Air travel has the advantage of speed and ease, but it lacks the distinct charm of a train trip. Imagine yourself enjoying a hot beverage by the window while you take in the ever-shifting scenery. One can take note of the nature that is seen before your eyes as hills, forests, brooks, and charming villages appear. The busyness of everyday life seems to disappear during these calm times, leaving just a feeling of peace. There are several beautiful routes on India’s vast railway network where one can encounter this kind of peace. Let’s investigate some of the most famous trains the nation has to offer.
Speaking about the extensive rail network within the country, the vast national railway network of India is run by Indian Railways (IR), which is a department of the Ministry of Railways under the Government of India. This network, the fourth largest in the world, covers an amazing 126,511 km of routes. India is home to many important trains connecting geographically disparate key regions, providing connection and accessibility throughout the country.
1. Rajdhani Express
The Rajdhani Express trains connect New Delhi, the nation’s capital, with the capitals of various states or major cities across multiple states. These air-conditioned, high-speed trains travel at top speeds of 130-140 km/hr, offering swift and comfortable long-distance travel. Indian Railways now operates 24 pairs of Rajdhani Express trains, ensuring vital connectivity across the country.
2. Shatabdi Express
Major Indian cities are connected by the incredibly quick, air-conditioned Shatabdi Express trains. They run as day trains, returning the same day, and are intended for medium to short distances. Instead of berths, some trains have Chair Car seating. More opulent is the Swarna Shatabdi Express version. There are twenty-five pairs of Shatabdi Express trains running at the moment.
3. Duronto Express
These luxurious, lightning-fast Duronto trains link India’s major cities and state capitals. While some have sleeping vehicles without air conditioning, others have full air conditioning. There are 26 pairs of Duronto trains in service at the moment, and they can reach speeds of up to 130 km/h with few stops.
4. Vande Bharat Express
A brand-new, fully air-conditioned semi-high-speed intercity day train is called the Vande Bharat Express. Known by another name, Train 18, it is among the fastest trains in India, with a top speed of 200 km/h. Wi-Fi, hydraulic pressure doors, CCTV cameras, a fire and smoke detection and suppression system, refreshment tables, and many more facilities are available on this train.
5. Jan Shatabdi Express
A less expensive variant of the Shatabdi Express is called Jan Shatabdi Express. With a top speed of 140 km/h, these incredibly fast day trains provide air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned passenger classes (2nd Seating and AC Chair Car).
6. Garib Rath trains
Garib Rath Premium trains are completely air-conditioned, reasonably priced, high-speed trains with subsidies. These straightforward, three-tiered long-distance trains can go at up to 140 km/h.
7. Sampark Kranti Express
High-speed, first-class trains known as Sampark Kranti Express run between major cities or state capitals and New Delhi, the nation’s capital. They provide high-speed travel with both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned coaches, with a top speed of 110 km/h, and are a more cost-effective option than the Rajdhani Express.
8. The Palace of Wheels
The Palace on Wheels, one of India’s first luxury trains, provides a luxurious trip through Rajasthan’s breathtaking scenery. Each coach is made to resemble a palace and is renowned for its superb amenities and gracious hospitality. To enhance the experience, real Rajasthani food is served in the dining carriages. Televisions, free internet, personal attendants, and on-board medical services are some of the special amenities.
9. Maharaja Express
The Maharajas Express offers a luxurious journey with stunning interiors and top-notch amenities. Its suites feature vintage furniture, wall-to-wall carpets, and silk linens, while free Wi-Fi, LCD TVs, 24/7 attendants, and individual climate control ensure home-like comfort. Guests enjoy Indian and international cuisine served on silver and gold-plated plates and drinks in Swarovski glasses, as the train travels through historic sites in North India.
10. Maharparinirvan Express
This train was introduced on March 28, 2007, and it is reserved for Buddhist pilgrims. Over eight days and seven nights, it visits several important Buddhist sites in North India, such as Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Varanasi, and Kushinagar. The train has eighteen berths and is completely air-conditioned.
11. Gatiman Express
The first moderate-high-speed rail line in the nation runs between Jhansi and New Delhi and is called the Gatimaan Express. The train consists of air-conditioned chair cars equipped with contemporary features including sliding doors, bio-toilets, GPS-based passenger information system, and fire alarms. To assist the passengers, there are also train hostesses on board. The maximum speed of this train is 160 miles per hour.
12. Tejas Express
A variety of facilities are available aboard these air-conditioned chair car trains, such as Wi-Fi, CCTV, tea/coffee vending machines, LED TVs with charging outlets, snack tables, a menu featuring celebrity chefs, bio-vacuum toilets, sensor water taps, and fire and smoke monitoring. Their maximum speed is 200 km/h, but for technological reasons, they can only go 130 km/h.
13. Nilgiri Mountain Railway
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, dubbed “the slowest train in India,” has the greatest gradient of any railway line in South Asia, ascending from 325m to 2,240m along the route.
14. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is a narrow-gauge railway in the Indian state of West Bengal, running between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. It is renowned for its scenic beauty, featuring stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, tea gardens, and lush forests. The DHR, often referred to as the “Toy Train,” was built between 1879 and 1881 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It operates steam and diesel locomotives, offering a nostalgic travel experience. Key highlights include the Batasia Loop, the spiral at Agony Point, and the Ghum Railway Station, which is one of the highest railway stations in the world.
Some noteworthy historical trains in India have been, India’s first heritage train, the “Fairy Queen,” features the world’s oldest steam engine, built in 1855 by the British company Kitson. The Punjab Mail, one of Indian Railways’ oldest long-distance trains, marked its 108th anniversary on June 1 but did not run due to COVID-19; it was inaugurated as Punjab Limited on June 1, 1912. The Golden Temple Mail, also known as the Frontier Mail, is the oldest train on the Delhi-Tapri line, celebrating 96 years of service on September 1, 2024. Indian Railways is a remarkable example of how transportation can unite a varied and expansive nation. Thus, Indian Railways is more than just a mode of transportation; it is a dynamic cultural conduit that promotes national relationships and fosters a shared sense of belonging.
