The train was introduced around 1987. At the time of introduction, rail links into Goa were Meter Gauge. Hence the train ran with a
Broad Gauge and a Meter Gauge counterpart, the MG section between Vasco da Gama and Miraj, and the BG section between Miraj and Hazrat Nizamuddin. At the time of introduction the train was numbered 2479/2480, with maintenance in
Delhi Railway Division of
Northern Railway. Post gauge-conversion when the BG train ran the entire route, the train's maintenance was transferred to the
Hubli Railway Division of the present day
South Western Railway, and renumbered as 12779/12780. ==Route==