As an engineering 1st year student from Vizag studying in Delhi,I was very happy when this train was announced as I thought I wouldn't have to waste two complete days going home travelling by SJ,Samata and Link.But after this train's introduction,its timetable promptly led me to book 2 sets of return journeys by Air India as it was much more comfortable paying 4k for 2hrs rather than 3k for 36 hrs.Vizag-Delhi will be having 5 daily flights (6 considering unreliable Spicejet) starting late November and this train will not even be a choice for majority of the flight takers because of its schedule.Many argue that the timetable has been prepared so due to scheduling constraints.But,when AC trains are now such important money-spinners and expensive LHB rakes have been provided for this train,I fail to see the justification for this horrendous timetable which makes this train slower than both SJ and Samata,trains...
more... which give 6 AC coaches in capacity a day.
I agree that NDLS-VSKP via BZA is a route that does not warrant 7 3A's daily (planned) in addition to existing capacity,let alone 5 2A's,but that does not mean that IR should just run this train for the sake of running it.This train was born out of political compulsions,but IR should try to make the best out of the given circumstances.A total of 5 coaches (2X3A and 3X2A) can be removed and augmented in trains which need them.In the meanwhile IR should improve this train's schedule and wait for passenger traffic to pickup and then add coaches as necessary.
I hope IR wakes up and seriously tries to improve the train's occupancy.
P.S. A departure about 20-25 min. after Chennai GR/Raj/Dur can be feasible with an evening arrival at VSKP in about 28-29 hours.Only a suggestion,please give any other alternatives!