New Delhi, Mar 4 (UNI) The Indian Railways on Monday celebrated the golden jubilee of Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express, India's first Rajdhani Express, which completed its glorious 50 years as the train arrived here after leaving Howrah station on March 3.
The flower-decked train reached at New Delhi Railway Station at 1145 hrs on its golden jubilee run. The passengers were greeted and were duly taken care by the Northern Railway staff.
The passengers travelling in the Rajdhani from Howrah to New Delhi station had a very special day as
a team of Railway officers led by CRSE, Coaching Northern Railway Shalendra Singh received the train at the station with flowers and laddoos for them.
Members of the Rail Enthusiasts' Society travelled in the train to celebrate the Rajdhani's 50th
anniversary.
A member of the Society, Subho, sought improvement in railway's food quality and provision of better facilities from the Railway Minister.
He said,"Being a passenger, every one wants better facilities by saving his time and money. Now, the airways is cheaper than railways, if we compare with the fare charge of Vande Bharat that is around Rs 3,300 to 3,500. So, railways should cater to basic facilities, besides cheaper and convenient travel for passengers."
Meanwhile, Eastern Railway on Sunday said, 'Golden Jubilee run of Kolkata Rajdhani Express was flagged off from Howrah Station today by Subodh Ch. Ghosh, Ex. TS, Shankar Das Chattopadhyay, former Guard & Ganendra Ch Talukdar, Ex Dy Train Superintendent of Rajdhani Exp. in presence of GM & PHODs of ER.
Railway Board Member Rolling Stock Rajesh Agrawal had last week on the culmination of
Heritage Week said, 'Rajdhani Express will complete 50years of its run on March on New Delhi-Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express.'
In 1969, Rajdhani Express service was started from Howrah on 3 March. The high-speed train covered the 1,450-kilometre stretch in 17 hours and 20 minutes.
The Train on its maiden journey had 9 vacuum brake coaches, consisting of two power cars, 5Ac chair cars, 1 AC dining car and 1 AC first class coach.
The first fully air conditioned train, on its maiden trip, was hauled by diesel locomotive on its entire route.
UNI TV-AE 1606