Mumbai-Goa trip to last less than 9 hours by train

The sky-bus might be a project still rotting in unknown wrangles within the state of Goa and is probably doomed for oblivion. After its fateful disaster in its trial runs, the sky bus seems to have passed away for good.

However there is good news regarding the launching of a weekend train between the bustling metropolis of Mumbai and the succegado tourist hotspot of Goa. This train with only two scheduled stopovers, is set to be introduced on February 13th by the Central Railway from the CST station and is expected to touch the Margao Railway station in a quick time of 8 hours 50 minutes covering the entire 600 km distance with only  stops at Thane and Ratnagiri.

Presently the distance between the two stations takes around 11 hours by train while the airlines cover the trip within an hour. The distance between Mumbai and Goa by road however lasts for around 12 hours.

Train Schedule
While the superfast weekend train will travel at an average speed of 66.48 kmph, it is expected to leave only on Fridays and Saturdays from Mumbai and Goa. The train is scheduled to leave the CST terminus in Mumbai at 10.15 pm and reach Goa at 7.05 am, the next morning. Likewise the train from Margao will leave every Saturday at 8.45 am and reach Mumbai at 5.35 pm on the very same day.

On Sunday, the train is expected to leave the Margao station at 7.10 pm and reach the CST Mumbai terminus at around 4 am the next day. With Goa being a tourist destination, there is a great demand for Goa-bound trains throughout the year and an estimated 10,000 passengers are recorded to be traveling on the route every day.

Train Coaches
The weekend train is expected to have two general second class-cum-guard brake van coaches, one AC 2-tier, two AC 3-tier and eight sleeper class coaches. However currently there seems to be no provision for a pantry and only light meals with tea and coffee are expected to be available.

Train Fares
The cost of the fare will be Rs 313 for a sleeper class ticket, while an AC 3-tier seat would be around Rs 820 and an AC 2-tier trip would be around Rs 1120.

The service is expected to begin a trial run on February 13, probably as a Valentine's day gift to the state of Goa.