Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has flagged off India’s first diesel electric multiple unit (DEMU) train service with an air-conditioned coach in Kochi, Kerala. The Angamaly-Ernakulam-Tripunithura-Piravom train service is expected to help in reducing traffic congestion in the state’s fastest growing city.

The AC coach in DEMU Train provides reclining type comfortable cushion seats for 73 passengers similar to air-conditioned chair car of inter-city express trains. Other coaches of DEMU train are provided with bench type cushion seats and large windows with glass shutters. The train is equipped with bio-toilets and fully vestibule for free movement of passengers between coaches.

Facts about Indian Railways

1. The first train in India ran on 16th April 1853 from Bombay to Thane.

2. The mascot of Indian Railways is Bholu – the guard elephant.

3. The first railroad was constructed by two Indians – Jaganath Shunkerseth and Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy.

4. Metupalayam Ooty Nilgiri Passenger train is the slowest train in India. It runs at a speed of 10 kmph.

5. Indian Railway is constructing the highest rail bridge over Chenab, in J&K

6. The station with the longest name is Venkatanarasimharajuvaripeta

7. The station with the smallest name is called ‘IB ’: It’s in Odisha

8. The longest running train covers a distance of 4273 km between Dibrugarh and Kanyakumari: It’s called the Vivek Express

GK Question

India’s First CNG Train is running between which stations? Rewari and Rohtak in Haryana.

CNG – Compressed Natural Gas