Pratap Express

The 12495 / 96 Bikaner Kolkata Pratap Express is a Superfast express train belonging to Indian Railways - North Western Railway zone that runs between Bikaner Junction and Kolkata Chitpur in India.It gets delayed always nearly by four hours late.The train received its LHB coaches.

It operates as train number 12495 from Bikaner Junction to Kolkata and as train number 12496 in the reverse direction serving the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

It is named after the legendary Rajput king of Mewar Maharana Pratap.

Coaches

The 12495 / 96 Bikaner Kolkata Pratap Express has 1 AC 2 tier, 5 AC 3 tier, 8 Sleeper Class, 6 Unreserved/General and 2 End On Generator Coaches. It does not carry a Pantry car coach .

As is customary with most train services in India, Coach Composition may be amended at the discretion of Indian Railways depending on demand.

Service

The 12495 Bikaner Kolkata Pratap Express covers the distance of  in 31 hours 55 mins (59.06 km/hr)  and in 31 hours 05 mins as 12496 Kolkata Bikaner Pratap Express (60.64 km/hr).

As the average speed of the train is above , as per Indian Railway rules, its fare includes a Superfast surcharge.

Routing

The 12495 / 96 Bikaner Kolkata Pratap Express runs from Bikaner Junction via Jaipur, Bharatpur Junction, Agra Fort, Tundla Junction, Kanpur Central, Allahabad Junction, Mughalsarai Junction, Gaya Junction, Dhanbad Junction, Asansol Junction, Barddhaman Junction to Kolkata Chitpur .

Traction

As the entire route yet to be fully electrified, a Abu Road based WDM 3A or WDM 2  hauls the train from Bikaner Junction up to Agra Fort handing over to a Howrah or Mughalsarai  based WAP 4 which powers the train for the remainder of its journey.

Operation

12495 Bikaner Kolkata Pratap Express runs from Bikaner Junction every Thursday reaching Kolkata Chitpur the next day .i.e. Friday .

12496 Kolkata Bikaner Pratap Express runs from Kolkata Chiptpur every Friday reaching Bikaner Junction on the 3rd day .i.e. Sunday.

Rake sharing

The train share its rake with 22473/22474 Bandra Terminus - Bikaner Superfast Express.

References 

 http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Search&Key=TOIKM/2009/12/29/4/Ad00410.xml&CollName=TOI_KoLKATA_ARCHIVE_2009&DOCID=125501&Keyword=%28%3Cmany%3E%3Cstem%3Ebikaner%3Cand%3E%3Cmany%3E%3Cstem%3Ekolkata%3Cand%3E%3Cmany%3E%3Cstem%3Eexpress%29&skin=pastissues2&AppName=2&ViewMode=GIF

External links

Category:Transport in Kolkata
Category:Transport in Bikaner
Category:Named passenger trains of India
Category:Rail transport in Rajasthan
Category:Rail transport in Uttar Pradesh
Category:Rail transport in Bihar
Category:Rail transport in Jharkhand
Category:Rail transport in West Bengal