The train (12921/12922), first described as the 'Queen of the West Coast', has been serving the diamond polishing hub of Surat and the country’s commercial capital Mumbai since its inception 117 years ago in 1906
It makes the 265-km journey in around 4 hours, 40 minutes, averaging around 80 kmph and is popular with commuters travelling between the two cities, the ‘angadiyas’ (traditional couriers) community, the vacationers thronging beaches dotting its route and those going to work in either city
Under the new LHB ‘avatar’, the train will have 21 coaches comprising air-conditioned chair cars and second-class seating coaches, reserved as well as earmarked for season ticket holders, a ladies only coach, a ladies season ticket holders coach and a general coach, etc., WR Chief Spokesperson Sumit Thakur told IANS
Introduced first in 1906, the classic Flying Ranee was touted as a train destined to make history for its speed and affordability as well as a ‘single fare for return journey for ladies’, but for certain reasons it was discontinued in April 1914
Then, on a warm sunny morning, the Flying Ranee was re-introduced as a weekend special train from May 1, 1937 - in the period marking the Coronation of King George VI in December 1936 -- the grandfather of the present King Charles III of the United Kingdom
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