New Delhi–Kathgodam Shatabdi Express

The 12040 / 12039 New Delhi–Kathgodam Shatabdi Express is an Indian train of the Shatabdi Express category belonging to Northern Railway zone that runs between New Delhi and Kathgodam, the nearest rail-head to many tourist destinations in Uttarakhand like Nainital, Ranikhet etc.

It currently operates as train number 12040 from New Delhi to Kathgodam and as train number 12039 in the reverse direction, serving the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Inception of the service
As the need of a fast, air conditioned train to Haldwani, Lalkuan and Kathgodam was raised by several political leaders and citizens, Northern Railways decided to run an "AC Superfast" special service on temporary basis in late 2011. The train used to run on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from both ends and on a time-table similar to today's Shatabdi Express. On receiving a satisfactory response, the 12039/40 Shatabdi Express was introduced on the same slot on other four days. The first run was made on 17 March 2012. Later by May 2012, the frequency of the Shatabdi Express was increased to six days a week and the AC Special was done away with.

Service
The Kathgodam-bound train covers the distance of 282 kilometres in 05 hours 35 mins (49 km/h) while in the return direction it takes in 05 hours 35 mins (50 km/h). The service was initially slower but speeded up by 5 minutes and 20 minutes respectively in the time-table revision of 2014 but again slowed down by 10 minutes and 20 minutes respectively in the time-table revision of 2022.

The train is the slowest member of the Shatabdi category of trains owing to the steep gradients in the Lalkuan-Kathgodam section, and single-line operation after Rampur Junction.

Journey
The schedule of this 12039/12040 New Delhi - Kathgodam Shatabdi Express is given below:- The 12040 / 39 New Delhi–Kathgodam Shatabdi Express runs from New Delhi via Ghaziabad Junction, Moradabad, Rudrapur City to Kathgodam.

Being a Shatabdi class train, it returns to its originating station New Delhi at the end of the day.

Loco link
As the route is fully electrified, a WAP-7 locomotive powers the train for its entire journey.

Change in terminal
With effect from 11 December 2015, the Kathgodam-bound Shatabdi has been operating from the New Delhi railway station. Accordingly, the departure time of 12040 has been changed to 06:20 hrs instead of 06:00hrs. The revised arrival time of 12039 at New Delhi railway station is 20:50. The change in terminal will hugely benefit tourists as the New Delhi railway station is connected to the Airport Express (Orange Line) of Delhi Metro and is also closer to the Main Bazar in Paharganj, a popular destination for tourists.