Lalu flags off Garib Rath between Nizamuddin and Bandra

New Delhi, Feb 22 (UNI) Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad today flagged off the Hazrat Nizamuddin-Bandra Terminal (Mumbai) 'Garib Rath' -- the fourth in the series -- providing air-conditioned travel to passengers at an affordable price.

Flagging off the train at 1520 hrs, the Union Minister lauded the Railways for providing the cheapest fares in the world and said 'Garib Rath' was an extension of the common man's dream to travel in 'luxury class' without punching a hole in his pocket.

''No where in the world is rail travel so cheap as in India and this new train chugs on the same philosophy of providing comfortable travel at low cost.'' After Saharsa-Amritsar, Patna-Hazrat Nizamuddin and Chennai-Hazrat Nizamuddin, people on Bandra Terminal and Hazrat Nizamuddin would be able to enjoy their journey, specially during summer, he said.

While assuring of enhanced security measures on all trains going to Pakistan Mr Prasad said the backlog of vacancies for SC/STs in the Railways was being cleared.

''The dream of those belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of working in the Railways will soon be fulfilled.'' More on what the Railways plans for the future would be known in the Rail Budget, he added.

Touted as the country's first fully air-conditioned train for the common man, 'Garib Rath' provides travel in AC coaches at a fare 40 per cent less than normal AC trains.

After today's launch, 'Garib Rath' will be available on four sectors -- Saharsa and Amritsar, Patna and Hazrat Nizamuddin, Chennai and Hazrat Nizamuddin and Bandra Terminal and Hazrat Nizamuddin.

'Garib Rath' between Saharsa and Amritsar -- the first in the series -- commenced its operation in October last year.

The second, connecting Patna and Hazrat Nizamuddin, was flagged off on Decmber 10 while the third such train between Chennai Central and Hazrat Nizamuddin began its maiden journey yesterday.

The ticket fare for the full-length journey in Garib Rath between Hazrat Nizamuddin and Bandra Terminal (2910) will be Rs 662 for AC three tier and Rs 552 for chair car. This will be less than 40-50 per cent as compared to the fare in normal AC trains.

The tri-weekly train leaves Hazrat Nizamuddin on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 1550 hrs to reach Bandra the following day at 0850 hrs.

From Bandra, the train (2909) will leave every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 1655 hrs to reach Nizamuddin the next morning at 0940 hrs.

The train has 12 AC three-tier coaches and four AC chair-cars.

UNI