New Delhi: As the Gatimaan Express clocked a top speed of 160 kmph on its return journey from Agra to Delhi, loco pilots Pankaj Garg and Sudesh Kumar felt the thrill of achieving an Indian record.
"We had our eyes on the speedometer and when it touched 160 for the first time near Runkata station we felt the thrill surging through our veins," Garg said after completing the inaugural run of India's first semi high speed train.
Both Garg and Kumar have been working for more than 30 years, and they had never expected they would be picked for this momentous journey. "I never dreamt of operating a high speed train. I want to thank God for this opportunity," said Kumar.
When the train stopped at Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin station, scores of railway officials and passengers rushed to congratulate them.
While the train completed the 184 km distance in 99 minutes, both were confident it could be done in even less time soon.
"We will reach the destination in 90 minutes soon. There are some technical points and it will be resolved," Gar said.
Before getting to drive the Gatimaan, both loco pilots were given special training and counselling and went through psychological tests.
Kumar who hails from Haridwar, has two daughters and a son. One of his daughters is studying cost management accounting and other is pursuing MSc in Aerospace from IISc Bangalore. His son is a B Tech at SMIT in Sikkim."My children are fulfilling my dreams," he said.
Garg resides in Delhi with his family and has one daughter and two sons. His daughter is doing B Tech, his sons are in school.
"It was really good. We enjoyed it a lot," the two loco pilots as they proceeded for a mandatory 16 hours rest before they take the wheels again.
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