Goa Express
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The Goa Express ( Hindi: गोवा एक्सप्रेस ), is a daily superfast train run by Indian Railways connecting Vasco da Gama, and Hazrat Nizamuddin in New Delhi. This train is similar to trains like Kerala Express, Andhra Pradesh Express and Karnataka Express, amongst others in providing convenient link between respective state capitals and New Delhi.
Vasco da Gama (IR Code: VSG) is the nearest railhead to the capital of Goa, Panjim. Panjim is not directly accessible by rail.
History of Train or Introduction
The train was introduced around 1987.[when?] At the time of introduction, rail links into Goa were Meter Gauge. Hence the train ran with a Broad Gauge and a Meter Gauge counterpart, the MG section between Vasco da Gama and Miraj, and the BG section between Miraj and Hazrat Nizamuddin. At the time of introduction the train was numbered 2479/2480, with maintenance in Delhi Division of Northern Railway. Post gauge-conversion when the BG train ran the entire route, the train's maintenance was transferred to the Hubli division of the present day South Western Railway, and renumbered as 12779/12780.
Route
Goa Express was introduced long before Konkan Railways became operational. Thus the train routes via, Margao, Londa, Belgaum, Miraj, Sangli, Satara, Pune, Daund, Manmad, Bhusawal, Khandwa, Itarsi, Bhopal, Jhansi, Gwalior, Agra and Mathura .
During its 39 hour 25 minute journey traversing a distance of about 2197 km, the train passes through Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and passes through a small portion of Rajasthan at Dhaulpur without stopping.
Stops
As of August 2007, Goa Express stops at: Updated on April 18, 2013. Margao, Kudchade, Kulem, Castle Rock, Londa, Belgaum, Ghatprabha, Raybag, Miraj, Sangli, Karad, Satara, Pune, Daund, Ahmednagar, Belapur, Kopargaon, Manmad, Jalgaon, Bhusawal, Khandwa, Itarsi, Bhopal, Jhansi, Gwalior, Agra, and Mathura before terminating at Hazrat Nizamuddin.
While in its return Journey 12780, Goa Express stops at Uruli near Pune as an additional halt.
Slip Service
Slip Route to Hubli and Hazrat Nizamuddin is also avaialble. The train amalgamates/bifurcates at Londa Junction as
- 7305/7306 Hubli-Hazrat Nizamuddin Goa Link Express
Loco Link
Both Diesel and Electric Locomotives are used.
- Vasco-Da-Gama - Londa WDM3A of Gooty(IR Code:-GY) Diesel shed of South Central Railways.
- Londa - Pune-Daund - Manmad WDM3A/WDG3A of Pune Diesel shed of Central Railways.
- Manmad - H.Nizamuddin WAP-4, WAP-5 and WAP-7 of Ghaziabad(IR code:-GZB) Electric Loco shed of Northern Railways.
'WDG3A or WDM3A Diesel Locomotive is arrives/departs from/to Hubli and hauls Goa Link Express slip Coaches to Hubli and Londa'
Direction Reversal
Train Reverses its direction 3 times
