12312 - Kalka Mail

The Kalka Mail 12312 is a daily superfast train that operates on the Eastern Zone of the Indian Railways. It provides a point of connection between Kalka, Haryana, and Howrah, West Bengal. It is one of the longest trains in India.

History of Kalka Mail

Kalka Mail made its first run on January 1, 1866. It completed 150 years this year! The train began its operation from Calcutta to Delhi in 1866 and was then called the East Indian Railway Mail. Its journey was extended to Kalka in 1891. The British Civil servants who used to move their summer capital from Calcutta to Shimla predominantly used this train. During the British Raj, the entire government team would travel on this train at the beginning of summer and return by the end of the season. Both Kalka and Howrah stations had built-in internal carriageways so that high-ranking officers were able to drive up to their coaches. The one in Howrah is still in use today!

About Kalka Mail

Kalka Mail is at present among the longest trains running in the country and has a total of 25 coaches comprising 12 sleeper class compartments, 2 Sleeper, 4 General, 1 first AC, 2 three-tiers AC, 3 two-tiers AC and a total of 4 rakes.

Timing and Distance

The Kalka Mail departs from Kalka in Haryana at 23:55 PM and arrives at Howrah Junction in West Bengal at 7:55 AM. This train covers a distance of 1,743 km in 24 hours and 55 minutes.

Halts/Stations of Interest

During its journey, the train traverses many states including Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, NCT, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. The Kalka Mail makes 26 halts. Some of the important stations are:

• Chandigarh
• Old Delhi Junction
• Aligarh Junction
• Kanpur Central
• Allahabad Junction
• Mughal Sarai Junction
• Dhanbad Junction
• Durgapur

Average Ticket Price

The average ticket price for the Kalka Express is

• First AC approximately INR 4,500
• Second AC nearly INR 2,615
• Third AC around 1,795
• Sleeper class approximately INR 680

The travelers can also book tatkal tickets for the train. The average tatkal prices are:

• First AC approximately INR 4,500
• Second AC nearly INR 3,135
• Third AC around 2,210
• Sleeper class approximately INR 870

Facilities Onboard

To provide passengers with a comfortable journey, the train provides on-board catering, pantry car and e-catering. The pantry is available between Chandigarh to Howrah. The food options are excellent. The journey is comfortable as the train provides both comfortable seating and sleeping arrangements in the train.

Important Travel Information

The ticket availability for this train is average, which means it is advisable that you book tickets in advance, preferably 60 days. During the summer holidays and festival months, tickets may be difficult to procure. Mostly, people who want to travel to Shimla board this train from the capital city.

Download the Cleartrip app today and book your tickets early on the Kalka Mail.