Following issues may be considered:
1. Train should be between Mumbai CST and Madgaon Jn. This would be beneficial to passengers of on the western line in Mumbai (Dadar could be a halt), and also beneficial to passengers staying in hotels in south Goa, since many star resorts are there in south Goa, and Karmali is far, especially considering that the public transport scenario in Goa is pathetic.
2. This is one train that desperately needs to be sped. It should take maximum 9.5 hours between Madgaon and Mumbai CST. The premium...
more... pricing would not serve much purpose if it maintains the current timing, it is known fact that double decker running between LTT and Madgaon is not so popular.
3. Timing may be changed. Departing late night and arriving in the morning would mean uncomfortable travel, given that this is an entirely chair car train without sleeping berths. Departure from Madgaon at 12 noon (since hotels have checkout time 12 noon), and arrival at Mumbai CST at 9.15 p.m. (marginally ahead of Mandovi) would be decent, since passengers can be treated to both lunch and dinner on the train, given that the cuisine is prepared by star chefs (of course will have to see to believe it). Return it could depart from Mumbai CST at 8 a.m. and arrive at Madgaon at 5.15 p.m. (again marginally ahead of Mandovi).
4. Sawantwadi should be given a halt, more halts may be considered (Kankavali, Sangameshwar, Khed) since it is a day train, but halts should be genuine so as to not compromise on speed and timing.
5. The train should run punctually, since passengers are paying a premium. It is my general observation that trains are generally punctual between Madgaon and Mumbai, but trains from Mumbai to Madgaon are generally delayed (e.g. Konkan Kanya, Mandovi, occasional delays of 12133 Mumbai CST-Mangalore).
6. Passengers dirtying the train should be fined heavily, fine could start upwards of Rs. 5,000, in addition to cleaning up the mess created by the passengers. It is sad that civic sense lacks in Indians, we do not regard public property as our own. While it is encouraging that this beautiful train is coming on our Konkan stretch where the passengers are generally civilized and decent, it is also our responsibility to treat these trains with love and care. I know that we have that cleanliness factor within us, since Indians do not dirty the places when they are in foreign countries. That fear of getting penalized should be present on such trains. I am sure it will go a long way in maintaining cleanliness.
Looking forward to welcoming this beauty on the Konkan route... :)
