Service type Superfast Current operator(s) North Western Railways Stops 18 | First service 7 January 2010 [1] Start Bikaner Junction End Kolkata Chitpur | |
The 12495 / 96 Bikaner Kolkata Pratap Express is a Superfast express train belonging to Indian Railways - North Western Railway zone that runs between Bikaner Junction and Kolkata Chitpur in India.
Contents
It operates as train number 12495 from Bikaner Junction to Kolkata and as train number 12496 in the reverse direction serving the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
It is named after the legendary Rajput king of Mewar Maharana Pratap.
Coaches
The 12495 / 96 Bikaner Kolkata Pratap Express has 1 AC 2 tier, 1 AC 3 tier, 8 Sleeper Class, 6 General Unreserved and 2 Sitting cum Luggage Rack Coaches. It does not carry a Pantry car coach [2].
As is customary with most train services in India, Coach Composition may be amended at the discretion of Indian Railways depending on demand.
Service
The 12495 Bikaner Kolkata Pratap Express covers the distance of 1,885 km (1,171 mi) in 31 hours 55 mins (59.06 km/hr) [3] and in 31 hours 05 mins as 12496 Kolkata Bikaner Pratap Express (60.64 km/hr).
As the average speed of the train is above 55 km/h (34 mph), as per Indian Railway rules, its fare includes a Superfast surcharge.
Routeing
The 12495 / 96 Bikaner Kolkata Pratap Express runs from Bikaner Junction via Jaipur, Bharatpur Junction, Agra Fort, Tundla Junction, Kanpur Central, Allahabad Junction, Mughalsarai Junction, Gaya Junction, Dhanbad Junction, Asansol Junction, Barddhaman Junction to Kolkata Chitpur [4].
Traction
As the entire route yet to be fully electrified, a Abu Road based WDM 3A or WDM 2 [5] hauls the train from Bikaner Junction up to Agra Fort handing over to a Howrah or Mughalsarai [6] based WAP 4 which powers the train for the remainder of its journey.
Operation
12495 Bikaner Kolkata Pratap Express runs from Bikaner Junction every Thursday reaching Kolkata Chitpur the next day .i.e. Friday [7].
12496 Kolkata Bikaner Pratap Express runs from Kolkata Chiptpur every Friday reaching Bikaner Junction on the 3rd day .i.e. Sunday.