Shakuntala Express

Shakuntala Express used to run on Shakuntala Railway Line in between Achalpur and Yavatmal in Maharashtra

India's only private train

The Shakuntala Railways in Maharashtra is the only privately owned railway line in India

Beneficial for poor farmers

This train was once the lifeline for poor people residing in the villages between Yavatmal, Murtazapur and Achalpur

Founded in 1910

The private railroad British firm called Killick-Nixon established the line in 1910 and a private firm floated the Central Province Railway Company (CPRC)

Part of Central Railways

The trains on this track were run by Great Indian Peninsular Railway (GIPR) which later became part of the Central Railways

Diesel Engine makeover

Built in 1921 in Manchester, the ZD-steam engine pulled the train for more than 70 long years and was replaced by a diesel engine in 1994,

Royalty paid in crores

Central Railway paid a royalty of about Rs 1.5 crore to CPRC, and the contract has been renewed six times since Independence – every 10 years