This train isn't the fastest train b/w GKP - ALD. Technically, atleast two trains as of this writing are faster. If someone is going from BST, then the crawler Manwar Sangam is faster by ~15 minutes since that takes the shortest route via AY-SLN instead of this looped around route.
Why couldn't IR just connect GKP to ALD via the shortest route? That will get a ton of passengers and connect AY as well. LKO is more than well connected to GKP both via train [especially in the morning when back...
more... to back 3 conventional trains run] and road. Same goes for connecting Lucknow with Allahabad/Prayagraj. It's immensely well connected by road and people hardly prefer trains. [eitherway, two daily ICEs ply on the route].
please wait...Translate to EnglishYo, this train ain't the fastest one from GKP to ALD. Legit, as we speak, there are at least two trains that are quicker. If you traveling from BST, the Manwar Sangam train beats this one by about 15 minutes 'coz it takes a direct route via AY-SLN instead of this longer twisted path.
Why didn't IR just link GKP to ALD using the shortest way? That would bring in hella passengers and also link up AY. LKO has solid connections with GKP via multiple morning trains and roads. The same deal goes for linking Lucknow and Allahabad/Prayagraj. The roads are great there and most folks don't really dig the trains. (Anyways, two ICE trains do run there daily).