DQ, The majestic queen turns 88. DQ may not be one of the prominent trains on IR network in matter of speed and comfort, as the branded trains like Raj, Shat, Duro, HS, Tejas, GR are ruling the roost. But if we look into the annals of history of railways in India, the legendary DQ is hard to overlook.
Some of the important features of DQ are:
(1) Oldest Express train of IR started in 1.6.1930
(2)...
more... First long distance electric train in India (Suburban trains in Mumbai were first electric trains which started a few years earlier).
(3) First Deluxe SF train which covered Mumbai-Pune in 2:45 hrs as against 3:15 hrs today, it was one of the fastest train of Asia way back in 1930s. Maintaining 70kmph avg speed with tough Bhor ghat section in 1930 was just great!
(4) One of the first train in India to have vestibulated coaches
(5) Only intercity to still have Dining car
(6) Second train in India to have ISO 9000 certification (After the Shan-e-Bhopal Express)
(7) One of the most popular trains among rail fans
(8) Have a large number of daily commuters
(9) Probably the only train whose birthday is celebrated with much fanfare.