Photograph: Nikhilb239/Wikimedia Commons
Today is August Kranti Day 2017. While it is not a public holiday, the August Kranti Diwas holds great historic significance for India and its people. It was on August 9, 1942 that the Quit India Movement was launched in India following an inspiring speech by the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on the previous day. Gowalia Tank Maidan, now known as the August Kranti Maidan, was where the historic Quit India speech by Gandhiji was delivered. It is considered as one of the most historic places in Indias freedom struggle. Mahatma Gandhis speech launched a remarkable movement making it known to the British that they must leave India immediately failing which they will face mass agitations. It was in this speech that Gandhijis famous call to the nation Do or Die was first heard. The August Kranti Maidan is located in Mumbai near the Grant Road Railway Station. Now a popular playground, August Kranti Maidan was once used a bathing ground for cattle where cow owners used to bring their cows for a bath. The maidan or ground was then built over it. In honor of the significant and historic day and place, a Rajdhani train between Mumbai and Delhi has been named after it August Kranti Rajdhani Express.
The August Kranti Rajdhani Express started in 1992 and connects Mumbais Mumbai Central railway station to Delhis Hazrat Nizamuddin station. It takes halts at major railway junctions like Vapi, Sawai Madhopur and Mathura. Its train numbers are 12953(Mumbai to Delhi) and 12954(Delhi to Mumbai). The train has around 20 coaches including 1 AC First class coach, 5 AC 2-tier coaches and 11 A 3-tier coaches. The train also has a pantry car which takes care of catering facilities during transit. The August Kranti Rajdhani Express is a daily service and is known for its efficiency, good quality service and fast pace. This is why a large number of people prefer it for their journey. It takes close to 17 hours and 15 minutes to traverse a distance of 1,377 kilometres. While it is not faster than the Mumbai Rajdhani Express and the Garib Rath, it is still one of the most popular trains on the Mumbai-Delhi route. All other details of the August Kranti express schedule, timings, halts can be found here. So, next time when you take a trip from Mumbai to Delhi aboard the August Kranti Rajdhani Express, remember the history behind it.
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