Surat MP Darshana Jardosh inaugurated the new Flying Ranee train at Mumbai Central station.
Mumbai:
More than four decades after making history as the Indian Railways’ pioneer double-decker train, the renowned Flying Ranee embarks on a new journey from Mumbai to Surat in a transformed avatar. Union Minister of State for Railways and Textiles, Darshana Jardosh, ceremoniously flagged off the train, and herself took a ride of over 200 km from Mumbai Central to Surat.
The updated Flying Ranee no longer features double-decker coaches, but instead showcases the swifter and more comfortable Linke Hofmann Buschnew (LHB) coaches. The train boasts air-conditioned chair cars, second-class seating coaches, a dedicated ladies-only coach, and a separate coach for season ticket holders.
In a moment of historical significance, Ms. Jardosh, Lok Sabha MP from Surat, tweeted about commencing a new era for the enhanced Flying Ranee as part of Naye Bharat Ki Nayi Rail (New India’s New Rail). She expressed her love for train travel, emphasizing the joy of making new connections, creating cherished memories, and marveling at India’s breathtaking landscapes.
The Flying Ranee’s original chapter with double-decker coaches concluded as it entered Mumbai Central station for the last time on the morning of the upgrade. Rajendra Aklekar, a notable journalist and author on India’s rail history, lamented the end of this era, reminiscing that the double-decker coaches had been introduced exactly 43 years, six months, and 29 days ago. He highlighted that the Valsad Fast Passenger, operated by Western Railway, now stands as the only remaining double-decker train.
As the iconic Flying Ranee ventures into a new phase of its journey, the memories of its past continue to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on India’s railway heritage.
