GUWAHATI, July 14? Introduction of Jan-Satabdi service between Guwahati and Dimapur within this year is likely to pose a stiff challenge to the road sector as the new train will provide faster and comfortable journey to the passengers. Railway sources revealed that Jan-Satabdi trains, which have been introduced to commemorate 150 years of Indian Railways, will bring about a change in the concept of inter-city travel. The coaches and seats of the trains have been specially designed for maximum passenger comfort while a mini-pantry will be provided in each coach. A rail mart will also be provided in each coach where the passengers can buy cold drinks, the snacks etc.
Sources said that as per the tentative time schedule, the train will cover the distance between Guwahati and Dimapur in four hours, faster than any other existing train. Sources pointed out that among the existing trains, the Rajdhani Express covers the distance between Guwahati and Dimapur in four hours 45 minutes, the Inter-City express covers the distance in seven hours and the BG Express covers the distance in six hours. However, while the date for launching the train is yet to be finalised, Railway sources said that the train would be launched this year and it was included in the Railway Budget for the current financial year.
Meanwhile, the Union Railway Minister Nitish Kumar is scheduled to flag off the Bikaner and Jodhpur-bound train from the Guwahati Railway Station on July 20. This will be the first direct train from the North-East to Rajasthan and as per the tentative schedule, the train will cover the distance in about 52 hours. The train will be bifurcated at Merta Road point, one part will go to Bikaner while the other part will go to Jodhpur. The weekly train will leave Guwahati every Saturday.
On the same day, the Railway Minister is scheduled to officially inaugurate the construction of the main building of the Rangiya Rail Division. The Railways are also planning to open a computerised railway reservation counter at the LGB airport shortly.