Out of the multiple trains (11 as on date) that ply between Delhi and Guwahati, there are 4 trains that are available daily.
The travel time varies significantly between all trains, the fastest being Dibrugarh Rajdhani (train number 12424) that takes 27:05 hours and slowest being Bhagat Ki Kothi (train number 15623), which takes 43:00 hours.
This review in the form of Q&A is about North East Express (train number 12506) and is based on personal experience during a journey undertaken in the month of Sep-Oct 2022.
Lets begin with some key information about the train.
| Train Number and Train Name | 12506 – North East Express |
| Source station | Anand Vihar Terminal (AVT) Scheduled Departure: 07:40 |
| Destination station | Kamakhya (KYQ) Scheduled Arrival: 16:25 |
| Total Distance Covered (km) | 1845 |
| Total Travel Time (hr:mm) (including halts) | 32:45 |
| Halts / Stops | 29 |
| Halt Time (hr:mm) | 2:01 |
| Travel Time (hr:mm) (excluding halts) | 30:44 |
| Average Speed (excluding halts) | 60 kmph |
| Top Speed (based on phone gps measurement) | 130 kmph |
| Coaches | 2AC 3AC SL |
| Runs on | Daily |
| Return Train Number and Train Name | 12505 – North East Express Kamakhya (KYQ) Scheduled Departure: 12:40 Anand Vihar Terminal (AVT) Scheduled Arrival: 21:50 |
Why did we select North East Express (12506) for our journey?
The train runs on all days and since we were traveling from Delhi to Guwahati, the arrival and departure timings were convenient for us. Further, we opted to travel in Sleeper class, which is not available in Rajdhani Express, as we were doing a budget trip. If you are interested in doing budget trips we have an article providing tips on the same.
Does North East Express (12506) have a pantry? What are food options on North East Express (12506)?
Yes, a pantry facility is available on the train.
As we were traveling long distances in Sleeper, it was not feasible to carry home made food for the entire duration. We relied on pantry service for multiple meals, snacks and water. The food quality is just about average.
Tip: Always ask for a bill if you make purchases from the pantry because the vendors usually overcharge and do not provide the food items as per Indian Railways specifications and prices.
As a better alternative, you may order food through the IRCTC app and get meals delivered at your seat from the restaurant of your choice.
What about the cleanliness and condition of coaches in North East Express (12506)?
The overall cleanliness across trains have significantly improved in recent years and Indian Railways has taken various measures to ensure comfortable travel for passengers.
However, our experience in Sleeper class on North East Express (12506) was dismal. The coach was aged and not maintained properly. We discovered the toilets in pitiable condition. It did not even have a bio toilet installed and the track could be seen through the toilet. We had to regulate our fluid intakes in order to limit the number of frightening trips to the toilet.
How is overall passenger experience on North East Express (12506)?
North East Express (12506) is a popular choice for passengers traveling to Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, North Bengal and up to Siliguri. Due to convenient timings, getting confirmed tickets at the last moment is a big challenge. To provide an example, we had waitlisted tickets that only converted into RAC before departure and we had to sit for the entire trip.
There is usually a heavy rush of day passengers with general and unreserved tickets who prefer to travel on reserved coaches, thereby crowding and reducing the comfort factor of Sleeper Class to unimaginable levels. Therefore, one must prepare mentally for a scenario. Majority of the crowd gets down in north Bihar between Begu Sarai and Kishanganj stations. The remaining crowd alights at New Jalpaiguri for Siliguri and thereafter you can expect to travel in partially empty compartments till Kamakhya.
Tip: If budget is not a constraint, it is advised to book at least in 3AC if one is going to travel the entire route or in any of the other premium trains.
How much delay can one expect while traveling on North East Express (12506)?
The particular instance of the train that we were traveling on, departed around 30 mins late from scheduled time at source station Anand Vihar Terminal (AVT) and arrived at destination station Kamakhya (KYQ) around 3 hours late from the scheduled time.
It is advised to consider a few hours buffer time to account for train delays if planning to take any connecting mode of transport further on.
What are some of the important tourist destinations en route from Delhi to Guwahati that can be visited by North East Express (12506)?
Prayagraj
Previously known as Allahabad, this is where the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and invisible Saraswati meet. This is where the famous ‘kumbh mela’ also takes place on the bank of Ganga once every 12 years.
Varanasi / Banaras / Kashi
Varanasi distinguishes itself for being the oldest continually inhabited city. It is situated on the bank of river Ganges and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The spiritual culture of India can be experienced in full at this place.
Alight at Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Jn (DDU), previously known as ‘Mughalsarai’, which is located at a road distance of around 18 km from Varanasi.
Patna
Patna (ancient name Pataliputra) is the capital city of the state of Bihar and situated on the banks of river Ganges. It is also the commercial capital of the state and boasts of a bustling metropolitan life.
The famous Indo-Nepal border at Raxaul is around 200 km from Patna and is a popular gateway to the tourist attractions of Kathmandu and Pokhara in Nepal.
New Jalpaiguri
New Jalpaiguri is sort of a misnomer in that it is located close to Siliguri and not Jalpaiguri. Alight here for the hills stations of Darjeeling and Sikkim.
One can even travel to various parts of eastern Nepal as the Indo-Nepal border is located at a stone’s throw from here.
What kind of landscape can one expect to see while traveling on North East Express (12506)?
Expect to see the Indo-Gangetic plain for a major part of the trip all the way till Siliguri. We found visual signs of anything resembling a small hill only once before Patna.
Get out of the world experience of crossing the vast expanse of river Ganga at Patna.
After Siliguri, the landscape changes when the train enters Brahmaputra Valley. The valley has a distinct touch to it with plain green fields, banana and betel nut trees, fishing ponds and unique houses. Some mountains can also be seen in the distance. North East Express (12506) crosses the mighty Brahmaputra before entering Guwahati. This is something that should not be missed.
What are some important points that one should consider while traveling from Delhi to the North East and want to use the North East Express (12506)?
The first thing to note is that North East Express (12506) departs from Anand Vihar Terminal (AVT), which is located at a road distance of 13.8 km from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS).
Taxis and auto rickshaws are available for traveling to Anand Vihar Terminal.. As the scheduled departure of the train is early in the morning, one may try to take a bus or metro rail if possible / available.
The second thing to note is that Kamakhya (KYQ) station is located before Guwahati Station and at a road distance of around 8 km from it. As the scheduled arrival of the train is in late afternoon and it is generally late, plan your travel to Guwahati depending on expected arrival at Kamakhya (KYQ). Buses and auto rickshaws are available from a short distance from the station for central Guwahati. But depending on when you are arriving these may or may not be available. There are hotels / guest houses and lodges near Kamakhya station catering to all budgets where you can plan to stay overnight or for visiting the famous Kamakhya Temple of Assam. Kamakhya junction (KYQ) is located in Pandu area of Guwahati.
Guwahati is a hub for traveling across North East India. North East Express provides a convenient link to Guwahati from where you can plan your travel to other places.
There are many alternative trains as well, so pick the one based on convenience and availability.
