The Goa Express (Konkani:-गोवा एक्स प्रेस), is a daily superfast train run by Indian Railways connecting Vasco da Gama, and Hazrat Nizamuddin in Delhi. This train is similar to trains like Kerala Express, Andhra Pradesh Express and Karnataka Express, amongst others in providing convenient link between respective state capitals and New Delhi.
Vasco-Da-Gama (IR Code:-VSG) is the nearest Rail Head to the Capital of Goa, Panjim or Panaji. Panjim is not directly accessible by Rail.
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The train was introduced around 1987.
At the time of introduction, rail links into Goa were Meter Gauge. Hence the train ran with a Broad Gauge and a Meter Gauge counterpart, the MG section between Vasco da Gama and Miraj, and the BG section between Miraj and Hazrat Nizamuddin. At the time of introduction the train was numbered 2479/2480, with maintenance in Delhi Division. Post gauge-conversion when the BG train ran the entire route, the train's maintenance was transferred to the Hubli division of the present day South-Western Railway zone, and renumbered as 2779/2780.
Goa Express was introduced long before Konkan Railways became operational. Thus the train routes via, Madgaon, Londa, Belgaum, Miraj, Sangli, Satara, Pune, Daund, Manmad, Bhusawal, Khandwa, Itarsi, Bhopal, Jhansi, Gwalior, Agra and Mathura .
During its 39 hour 25 minute journey traversing a distance of about 2197 km, the train passes through Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and passes through a small portion of Rajasthan at Dhaulpur with out stopping.
As of August 2007, Goa Express stops at:
Madgaon, Sanvordem Church, Kulem, Castle Rock, Londa, Belgaum, Ghatprabha, Raybag, Miraj, Sangli, Karad, Satara, Pune, Daund, Ahmednagar, Belapur, Kopargaon, Manmad, Bhusawal, Khandwa, Itarsi, Bhopal, Jhansi, Gwalior, Agra, and Mathura before terminating at Hazrat Nizamuddin.
While in its return Journey 2780 Goa Express stops at Uruli near Pune.
Slip Route to Hubli and Hazrat Nizamuddin is also avaialble. The train amalgamates/bifurcates at Londa Junction as
Both Diesel and Electric Locomotives are used.
'WDG3A or WDM3A Diesel Locomotive is arrives/departs from/to Hubli and hauls Goa Link Express slip Coaches to Hubli and Londa'
Train Reverses its direction 3 times
