Surat: Railway minister Suresh Prabhu on his visit to Surat on Sunday announced the launch of Tejas train connecting Surat and Mumbai.

Maiden run of Tejas is likely to happen in the month of April.

“Local MP CR Patil told me there’s a tradition in Gujarat that one can not visit someone’s place empty handed. One should bring some gift to give while visiting other’s place. I appreciate this tradition in Gujarat. I am here in Surat for the first time and can not go without offering a gift to Surti people. Indian Railways will run high-end Tejas train between Surat and Mumbai. Operating at speeds above 130 km per hour, Tejas will offer on-board services sch as entertainment, local cuisine, Wi-Fi, etc. through a single service provider to ensure accountability and improved customer satisfaction,” Prabhu said at Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry(SGCCI).

“Tejas will complete Surat-Mumbai journey in less than two and half hours. The coaches will have TV screens at the back side of the chairs.

More possible features in Tejas trains:

-Tejas coaches will have Executive Class and Chair Cars.

-Tejas coaches will be equipped with 22 new features including entertainment screens for each passenger along with hand phone socket and LED boards for communicating safety instructions.

-There will be water level indicators in bio-vacuum toilets, sensorised taps and hand driers.

-Tejas coaches will also have Wi-Fi facility, integrated braille displays, digital destination boards and electronic passenger reservation chart.

-Attempts have been made to provide state-of-the-art facilities including tea and coffee vending machines, magazines and snack tables.

-Tejas will have CCTVs, and fire and smoke detection and suppression system.

-Tejas will be draped in golden vinyl sheets and will convey through its rich color scheme the idea of luxury and premium service.