Aranyak Express
The 12885 / 12886 Aranyak Express is a short-distance superfast type day train run by Indian Railways which connects the city of Kolkata (Shalimar) with Bhojudih. It operates daily except on Sunday. It travels the 311 km at an average speed of 56–58 km/h. Recently it was extended to Bhojudih(Jharkhand) Junction in Jharkhand State.
 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | SuperFast |
| Locale | West Bengal & Jharkhand |
| First service | 1 April 2000 |
| Current operator(s) | South Eastern Railways |
| Route | |
| Start | Kolkata Shalimar (SHM) |
| Stops | 12 |
| End | Bhojudih (BJE) |
| Distance travelled | 311 km (193 mi) |
| Average journey time | 5 hours 20 min |
| Service frequency | Daily |
| Train number(s) | 12885 / 12886 |
| On-board services | |
| Class(es) | 2nd Sitting, General Unreserved |
| Seating arrangements | Yes |
| Sleeping arrangements | No |
| Auto-rack arrangements | Available |
| Catering facilities | E-Catering |
| Other facilities | Below the seats |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | ICF Coaches |
| Track gauge | 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) |
| Operating speed | 60 km/h (37 mph) average with halts |
The Aranyak Express is hauled by Indian Railways WAM 4 class locomotives. It is very popular with tourists who wish to travel to Bishnupur, Mukutmanipur, Jhilimili, Susunia Hills or Ayodhya Hills. It has second class seating and general type of coaches. the Indian Railways passes through the major railway stations of Kharagpur, Midnapore, Bishnupur, Bankura, Adra. Pantry car service is not available on this train. Second class sitting requires advance booking, whereas general coaches can be boarded with a general daily ticket. The Tatkal scheme is available in this train.
Service
- 12885 Shalimar (7:45 A.M.) Bhojudih (1:05 P.M. same day)
- 12886 Bhojudih (1:25 P.M.) Shalimar (7:00 P.M. same day)
Route & Halts
- Kolkata Shalimar
- Santragachi
- Panskura
- Kharagpur
- Medinipur
- Salboni
- Chandrakona Road
- Garhbeta
- Bishnupur
- Bankura
- Adra
- Santaldih
- Bhojudih
Traction
It is regularly hauls by a Santragachi based WAP 4 / WAP 7 locomotive on its entire journey.
References
