Farakka Express (via Sultanpur)

15733/15734 Farakka Express (via Sultanpur)
Overview
Service type	Express
First service	1 October 1963; 63 years ago as 13 UP/14 DN
Current operator	Northeast Frontier Railway after extension in 2024
Route
Termini	Balurghat (BLGT); Bathinda (BTI)
Stops	72
Distance travelled	1,832 km (1,138 mi)
Average journey time	43 hrs 45 mins
Service frequency	Tri-weekly
Train number	15733 / 15734
On-board services
Classes	AC first, AC 2 Tier, AC 3 Tier, Sleeper class, General Unreserved
Seating arrangements	Yes
Sleeping arrangements	No
Catering facilities	Available
Observation facilities	Large windows
Baggage facilities	Available
Other facilities	Below the seats
Technical
Rolling stock	LHB coach
Track gauge	Broad gauge
Operating speed	42 km/h (26 mph) average including halts

The 15733 / 15734 Farakka Express (via Sultanpur) is an Express train of Indian Railways connecting Balurghat in Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal with Bathinda district of Punjab. This train is in much demand from the people of the district of Malda and Murshidabad.

History

Originally on 1963, The Farakka Express was started from now abandoned Farakka Railway Station (FKK) by the Late Gani Khan Chowdhury. The train was scheduled to run 3 days via Sultanpur & 4 days via Ayodhya. From 1963-1973, Farakka Express via Sultanpur used to depart Farakka at 23.00 PM, reaching Delhi Junction on 3rd day morning at 04.30 AM. Meanwhile Farakka Express via Ayodhya used to same timings till Varanasi & reaching Delhi Junction on 3rd day morning at 06.00 AM. After Farakka Barrage was made, Old Farakka Station was closed, New Farakka Junction was made & the train got extended to Malda Town. From 1975 to 2000, timings of Farakka Express via Sultanpur was Malda Town departure 21.45 PM & Delhi Junction arrival on 3rd day morning 04.35 AM. Timings of Farakka Express via Ayodhya was Malda Town departure 21.45 PM & Delhi Junction arrival on 3rd day morning 06.05 AM. In 2001, both the trains was extended to Bhiwani Junction until 2009. From 2009 both the Farakka Express was running only between Malda Town & Delhi Junction until 2024. On 2024, both the trains were extended to Balurghat & Bathinda Junction & slowed down disastrously.

Traction

As the route is fully electrified, it is hauled by a Howrah Loco Shed based WAP-5 / WAP-7 electric locomotive on its entire journey.

Rake sharing

The train shares its rake with 15743/ 15744 Farakka Express (via Ayodhya Cantt.).

Coach composition

Coach composition of this train is as follows: EOG-2, SL-9, GEN-7, 3AC-3, 2AC-1, PC-1; Total= 23 coaches

Schedule

15733 Farakka Express leaves Balurghat station at 17:00 on Monday, Thursday, Saturday and reaches Bathinda Junction at 12:45 on third day.
15734 Farakka Express departs Bathinda Junction at 16:30 on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and reaches Balurghat station 12:15 on third day.

Services of Pantry car and Tatkal scheme is available in this train.

References

↑ "Extended run of Farakka Express till Bhatinda". The Statesman. 31 January 2024. Archived from the original on 6 November 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2025.

External links

Farakka Express/13413 India Rail Info
Farakka Express/13414 India Rail Info

[1] "Extended run of Farakka Express till Bhatinda". The Statesman. 31 January 2024. Archived from the original on 6 November 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2025.