Vadodara: Western Railway’s Vadodara division operated a heritage special train from Ektanagar to Vadodara on Tuesday for National Film Award winners, film personalities and other guests attending the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony at Ektanagar (Kevadia).The train departed Ektanagar at 9pm and offered guests a heritage rail travel experience inspired by the steam locomotive era.The Heritage Special Train blends railway heritage with modern technology and tourism. While hauled by a modern electric locomotive, it features steam-and-smoke effects and a traditional-style horn designed to recreate the atmosphere of vintage steam trains. The train comprises six coaches and includes pantry facilities and a selfie point. The specially designed coaches have modern amenities.Train 09409 Ahmedabad-Ektanagar Steam Heritage Special departs Ahmedabad at 6.10am every Saturday and Sunday and reaches Ektanagar at 9.50am. Train 09410 Ektanagar-Ahmedabad Steam Heritage Special leaves Ektanagar at 8.35pm and reaches Ahmedabad at 12.05am the following day. It halts at Vadodara in both directions.The service includes four AC Vistadome-type coaches, comprising three Executive Chair Car coaches and a restaurant-dining car.Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Steam Heritage Special from Ektanagar in 2023. The initiative was launched to showcase the heritage of Indian Railways and promote tourism through a rail journey themed around the country’s railway legacy.The special operation for National Film Awards guests gave invitees an opportunity to experience the heritage train alongside their participation in the awards ceremony.
