Ashram Express

Ashram Express
Overview
Service type	Superfast
Locale	Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana & Delhi
First service	8 October 1921; 100 years ago in MG, 1 August 1997; 24 years ago in BG
Last service	8 January 1994; 27 years ago in MG
Current operator(s)	Western Railways
Route
Start	Ahmedabad (ADI)
Stops	20
End	Old Delhi (DLI)
Distance travelled	940 km (584 mi)
Average journey time	15 hours 40 minutes as 02915 ; 15 hours 40 minutes as 02916 (previous during MG:- 19 hrs 45 mins as 505 ; 19 hrs 45 mins as 506)
Service frequency	Daily
Train number(s)	12915 / 12916
On-board services
Class(es)	AC 1st Class, AC 2 tier, AC 3 tier, Sleeper class, General Unreserved
Seating arrangements	Yes
Sleeping arrangements	Yes
Catering facilities	Pantry Car ; On-board catering ; E-catering
Observation facilities	Large windows
Technical
Rolling stock	LHB coaches
Track gauge	1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) (previous 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) metre gauge)
Operating speed	120 km/h (75 mph) maximum, ; 60 km/h (37 mph)(previous 47.5 km/h (30 mph) during MG era)

The 12915 / 12916 Ashram Express is a Superfast Express train that runs between Ahmedabad Junction and Old Delhi in India. It is a daily service. It operates as train number 12915 from Ahmedabad Junction to Old Delhi and as train number 12916 in the reverse direction.

The train's route runs on a broad-gauge section converted from metre gauge in the 1990s. During the metre gauge era, this train ran as the 505-MG / 506-MG Ashram Express. This was the 2nd fastest train in Delhi Junction–Ahmedabad Junction Mainline after 501-MG / 502-MG Delhi Junction–Jaipur Junction Pink City MG Express.

Coaches[]

The 12915 / 12916 Ashram Express presently has 1 AC 1st Class, 1 AC 1st Class cum AC 2 tier, 1 AC 2 tier, 4 AC 3 tier, 11 Sleeper class, 3 General Unreserved coaches & 2 generator cars, from which (1–40) seats of 1st general bogie are reserved for ladies and (41–50) seats are for person with disabilities. As with most train services in India, coach composition may be amended at the discretion of Indian Railways depending on demand.

Service[]

The 12915 Ashram Express covers the distance of 940 km (584 mi) in 15 hours 40 mins & 940 km (584 mi) in 15 hours 40 mins as 12916 Ashram Express.

As its average speed in both directions is above 55 km/h (34 mph) as per Indian Railways rules, its fare has a Superfast surcharge. In addition, it gets priority over local (commuter) trains, standard express, passenger trains and most freight trains.

Route & Halts[]

The train is runs from Ahmedabad Junction via Mahesana Junction, Palanpur Junction, Abu Road, Falna, Beawar, Ajmer Junction, Jaipur Junction, Dausa, Bandikui Junction, Alwar, Khairthal, Rewari, Gurgaon, Delhi Cantonment to Old Delhi.

Traction[]

This route is yet to be fully electrified, it is hauled by a Bhagat Ki Kothi-based WDP-4 / WDP-4B / WDP-4D locomotive from Ahmedabad Junction to Old Delhi.

Time-Table[]

12915 Ashram Express leaves Ahmedabad Junction every day at 18:30 hrs IST and reaches Old Delhi at 10:10 hrs IST the next day.
12916 Ashram Express leaves Old Delhi every day at 15:20 hrs IST and reaches Ahmedabad Junction at 07:00 hrs IST the next day.

Timings during metre gauge era was:-Ahmedabad Junction departure 14.15 hrs & Old Delhi Junction arrival 10.00 hrs as 505-MG. In return, Old Delhi Junction departure 16.00 hrs & Ahmedabad Junction arrival 11.45 hrs.

Rake sharing[]

The train sharing its rake with 12461 / 12462 Mandore Express