Travelling by the Goa Express is a joy because the route it travels along is so picturesque. The train passes along the sun-kissed beaches of Goa, where you can see tourists from all over the world having a great time jumping and splashing around in the water. One is witnessed to friends chatting away beside the track, and the aroma of Goan cooking wafts into the train’s compartment.

Pink blossoms dangle from the boughs at such close distance that they almost tempt you to touch them as the 12779 passes by. The Goa Express allows you a peep into the heart of Goa’s pastoral life.

It then enters the forests of the Western Ghats, leaving you thrilled by the sheer speed at which it traverses the serpentine route and the mountainous terrain. If you observe keenly, a great number of waterfalls are visible, and their numbers only increase as the green landscape gives way to barren valleys and peaks. The 12279 is the only passenger train to emerge every day through the Dudhsagar Falls on the Braganza Ghats section!!

The glow of the setting sun, which complements the red clay of the surroundings, is simply a sight to behold as the Goa Express draws near to Londa.

Goa Express A High-Priority Super Fast Train –

The 12779 Goa Express is a high-priority superfast train that runs between Vasco Da Gama in Goa and Hazrat Nizamuddin in New Delhi. Not only is it a high-priority super fast train, but it is also extremely important for the South Western Railway’s Hubli division.

Goa Express takes 39 1/2 hours for this 2,202-kilometre journey and travels through several other Indian states such as Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. It also travels through Rajasthan briefly, passing through Dhaulpur without halting.

This train can be considered to be akin to Andhra Pradesh Express and Karnataka Express, which connect their respective state capitals to New Delhi. Vasco Da Gama is the nearest railway junction to Panjim, as Goa’s capital remains out of reach by train.

Goa Express: A Historical Perspective –

Goa Express started operating in 1987. Thus, it began running even before the evolution of Konkan Railways. The rail links were meter gauge in Goa at the time, and Goa Express had to run with a broad gauge and meter gauge counterpart. The section between Vasco Da Gama and Miraj was meter gauge and between Miraj and Hazrat Nizamuddin was broad gauge.

At the time of inauguration, Goa Express was allotted the number 2479/2480 with Delhi division of Northern Railways responsible for its upkeep. After the entire journey had become broad gauge, maintenance was handed over to the Hubli Division and the train was allotted its present number.

Stoppages & Accommodation –

The Goa Express stops at several prominent locations such as Margao, Londa, Belgaum, Miraj, Sangli, Satara, Pune and Daund. It also halts at Manmad, Bhusawal, Khandwa, Itarsi, Bhopal, Jhansi, Gwalior, Agra and Mathura.

Goa Express has 22 compartments: 2 AC 2- tiers, 3 AC3-tiers, 11 sleeper class, 3 general, a pantry car, and 2 Luggage-cum-Parcel brake vans.

Goa Express offers a great opportunity to passengers to revel in the verdant and pristine beauty of Goa state. The picturesque stretch between Vasco Da Gama and Londa Junction is something all passengers cherish for a long time after their journey ends.

12780/Goa Express Route, Schedule & Time Table –