Sanghamithra Express
The 12295 / 12296 Sanghamitra Superfast Express is a superfast train that runs daily between the Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna Bengaluru Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka and Danapur in Patna, Bihar, via Chennai Central. It initially ran between Chennai Central to Patna, but in 2001 it extended upto Yeshvantapur in Karnataka and ran between Yeshvantapur to Patna via Chennai Central. It marks as the longest running daily train of South Western Railway Division. This train takes a total of 48 hours and 5 minutes to cover the 2698 km distance. Trains numbered 12295UP and 12296DN belong to the Superfast category of Indian Railways.
 Sanghamitra Express trainboard | |||||
| Overview | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service type | Superfast | ||||
| Locale | Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh & Bihar | ||||
| First service | 1 July 1988 | ||||
| Current operator(s) | South Western Railways | ||||
| Route | |||||
| Start | KSR Bengaluru City (SBC) | ||||
| Stops | 36 | ||||
| End | Danapur (DNR) | ||||
| Distance travelled | 2,698 km (1,676 mi) | ||||
| Average journey time | 48 hours 10 minutes | ||||
| Service frequency | Daily | ||||
| Train number(s) | 12295 / 12296 | ||||
| On-board services | |||||
| Class(es) | AC 2 Tier, AC 3 Tier, Sleeper Class, General Unreserved. | ||||
| Seating arrangements | Yes | ||||
| Sleeping arrangements | Yes | ||||
| Catering facilities | Available | ||||
| Observation facilities | Large windows | ||||
| Baggage facilities | Yes | ||||
| Technical | |||||
| Rolling stock | LHB Coaches | ||||
| Track gauge | 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) Broad Gauge | ||||
| Operating speed | 56 km/h (35 mph) average with halts | ||||
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Relevance
This train was named in honour of Sanghamitra, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka, ruler of Patliputra, the present city of Patna, and the Mauryan Empire. This train is the longest daily superfast train of South Western Railway zone.
History
This train used to run from Chennai Central every Tuesday and Thursday at 13:30. Then, in early 2001, the train's route was extended to the Yeshvantapur Junction departing at 7:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and running under the codes 6595/6596.
By 2013, the Patliputra - Yesvantpur Superfast Express route was created and ran on Fridays. It departed from Patliputra and went to Yesvantpur. This train, however, ran daily between the Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna Bengaluru City and Patna.
Traction
The route is fully electrified, it is hauled by a WAP 7 (HOG) equipped locomotive of Royapuram / Krishnarajapuram / Gomoh loco shed from Bangalore City to Danapur.
Timings
This train leaves KSR Bengaluru Daily at 9:00, reaching Danapur at 9:05 on the third day. The train leaves Danapur daily at 20:10 to reach KSR Bengaluru at 20:20 on the third day.
Route & Halts
The train runs from KSR Bengaluru City via Bangarapet, Jolarpettai Junction, Katpadi Junction, Chennai Central, Gudur, Vijayawada, Warangal, Balharshah, Nagpur, Itarsi Junction, Jabalpur Junction, Katni Junction, Satna, Allahabad Chheoki Junction, Mirzapur, Mughalsarai Junction, Buxar, Ara to Danapur.
The locomotive's direction reversal is done at Chennai Central.
Coach composition
The train has 4 AC 3-Tier, 3 AC 2-Tier, 10 Second class Sleepers, 2 Second class, 2 Head On Generator Car and a Pantry Car (total of 22 LHB coaches).
| Loco | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | HOG | GS | S1 | S2 | S3 | S4 | S5 | S6 | S7 | S8 | S9 | S10 | PC | B1 | B2 | B3 | B4 | A1 | A2 | A3 | GS | HOG |