Azad Hind Express
Azad Hind Express is an express train of Central Railway of Indian Railways linking Pune with Howrah. It is one of the fastest trains in its route with high priority. It covers a distance of 2,017 kilometers at an average speed of 60 km/h.
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| Overview | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service type | Express | ||||
| Locale | Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal | ||||
| First service | 2 February 1996 | ||||
| Current operator(s) | Central Railway zone | ||||
| Route | |||||
| Start | Pune Junction | ||||
| Stops | 35 | ||||
| End | Howrah Junction | ||||
| Distance travelled | 2,017 km (1,253 mi) | ||||
| Average journey time | 32 hours 55 minutes | ||||
| Service frequency | Daily | ||||
| Train number(s) | 12129 / 12130 | ||||
| On-board services | |||||
| Class(es) | AC 2 Tier, AC 3 Tier, Sleeper, General | ||||
| Seating arrangements | Yes | ||||
| Sleeping arrangements | Yes | ||||
| Catering facilities | Yes | ||||
| Baggage facilities | Yes | ||||
| Technical | |||||
| Rolling stock | ICF coaches | ||||
| Track gauge | 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) | ||||
| Operating speed | 65 km/h (40 mph) average with halts | ||||
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Timings
It leaves Pune Junction at 18:25 on day 1 and reaches Kolkata at 03:50 on day 3. It takes 33 hrs 25 mins to reach from its source to the destination.
In return, the Azad Hind Express departs from Howrah Junction at 21:50 and arrives at Pune Junction at 06:50. This train covers a distance of 2,020 km in 33 hours.
Route
During its 33-hour journey, the Azad Hind Express stops at 30 stations. Some of the important stations by which it passes are:
- Kharagpur Junction
- Tatanagar Junction
- Rourkela Junction
- Bilaspur Junction
- Durg Junction
- Nagpur Junction
- Wardha Junction
- Bhusaval Junction
- Manmad Junction
- Ahmednagar
Average ticket prices
The average cost of an adult ticket on various coaches is:
- Second AC ₹2,895
- Third AC ₹1,980
- Sleeper Class ₹750
Travelers can even book tatkal tickets. The average price to book a tatkal ticket on the Azad Hind Express is:
- Second AC ₹3,735
- Third AC ₹2,545
- Sleeper Class ₹970
Facilities onboard
As there is a pantry car attached to the train, travellers need not worry about their meals throughout the long journey. Also, there is onboard catering provided to the travellers. The price for the food is not included in the ticket, and passengers can buy food as per their convenience. The other facilities offered are sleeping arrangements, and mobile and laptop chargers.
Reversal
This train no longer reverses at Daund Junction. It passes through a new Daund chord line which is specifically created to avoid reversal and delays at Daund Junction.