In pictures: Indian rail journeys

There are others, too, taking advantage of the new service. Reshma Mhatre, Rajeshri Patil and Beena Ghate have never travelled to Delhi before. "We've never taken a journey of this length," says Ms Mhatre. But the cheap fares were an incentive.

"It's a good service. Women can travel together and in comfort," adds Ms Patil.

As the Garib Rath prepares to leave, the women break out in song. "It's a hymn. We're praying for a safe journey," says Rajeshri Patil.