12859 - Gitanjali Express

The Gitanjali Express 12859 is a superfast train and plies between the two metro cities of Mumbai and Kolkata. This train is operated by the East Coast Zone of the Indian Railways. It is a daily train and is an important route as it connects Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Mumbai (CSTM) and Howrah Junction (HWH).

History of Gitanjali Express

The train is named in honor of Rabindranath Tagore’s famous book Geetanjali. The Gitanjali Express is the first classless train that was introduced by ex-railway Minister Professor Madhu Dandavate. The train has been running for more than four decades and is the pride of Indian Railway network.

Timing and Distance

The Gitanjali Express 12859 departs Mumbai CSTM at 6:00 AM and arrives at Howrah Junction at 12:30 PM after 30 hours and 30 minutes. During that time, it covers a distance of 1,968 kms.

Stations of Interests

During the course of its journey, the Gitanjali Express gives travelers a chance to witness the heart and soul of India, as it passes through states like Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal. During its 30-hour journey, the Gitanjali Express makes 25 halts. Some of the popular stations along the route are:

• Nasik Road
• Bhusaval Junction
• Akola Junction
• Nagpur
• Raipur Junction
• Bilaspur Junction
• Rourkela
• Kharagpur Junction

Average Ticket Prices

The average fares on the Gitanjali Express are:

• Second AC roughly INR 2,840
• Third AC approximately INR 1,945
• Sleeper Class around 740

The tatkal fares on this train are:

• Second AC roughly INR 3,365
• Third AC around INR 2,360
• Sleeper Class approximately INR 940

Facilities Onboard

For the comfort of passengers, the train offers a pantry car, onboard catering and e-catering. The train also offers sleeping arrangements and charging points to ensure a comfortable journey.

Important Passenger Information

p>The ticket availability for this train is average. During peak travel seasons, such as in the summer holidays and festival seasons like Diwali and Durga Puja, tickets may be difficult to obtain. It is advisable to book your tickets at least 60 days in advance to avoid disappointment.

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