The 11447 / 11448 Shaktipunj Express is a daily express train which runs between Jabalpur Junction railway station of Jabalpur, a major city in Madhya Pradesh, and Howrah Junction railway station of Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal state in India. It links four states of India West Bengal, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Background

The name Shaktipunj may be attributed to two reasons. Firstly, initially when the train service started, it connected Shaktinagar to Howrah. Later on the route got extended up to Singrauli junction and then to Jabalpur subsequently. The name Shaktinagar inspired the name Shaktipunj. Secondly, the train passes through the important coal mining belts such as Karnpura mines (near Khalari), Ramgarh mines (near Barkakana), Singrauli, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Asansol, Raniganj etc. and many important thermal power stations like Chandrapura, Patratu, Bokaro etc. Coal is the source of energy or "Shakti". Hence the name of this train is given "Shaktipunj". Its famous among the businessmen who travel from Howrah to Asansol.

Coaches

The 11447 / 48 Shaktipunj Express has 1 AC First Class, 2 AC 2 tier, 2 AC 3 tier, 3 AC 3rd Economy, 7 Sleeper Class, 4 General Unreserved, 1 SLR (Seating cum Luggage Rake) and 1 EOG (End of Generator) coaches. It does not carry a pantry car. As is customary with most train services in India, coach composition may be amended at the discretion of Indian Railways depending on demand.

Service

The 11447 Jabalpur Junction–Howrah Junction Shaktipunj Express covers the distance of 1149 km in 24 hours 25 mins (46.9 km/h) and in 24 hours 55 mins as 11448 Howrah Junction–Jabalpur Junction Shaktipunj Express (45.9 km/h).

Routeing

The 11447/11448 Shaktipunj Express runs from Jabalpur Junction via Katni South, Singrauli, Renukoot, Garwa Road Junction, Daltonganj, Patratu, Barkakana Junction, Dhanbad Junction, Asansol Junction, Bardhaman to Howrah Junction.

Average and maximum speed

The train runs with an average speed of 46 km/h, and the maximum permissible speed is 130 km/h (between Dankuni Junction and Dhanbad Junction).

Traction

It is hauled by an Itarsi Loco Shed based WAP-7 electric locomotive from Jabalpur Junction to Howrah Junction and vice versa.

Direction reversal

The train reverses its direction twice: