History
The
British Government in India started the noble work of constructing railway in
India in 1853. By 1900 Metre Gauge (MG) railway system were completed. MG railway
lines were laid in Rajasthan, Bihar (Erstwhile United Bengal Province), United
Province, Central Province (Madhya Pradesh), Madras, Trichur, Travancore &
Sindh. The First MG Train to run in India was Cawnpore (Kanpur)-Lalkuan Jn.
Kannyakubj Express. The train ran from 1901-1976 in Kanpur-Lalkuan Jn. stretch
until Lalkuan-Kathgodum BG (Broad Gauge) line was constructed. The train was
shortened to run up to Bareilly City. From 1976-2006 it ran from Kanpur to
Bareilly City, until Kanpur- Kasganj MG section was converted to BG. From 2006
to 2009 the service was withdrawn. Recently in 2011 the service was restored as
a Passenger Train, until disappearing from railway circuit.
Route
The
train ran from 1901-1976 from Cawnpore (Kanpur) to Lalkuan Jn & vice versa,
via Kannauj, Bilhaur, Farukkabad, Jamikandh, Gangapur Rd., Kasganj City,
Kasganj Jn. Then it reversed at Kasganj Jn. to head for Lalkuan via Kachhla
Bridge, Badaun, Chandausi Rd., Bareilly Jn., Bareilly City, Izzatnagar,
Bhojipura, Lalkhera, Baheri, Panthnagar and terminated at Lalkuan Jn. Prior to
1976 the train terminated at Bareilly City.
Timings & Distance
The
train departed Cawnpore (Kanpur) at 23.00 hrs. at
night, reaching Lalkuan Jn. at 11.15 hrs. the next
day. The train covered 448 kms in 12 hrs. 15 mins at an average speed of 37
kilometers per hour. In return direction the train departed Lalkuan Jn. at
16.45 hrs. at afternoon, reaching Kanpur(Cawnpore) at
05.00 hrs. next day at an average speed of 37
kilometers per hours. Prior to 1976 the train terminated at Bareilly City (368
kms from Cawnpore (Kanpur)) at 09.10 hrs. & originated
from there at 18.50 hrs.
Composition
The
train had 6 sleeper coaches, 5 general unreserved coaches, 2 coaches for
Britishers only (discontinued after 1951), 3 luggage van & 1 guard cabin.
Present Status
Local
people of Uttar Pradesh want this train to be restarted in BG after
Kasganj-Bareily MG to BG conversion is over. This train was a useful medium of travel
for the Kanpur based people and for all the people of those regions this train
connected.