Kolkata–Ara Garib Rath Express

The 12359 / 60 Kolkata–Ara Garib Rath Express is a Superfast Express train of the Garib Rath series belonging to Indian Railways - Eastern Railway zone that runs between Kolkata and Ara Junction in India. The train was extended to Ara Junction from Patna Junction.

Kolkata - Ara Junction
Garib Rath Express

Overview
Service type	Superfast Express, Garib Rath Express
First service	23 January 2008
Current operator	Eastern Railways
Route
Termini	Kolkata (KOAA) Ara Junction (ARA)
Stops	15
Distance travelled	585 km (364 mi)
Average journey time	11 hours 40 minutes as 12359 Kolkata Ara Garib Rath Express, 11 hours 0 minutes as 12360 Ara Kolkata Garib Rath Express
Service frequency	3 days a week. 12359 Kolkata Ara Garib Rath Express - Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday. 12360 Ara Kolkata Garib Rath Express - Wednesday, Friday & Sunday.
Train number	12359/12360
On-board services
Class	AC 3 Tier Economy
Seating arrangements	No
Sleeping arrangements	Yes
Auto-rack arrangements	No
Catering facilities	No
Observation facilities	Dedicated rake
Baggage facilities	Storage space under berth
Technical
Rolling stock	Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) coach
Track gauge	1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)
Electrification	Yes
Operating speed	130 km/h (81 mph) maximum
Route map Legend 12359 ↓ Kolkata Durgapura Asansol - Jasidih Asansol Junction West Bengal Jharkhand border Madhupur Junction Jasidih Junction Jhajha Jharkhand Bihar border Jamui Kiul - Patna Kiul Junction Mokama Bakhtiyarpur Junction Patna Sahib Rajendra Nagar Terminal Patna Junction Danapur 12360 ↑ Ara Junction 12359 - Kolkata → Ara 12360 - Ara → Kolkata

It operates as train number 12359 from Kolkata to Ara Junction and as train number 12360 in the reverse direction serving the states of West Bengal, Jharkhand & Bihar.^[1]

It is part of the Garib Rath Express series launched by the former railway minister of India, Mr. Laloo Prasad Yadav.

Coaches

The 12359/60 Kolkata Ara Garib Rath Express has 15 AC 3 Tier Economy & 2 End on Generator Coaches. It does not carry a Pantry car coach.^[2]

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 12359 Kolkata Ara Garib Rath Express covers the distance of 585 km (364 mi) in 11 hours 40 mins (55.21 km/h) and in 11 hours 0 mins as 12360 Ara Kolkata Garib Rath Express (58.79 km/h).^[3]

As the average speed of the train is above 55 km/h (34 mph), as per Indian Railways rules, its fare includes a Superfast surcharge.

Routeing

The 12359 / 60 Kolkata Ara Garib Rath Express runs from Kolkata via Durgapur, Asansol Junction, Jhajha, Mokama Junction, Rajendranagar Terminus, Patna Junction, Danapur to Ara Junction.

Traction

As the route is fully electrified, a Howrah based WAP 5, Howrah based WAP 7 or a Sealdah based WAP 7 locomotive powers the train for its entire journey.

Operation

12359 Kolkata Ara Garib Rath Express leaves Kolkata every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday arriving Patna Junction the next day.^[1]

12360 Ara Kolkata Garib Rath Express leaves Ara Junction every Wednesday, Friday & Sunday arriving Kolkata the next day.