Indian Railways is the fourth largest rail network in the world, where thousands of trains transport millions of passengers to their destinations daily. Hidden within this vast mesh of tracks are intriguing stories that astound those who discover them. Have you ever heard of a train with the same name and number existing at three corners of the country simultaneously? It sounds like a tale of magic or a time machine, but in reality, it’s a product of Indian Railways' meticulous planning and robust management. Let’s unravel the mystery of the unique train that races along multiple tracks, leaving everyone astonished.
The train in question is the Awadh Assam Express (15909/15910). It's not just a passenger train, but a moving wonder on the tracks. Journeying from Dibrugarh in Assam to Lalgarh in Rajasthan, it covers over 3,100 kilometers. The remarkable aspect is that this train runs daily, even though it takes nearly four days to complete a one-way trip.
How Does the Same Train Appear in Three Places Simultaneously?
So, the question arises, how does the train run daily if it takes four days to travel from one end to the other? Here, the secret of this unique system unveils. According to the railway timetable, one Awadh Assam Express departs Dibrugarh each day. This means the train that departed on Monday is still en route while trains that departed on Tuesday and Wednesday are running through different states.
In essence, at any given time, three trains with the same name and number are racing through different parts of the country. Observers might think the train divided itself into three, but it's actually a result of carefully crafted railway planning.
Railway’s Smart Planning Fuels the Entire Cycle
This ingenious system applies for the return journey as well. For returning from Lalgarh to Assam, three trains are on the tracks on different days. Moreover, there's always a backup train reserved for maintenance, ensuring service isn't disrupted in case of technical issues or delays. Thus, seven train sets collectively maintain this long route nonstop. This arrangement not only enhances passenger convenience but also showcases Indian Railways' strategy, discipline, and technical acumen.
India's Longest 'Daily Route' Crossing 9 States
The Awadh Assam Express traverses through the vast geography and cultural tapestry of India. It journeys across as many as nine state borders, including Assam, Nagaland, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. In addition, the train halts at a total of 88 stations, making it the lifeline for a large segment of the country.
What makes this journey even more intriguing is its 'halt time,' meaning the duration it stops at each station. The train pauses for 2 minutes at some stations and 5 minutes at others, but summing up the halt times at all 88 stops leads to around 4.5 to 5 hours of just watching the world go by from the train's window during the journey. Considering the long-distance and technical safety, an extra train set is always kept 'reserved.' This 3,100-kilometer journey weaves India's diversity into a single thread.
