Kolkata, Sep 18 - A new superfast train service was launched Friday between Kolkata and New Delhi that will cut short the travelling time by 90 minutes and offer added amenities to passengers.

Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee flagged off the first Duronto Express - Duronto means speedy in Bengali - at the Sealdah railway station here, fulfilling the promise she made in this year's railway budget.

The train, painted with splashes of colours, will cover the 1,454 km distance between Sealdah and New Delhi 90 minutes quicker than the Rajdhani Express, as there will be no commercial stops.

While the Rajdhani Express completes the journey in 18 hours, Duronto will take 16 hours and 30 minutes.

'I think running an express train like Duronto is an achievement for all of us. We all are heading for a new world. Thus our ideas should also be modern,' Banerjee said.

'We announced altogether 14 such trains in this year's railway budget and many of them are already ready. We'll gradually launch all these trains,' she said.

The train will adhere to the speed limit of 110 kmph.

Another Duronto Express will be flagged off between Chennai and New Delhi next week. Other metros will also be connected in due course by the non-stop, superfast trains.

'In up direction, the train will leave Sealdah at 6.40 p.m. and reach New Delhi at 11.00 next morning. So the passengers of this train will be able to utilise the whole day for their work,' Banerjee said.

The Sealdah-New Delhi Duronto will have one AC I-tier coach, three AC II-tier coaches, four AC III-tier coaches and five economy AC III-tier coaches besides generator cars.