Ahmedabad: The Western Railway recently launched its first heritage train, running from Ahmedabad to Ekta Nagar. This ‘Ekta Nagar-Ahmedabad Heritage Train,’ a weekly tourist train operating on Sundays, aims to facilitate the movement of tourists from the heritage city to the world’s highest statue, the Statue of Unity.

If you’re looking for a fun Sunday picnic at Ekta Nagar, you can board this train from Ahmedabad, departing at 06:10 am and reaching Ekta Nagar at 9:50 am. Interestingly, if you’re seeking a different way to travel between Vadodara and Ahmedabad, this train also provides that option, with a 5-minute halt at Vadodara junction at 8:18 pm. The journey from Ahmedabad to Ekta Nagar takes approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes. The fare for this train, Rs. 885, does not include food, but passengers can enjoy a meal in the dining car coach.

The train, operational every Sunday since October 31st, has become a popular topic in blogs and social media posts. From various blogs, we bring you insights into the amenities and experiences of people who have traveled on the train.

Returning to the Era of Steam Engines:

As you observe the train on the platform, it transports you back to the time of locomotives powered by steam. However, this train is classified as a MEMU train, running on electricity. The engines on both ends of the train are designed to resemble steam engines and include foggers for exhaust fumes, producing the sound of a steam engine. A senior railway official onboard the train said that this unique design aims to offer passengers a distinctive heritage experience reminiscent of the era of steam engine locomotives.

Elegant Wooden Interiors and Red Carpet:

The wooden interiors, complemented by LED lights on the ceiling, add an ambient touch to your journey, while the red carpet flooring provides a VIP feel to travelers. The interior plywood panels feature a natural teak veneer, and a warm, natural white lighting scheme contributes to a distinctive atmosphere. The train is also equipped with GPS-based public address and passenger information systems, luggage racks, and electrically operated automatic compartment sliding doors.

Ambient and Comfortable Chair Cars:

The train has three executive chair cars, each with a capacity of 48 passengers. These cars feature pairs of seats with built-in table trays. The blue chairs, resembling those in Vande Bharat trains, recline with the push of a button. All chairs are equipped with dedicated charging points, magazine and bottle holders on the side, and footrests. The heritage train is equipped with panoramic windows featuring roller blinds, offering a picturesque view of nature during your travel.

Restaurant and Pantry Service:

Although the ticket price does not include food, passengers can enjoy a snack in the heritage restaurant car on the train. The air-conditioned dining car has teakwood dining tables and comfortable cushioned seats for an cozy dining experience. Another unique feature is the flameless pantry, equipped with electrically operated stainless steel appliances. This glass-walled pantry is visible from the restaurant seats. Additionally, each car has a mini pantry for storing food packets and drinking water.

Dedicated Selfie Point:

Indian Railways has considered that travelers would want to capture the moment of the journey and has provided a selfie point onboard the train. The selfie point, with a full glass ceiling providing a view of the sky from inside the train, features an air-conditioned area with a sofa and wallpaper depicting the culture of Gujarat. There’s also a puppet show depicted on the walls to enhance passengers’ enjoyment of the journey.

Lit Up Mirrors and Modular Toilets:

To allow the audience to behold their beauty, the train features modern lit-up mirrors that provide three types of lighting—yellow, white, and fluorescent—based on your needs, activated with the push of a button. The heritage train also includes modular toilets with high-quality fittings, such as a Korean washbasin, an automatic hygiene and odor control device, and high-capacity blower fans for effective air exhaust.

After enjoying the train ride and visiting various tourist places, when you want to return to Ahmedabad, the train departs from Ekta Nagar station at 8:35 pm, halts at Vadodara at 10:00 pm, and reaches Kalumpur station in Ahmedabad at 12:05 am on Monday. Booking for the weekly Ekta Nagar-Ahmedabad Heritage Train is available online and at reservation counters at railway stations. DeshGujarat