emergency era. Operating on the bustling Mumbai-Howrah corridor, the Gitanjali Express functions as a critical conduit between , India's financial powerhouse in the west, and Kolkata (via ), a major eastern industrial and cultural center, thereby enabling seamless trade, commerce, and interpersonal exchanges across the country. The route's high utilization—often exceeding 110% capacity for both passenger and freight traffic—highlights its pivotal role in sustaining economic vitality and regional integration within India's vast rail network. As a daily superfast service, it exemplifies the strategic prioritization of key trunk lines that bolster national connectivity and development.

History

Inception

The Gitanjali Express was conceived as part of the ' efforts to democratize travel following the end of the period in 1977, under the newly formed government led by . This initiative aimed to address longstanding inequities in by introducing affordable, accessible services for the masses, reflecting broader social reforms to promote equality and rebuild public trust in institutions after the authoritarian measures of 1975–1977. As Railway Minister, Prof. championed these changes, focusing on enhancing comfort in economy-class travel while eliminating barriers posed by premium accommodations. The was introduced as India's inaugural classless service, featuring only second-class accommodations to remove rigid class distinctions and make long-distance journeys more inclusive for ordinary passengers. It initially operated as a bi-weekly service (train numbers 59/60) featuring classless 3-tier cushioned sleeper accommodation. Prof. Dandavate formally flagged off the service on December 26, 1977, from to , marking a symbolic step in railway modernization with padded berths for improved comfort in non-air-conditioned coaches. Some records indicate the inaugural operational run occurred earlier on November 4, 1977, as a bi-weekly express named 59/60 Gitanjali Express, providing exclusive second-class seating via . This aligned with the government's push for equitable transport, as outlined in the 1978–79 Railway Budget, which highlighted the train as the first of its kind with cushioned second-class features between Bombay (now ) and . Originally routed from CSMT to Junction, the Gitanjali Express spanned key industrial corridors across , , , and eastern states such as , , and , covering 1,968 kilometres to connect economic hubs like and Bilaspur. In its early years, the train emphasized efficiency with long non-stop segments, such as the 453-kilometer stretch between and , allowing for faster traversal of rural and forested regions in the 1970s. The composition consisted solely of non-AC sleeper and general (unreserved) second-class coaches, underscoring its classless without air-conditioned or first-class options to prioritize volume and affordability over luxury.

Developments and Changes

Over the years, the Gitanjali Express underwent significant upgrades to its accommodation classes, transitioning from its original classless configuration to include air-conditioned options for enhanced passenger comfort. AC 2-tier coaches were introduced on select trains in 1975, with the Gitanjali Express receiving such upgrades in the late , effectively ending its classless status by providing tiered seating and sleeping arrangements. This was followed by the addition of AC 3-tier coaches in 1993, which were incorporated into the train's composition to offer more affordable air-conditioned travel while maintaining its superfast status. Speed improvements have been a key focus to reduce travel time on the 1,968 km route. The train's average speed has stabilized at approximately 62 km/h including halts, supported by a maximum permissible speed of 130 km/h on upgraded sections. In September 2023, trials confirmed the Express could operate at 130 km/h on the 526.72 km Igatpuri-Bhusawal-Badnera stretch, resulting in time savings of up to 30 minutes per direction starting October 1, 2023, through revised timetables. Further enhancements under Mission Raftaar took effect on January 1, 2025, enabling higher sectional speeds across over 23,000 track kilometers network-wide, including portions of the Gitanjali route, to boost overall efficiency. Route modifications have occasionally been necessary for maintenance and development works. For instance, on May 22, 2022, train no. 12860 was diverted via Asansol-Chandil-Sini-Chakradharpur to bypass affected sections in the Kharagpur division. Over time, additional halts were incorporated to better serve passengers, such as Dadar Central, which became a stop in both directions following the train's inception. Coach upgrades emphasized safety and modernity, with the transition to Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) rakes commencing on January 4, 2019. These stainless-steel coaches replaced conventional (ICF) ones, offering anti-telescopic features, improved ride quality, and compatibility with higher speeds up to 160 km/h, while increasing capacity slightly through revised compositions. Recent operational adjustments reflect ongoing adaptations to disruptions and scheduling needs. On July 27, 2025, train no. 12859 was rescheduled to depart CSMT at 09:30 instead of 06:00 due to line constraints. Cancellations have also occurred amid external factors, such as the full cancellation of train no. 12860 on April 12, 2023, amid public agitation in the affecting multiple services.

Route

Description

The Gitanjali Express operates on a 1,965-kilometer route connecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in to Howrah Junction in , traversing the . This daily superfast express passes through the states of , , , , and , linking western India's industrial and financial hubs with eastern India's cultural and manufacturing centers. The journey is divided into key segments: from through the suburban networks to via , covering densely populated urban areas and agricultural plains in ; from to Bilaspur, navigating central India's forested and mining regions in ; from Bilaspur to Tatanagar, crossing eastern plateaus and industrial zones in and ; and finally from Tatanagar to , entering the Gangetic plains of . The terrain varies significantly, featuring the challenging ghat sections like with its steep gradients and tunnels between and , followed by vast Deccan plains, river valleys, and industrial corridors around cities such as , Raipur, and Jamshedpur. The route's infrastructure is fully electrified on broad gauge tracks, enabling efficient electric traction and higher speeds up to 130 km/h. It forms a critical artery of the Howrah–Mumbai main line, supporting heavy freight and passenger traffic while integrating with India's broader rail network for seamless connectivity.

Major Halts

The Gitanjali Express (train numbers 12859/12860) features 25 intermediate halts along its 1,965 km route between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in and Junction in , connecting key urban, industrial, and junction points across , , , , and . These stops facilitate passenger boarding, freight integration, and operational needs, with typical halt durations of 2-5 minutes at intermediate stations and up to 10 minutes at major junctions for crew changes or servicing. Prominent halts include Dadar Central (DR), a bustling suburban hub in serving as an early stop for local commuters shortly after departure from CSMT, the originating terminus and a central to 's rail network. (IGP) marks the transition to the ghat section of the route, a technical stop in the for locomotive handling. Bhusawal Junction (BSL) is a critical division point on the Central Railway, historically significant for its role in long-haul operations and now a key halt after covering over 440 km from with intermediate stops added over time. Akola Junction (AK) serves agricultural and commercial areas in northern , providing connectivity to regional lines. Further along, Junction (NGP) stands out as a major railway crossroads on the Howrah-Mumbai trunk line, linking to northern, southern, eastern, and western networks while handling substantial passenger and freight traffic, including goods from nearby industrial zones. Gondia Junction (G) connects to southeastern branches, supporting timber and mining transport in the region. Durg Junction (DURG) and Junction (R) are vital in , facilitating access to steel and power industries in the state's belt. Bilaspur Junction (BSP), a divisional , offers extended halts and serves as a gateway to central India's and heavy industries. In the eastern segment, Tatanagar Junction (TATA) in is essential for the steel sector, acting as the primary rail link for Tata 's operations and the surrounding industrial ecosystem often called India's "." Junction (KGP), one of India's oldest and largest railway workshops, provides maintenance support and connects to the South Eastern Railway network. The train culminates at Howrah Junction (HWH), the terminating station and eastern India's busiest rail hub, integrating with Kolkata's metropolitan transport.

Operations

Schedule and Timings

The Gitanjali Express operates daily in both directions as a superfast train connecting Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Howrah Junction (HWH). Train number 12859 departs CSMT at 06:00 and arrives at HWH at 13:50 the following day, covering 1,965 km in approximately 31 hours and 50 minutes. Similarly, train number 12860 departs HWH at 13:40 and arrives at CSMT at 21:20 the next day, spanning the same distance in about 31 hours and 40 minutes. At major halts along the route, the 12859 provides key timings such as arrival at around 19:00 for a 5-minute stop and at Bilaspur at 00:25 for a 10-minute stop. For the return journey on 12860, notable stops include Bilaspur around 01:00 for 10 minutes and at about 07:45 for 5 minutes. Occasional adjustments to the schedule occur due to operational needs, such as the rescheduling of 12860 to depart HWH at 16:05 instead of 13:40 on , 2023. In 2023, upgrades allowed s to operate at 130 km/h on the Igatpuri-Bhusawal-Badnera section, saving approximately 30 minutes on that segment for s including the Gitanjali Express. As of November 2025, the overall journey time remains 31 hours 50 minutes. Bookings for the Gitanjali Express follow Indian Railways' advance reservation period (ARP) of 60 days, excluding the travel date, effective since November 1, 2024. Demand surges during festivals, often leading to full occupancy well in advance.

Traction

The Gitanjali Express is primarily hauled by a WAP-7 , a high-horsepower model capable of speeds up to 140 km/h, designed specifically for passenger services on ' broad-gauge network. These locomotives are typically attached at the originating station and run end-to-end across the 1,965 km route from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in to Junction. The WAP-7 class, developed by , draws power from the 25 kV AC overhead electrification system, enabling efficient and high-speed operation without the need for frequent changes. Locomotives for the train are based at three key electric loco sheds: Santragachi (SRC) in the Eastern Railway zone, Ajni (AJNI) in the South East Central Railway zone, and Kalyan (KYN) in the Central Railway zone. The assignment of the shed depends on operational scheduling and maintenance availability, with SRC-based units often handling the eastern segments and AJNI or KYN units covering the western portions. This distribution ensures reliable motive power across the diverse zonal jurisdictions of the route. The entire route operates under 25 kV AC overhead electrification, standard for ' high-speed passenger corridors since the system's adoption in 1957. Full electrification of the Mumbai-Howrah main line via and Tatanagar, including key sections like Itarsi-Nagpur (completed in 1988) and Nagpur-Bilaspur (completed in the early 1990s), was achieved by the late 1990s, allowing seamless electric traction without diesel supplementation. In its early years following the launch, the train relied on diesel traction using WDM-4 locomotives on non-electrified sections, particularly from to , as electrification progressed gradually. The WDM-4, an Electro-Motive Diesel-built class introduced in 1962, provided reliable mixed-traffic power during this transitional phase. Steam locomotives were never employed for the Gitanjali Express post-launch, coinciding with the near-complete phase-out of steam operations on main lines by the late 1970s. Locomotive changes, or link-ups, may occur at major junctions such as or Tatanagar if operational needs arise, such as for unscheduled maintenance or shed-specific requirements, though end-to-end running with a single WAP-7 is the norm.

Coach Composition

The Gitanjali Express operates with a 24-coach Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) rake, upgraded in 2019 for improved safety and passenger comfort. The standard composition for train number 12859, from the locomotive end, includes one High Capacity Parcel van (HCP), one Second Class Luggage cum (SLR), two General Second Class (GS) coaches, seven Sleeper Class (SL) coaches designated S1 through S7, one Pantry Car (PC), two Third AC Economy (3E) coaches designated M1 and M2, four Third AC (3A) coaches designated B1 through B4, two Second AC (2A) coaches designated A1 and A2, two additional GS coaches, and one End-on-Generator cum Guard Van (EOG). All LHB coaches feature bio-toilets for onboard sanitation, contributing to hygiene standards across classes. Onboard is provided via car, with e-catering options available at select stations for meals in AC and Sleeper classes. Air-conditioning is available in the 2A, 3A, and 3E coaches, while the GS and SL coaches remain non-air-conditioned and unreserved. The rake is maintained by the at . As of November 2025, the train continues to operate with the established schedule, with no further reductions in journey time reported.

Incidents and Disruptions

Derailments

On March 9, 2021, the last Seated Cum Luggage Rake (SLR) coach of the Mumbai-bound Gitanjali Express (special train number 02260) derailed between Borgaon Manju and Katepurna stations in , , around 11:15 AM. The incident caused a loud noise but resulted in no injuries to passengers or crew, with only minor damage reported to the affected coach and tracks. The exact cause was not immediately determined, though initial reports suggested a potential track fault or wheel defect; launched an investigation to ascertain the factors leading to the . The was halted briefly for inspections by railway officials and the , after which it resumed its journey following track clearance and coach re-railing. All passengers remained safe, and normal operations on the Howrah-Mumbai route were restored within hours. No other major derailments directly involving the Gitanjali Express have been recorded since its .

Route Disruptions

The Gitanjali Express has faced multiple route disruptions due to infrastructure maintenance, line blocks, and incidents involving other trains along its path. In May 2022, the Mumbai CSMT-Howrah Gitanjali Express (12859) departing on May 21 was diverted via Chakradharpur-Sini-Chandil-Asansol to accommodate developmental works in the South Eastern Railway's division. Similarly, the Howrah-Mumbai CSMT Gitanjali Express (12860) leaving Howrah on followed the same alternate route during this period. In December 2023, a goods train at in Maharashtra's Kasara ghat section disrupted operations, leading to diversions and for 17 express , including the Gitanjali Express, with blockages lasting up to 13 hours and causing 2-3 hour upon resumption. The incident, occurring on December 10, affected the Central Railway's division, with the Gitanjali Express resuming on the down line only after clearance at around 9:04 a.m. the next day. Full cancellations have also occurred due to such external factors. The Howrah-Mumbai CSMT Gitanjali Express was entirely cancelled on April 12, 2023, amid ongoing route constraints. Rescheduling followed in May 2023 for developmental works, with the train departing at 16:05 instead of the usual 14:05 on select dates, including May 4 and 6. Additional delays stemmed from goods train incidents in 2023, such as a in the Bilaspur division in that prompted cancellations and regulations affecting the Gitanjali Express among others. These disruptions, often tied to collisions or derailments of freight services, have resulted in 3-4 hour delays on occasion, impacting passenger schedules and connections. Major events like the incident highlighted broader impacts, affecting approximately 17-20 trains with diversions, partial cancellations, or regulations. In 2025, partial cancellations continued for , such as the Gitanjali Express being short-terminated or cancelled between select stations in April due to construction in the South East Central Railway.

References

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  41. https://indiarailinfo.com/train/timetable/gitanjali-express-12860/518/169/204
  42. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/17-trains-diverted-10-cancelled-due-to-thal-ghat-derailment-incident-9064075/
  43. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/after-13-hours-cr-clears-six-derailed-wagons-near-kasara-resume-services-101702321549754.html
  44. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/maharashtra-coaches-train-derail-kasara-relief-operation-site-traffic-affected-mumbai-central-railway-2474273-2023-12-10
  45. https://avenuemail.in/tatanagar-gitanjali-shirdi-shalimar-ltt-express-rescheduled-due-to-developmental-work/
  46. https://ser.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0%2C4%2C423
  47. https://avenuemail.in/tatanagar-azad-hind-geetanjali-duronto-express-among-several-trains-to-remain-cancelled-in-april/
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