Mahabodhi Express

Mahabodhi Express

Overview
Service type	Express
First service	24 August 2003 (2003-08-24)
Current operator(s)	East Central Railways
Route
Termini	Gaya Junction (GAYA) New Delhi (NDLS)
Stops	14
Distance travelled	992 km (616 mi)
Average journey time	14 hrs 15 mins
Service frequency	Daily
Train number(s)	12397 / 12398
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	Rake sharing with 12389/12390 Gaya–Chennai Egmore Weekly Superfast Express
Baggage facilities	Available
Other facilities	Below the seats
Technical
Rolling stock	LHB coach
Track gauge	1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)
Operating speed	70 km/h (43 mph) average including halts, 130 km/h (81 mph) maximum speed

The 12397 / 12398 Mahabodhi Express is Express train in India which runs daily from Gaya to New Delhi and vice versa. It was started by Nitish Kumar, making it the direct train between Gaya and New Delhi in 2003.

Its name comes from the Mahabodhi Temple situated at Bodhgaya in Gaya district of Bihar. It is the most popular train for people travelling between Gaya and New Delhi. It is the fastest train in Gaya–Delhi route after Rajdhani Express and maximum speed is 130 km/h. It mainly carries passengers from Gaya Junction, Anugrah Narayan Road, Dehri-on-Sone and Mughalsarai station.

The train now uses LHB coach since 20 April 2013.

Route & halts

• Gaya Junction
• Anugraha Narayan Road
• Dehri-on-Sone
• Sasaram
• Bhabua Road
• Chandauli Majhwar
• Pt. DD Upadhyay Jn.
• Vindhyachal
• Prayagraj
• Kanpur Central
• Aligarh
• New Delhi

Traction

It is hauled by a Kanpur Loco Shed or Gomoh Loco Shed based WAP-7 electric locomotive from end to end.