The new Shatabdi express, which had earlier been scheduled to run on Tuesday, will now make its maiden run between Ludhiana and New Delhi on Thursday (December 04). The reason of the delay, as reported in the media, was the problems relating to catering and reservations. The new Shatabdi train will have a test run for 31 days.

The new train would come as a great relief for passengers traveling on the northern railway route, who had earlier complained about the heavy rush and unavailability of seats. The new train has seven compartments of chair cars and one executive class.

Ludhiana station superintendent Ashok Singh Salaria told a national daily that the train would start at 6.30 pm from Delhi and would reach the city station around 11pm.  Adding further, Salaria said that all the preparations have been made and they were ready to cater to the winter rush for one month initially. The step has been taken in the view of the heavy rush during Christmas and the new year celebrations.