New Delhi: Air hostesses have been the pride of aviation sector for long, but soon they are going to have competition with the Railways too mulling to have train hostesses in place!
If sources are to be believed, Railways has decided to introduce train hostesses on soon to be launched Delhi-Agra Gatiman Express , the first train in India to run at a speed of 160 kmph and these hostesses will welcome the passengers with rose buds.
Gearing up to launch the Gatiman Express next month, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu will announce special features of the first semi-high speed train in the country when he presents the Rail Budget on February 25.
The major highlight is that this train will have train hostesses welcoming the guests with roses and the catering too will match the standard of airliners.
As per Railway sources, since the fare will be 25 per cent higher than Shatabdi Express, catering services in Gatiman Express will also be better, with both Indian and continental cuisine being served on board.
Equipped with a 5,400 HP electric locomotive, the train will have 12 coaches. While Shatabdi takes 120 minutes to cover the 200 km distance, Gatiman Express proposes to complete the journey in 105 minutes.
The train will have a high-power emergency braking system, automatic fire alarm, GPS-based passenger information system and sliding doors in the coaches. There will also be live TV service as part of infotainment, reports Zee News.
The fare for chair car in fully airconditioned Gatiman Express has been fixed at Rs 690, while a passenger will be required to spend Rs 1,365 for travelling Executive Class. In Delhi-Agra Shatabadi Express, the chair car fare is Rs 540 and Rs 1,040 for Executive Class.
