The shortest route has been chosen for this overnight train (HWH dep 23:55 PRR arr 6:45) with very convenient timing for end to end travel. It gives a new connectivity between PRR and SHE/ KQU/ TAK/ AMBG. Theoretically this sounds good, but I'am afraid friend, the available data pertaining to the existing trains do not favour this new train proposal.
There are 3 nos daily and one biweekly intercity trains already running between Kolkata and Purulia in addition to a few non daily long distance trains
(1) SRC-KGP-VSU-PRR-12883-Daily Exp.-Dep6:25 Arr11:50 325km...
more... G-6,IIS-1,CC-1,SLR-2-10Coaches
(2) HWH-KGP-VSU-PRR-12827-Daily Exp.-Dep16:50 Arr22:20 323km G-7,IIS-2,CC-1,SLR-2-12Coaches
(3) HWH-KGP-TATA-PRR-CKP-58011- Daily Pass.-Dep23:05,Arr6:20 334km G-1,SL-4,AC3-1,SLR-2-8Coaches
(4) HWH-KGP-TATA-PRR-12865-Biweekly Exp-Dep8:30 Arr14:15, 339km G-4,IIS-3,SLR-2-9Coaches
A glance on the above data is a clear indication that there is a very low traffic between Kolkata and Purulia as compared to the number of dedicated trains between the two stations. With only 8/9/10/12 coaches in the trains, it is unwise to introduce more trains on this section. Giving a high speed time slot to these very low capacity trains in a crowded section like HWH-KGP section is a surprise in itself, and appears to be a result of political expediency. It is difficult to find such a pampering/ showering of very low capacity intercity trains to any other pair of destinations in IRly! However this train is a strong possibility if a TMC MP become RM any time in future.
One of the major cause of the poor financial performance of SER/ER as compared to SECR and ECoR in spite of carrying about 140 Million tonnes of freight per annum is the large number of highly loss making short distance trains running in the zone with very less number of coaches and highly loss making suburban trains of Kolkata
More over a better and low cost option than this train i.e. HWH-PRR-CKP passenger (Sl.no-3) with overnight journey is already there which has only 8 coaches. If there is any unsatisfied passenger demand,then increasing the number of coaches in this 8 coached train is a much better option than further straining the IR network and finances by introducing a new train.
An overnight express train for a distance of just 263 km of journey shall lead to very poor rake utilisation and revenue collection. Even if a train is to be run on this route, it should be a day train so that all the intermediate stations which get new connectivity could conveniently use it rather than having late night or very early morning train.
