Unique train chugs off to Jaipur

 After missed deadlines and extension of the inauguration date, the country’s second air-conditioned double-decker train was flagged off for Jaipur from Delhi Sarai Rohilla station by union railway minister Mukul Roy.

A total of 522 passengers booked tickets for the inaugural run. “Several other people have boarded the train. We will book their tickets on board,” said chief ticket officer Ajit Singh Yadav.

The eight-coach train is booked full for the next three days, and shows signs of becoming an instant hit for those travelling to and from the pink city. “First of all, the Rs 347 fare is cheaper than Shatabdi as well as the Volvo buses. While the Shatabdi fare is over Rs 500, Volvo buses charge around Rs 700,” said Girija Prasad Gupta, an assistant director with the Rajasthan education department .

“Moreover, it will take only four-and-half-hours to reach, while the buses take around seven hours to travel the distance. I travel to Delhi frequently due to work, so it seems a good option,” Gupta said.