* Hussain Sagar, earlier called Minar Express was the first SF between CSTM & SC and was introduced in late 70s, which mark the beginning of new era of SFs in IR(i.e. proliferation of SFs in IR network), with introduction of legendary SFs like TN, AP, KK, Geetanjali, Swaraj, Coromandal, Navjeevan, PinkCity, Ashram, Vaigai etc.
* It was intended to be the fastest and best overnight train between CSTM & SC which it remained till the introduction of CSTM-SC Duronto.
* I travelled in this train in May 1980,...
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it bore distinct dark blue livery as against red of others and had earthenware pots in coaches with tap in the coaches to facilitate paxs.
* It probably stopped at Pune, Solapur, Gulbarga & wadi only. Today it has 15 halts and destination changed to HYB instead of SC. But its journey time is increased by only about half an hour in spite on so many stops, due to increase of operating speed from 90-95 kmph to 110kmph, doubling of substantial portion, conversion of CSTM-Pune from DC to AC etc

* Minar was not the first, but was introduced during the period when IR decided to operate large number of fast trains between major cities on IR network. And Minar was slowest of all because it operated on single line and others operated on mostly double line.
* Deccan Queen was also SF in 1930 even by by today's standards, when it covered CSTM-Pune 192km in 2:45 minutes @ 70kmph, faster than any train on the route even today including Duronto, even after conversion of electric traction from DC to AC.
* HWH-Rajdhani...
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(1969) was the first SF train to operate 120+kmph, with avg speed of about 80kmph