Top 10 Fastest Trains in India
India’s vast railway network, a complex and extensive transportation system, boasts some of the fastest trains connecting cities across the country. Traditionally known for its wide reach, India is now rapidly embracing modernization. High-speed rail spearheads this transformation. In recent years, India has collaborated with Japan to develop high-speed rail technology for domestic use. This article explores the 10 fastest train in India, making travel easier for countless citizens.
Vande Bharat
Train 18, also known as Vande Bharat Express, holds the title of fastest train in India, reaching speeds of 180 km/h. Launched in 2019, the train’s operating speed is capped at 160 km/h to ensure safety within India’s railway infrastructure.
Vande Bharat Express has surpassed the Shatabdi train as the fastest engineless self-propelled train, reducing travel time by 15% to 20%. This medium-distance superfast train, operated by Indian Railways, features fully reserved, air-conditioned automated chair cars, connecting cities within an 800 km range.
Currently, Vande Bharat Express operates on 78 exclusive corridors:
- New Delhi to Katra
- New Delhi to Varanasi
- New Delhi to Amb Andaura
- Mumbai Central to Gandhinagar
- Chennai to Mysore
- Howrah to New Jalpaiguri
- Bilaspur to Nagpur
- Visakhapatnam to Sikandarabad
Tejas Express
The Tejas Express was introduced by Indian Railways in 2017 for the Mumbai-Goa route. Living up to its title, it is positioned as the runner-up among India’s fastest trains.
The Tejas Express, which currently runs on routes including Mumbai-Madgaon, Chennai-Madurai, Lucknow-New Delhi, and Ahmedabad-Mumbai, holds a maximum speed of 130 km/h. Famous for its lavish features such as onboard food service, automatic doors, LCD screens, and cozy seating, the train has changed the way passengers experience comfort. In its trial period, it completed the 552 km journey in an impressive 8 hours and 30 minutes, far exceeding the usual 12-hour duration.
Gatiman Express
Indian Railways launched the Gatiman Express as India’s inaugural semi-high-speed train on April 5, 2016. The train is famous for its fast speed, comfort, and modern amenities as it travels between New Delhi and Agra. The Gatiman Express is one of the top 5 fastest trains in India with a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Taking around 100 minutes to travel, the train is equipped with contemporary interiors, comfortable seats, and entertainment systems in each seat.
Bhopal Shatabdi Express
India introduced the Shatabdi Express as a flagship day train service in 1988 to commemorate Jawaharlal Nehru’s birth centenary. These trains offer rapid inter-city travel, prioritizing comfort and speed. Reaching a maximum speed of 110-150 km/h, Shatabdi Expresses rank among top 10 fastest train in India, connecting major cities nationwide. Bhopal Shatabdi trains boast spacious interiors, automatic air conditioning, and various amenities. However, lacking sleeper cars, they are best suited for medium journeys.
Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani Express
The Rajdhani Express provides a swift and comfortable journey between Mumbai and New Delhi. This premium train features modern amenities like Wi-Fi, in-seat power outlets, and a well-stocked pantry car. While not the fastest in India, it achieves a commendable speed of 140 km/h. With 20 coaches offering first, second, and third-class AC accommodations, it caters to diverse passengers. As India develops its high-speed rail network, exemplified by the ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, the future promises even faster and more efficient rail travel.
Sealdha- New Delhi Duronto
Indian Railways operates the Duronto Express as a premier class of long-distance passenger trains, renowned for punctuality and modern amenities. These trains run on specific routes, connecting major cities without intermediate stops, ensuring swift travel. With an impressive speed of 91.13 kilometers per hour, the Duronto Express ranks among top 10 fastest train in India, providing the most reliable option on the Grand Chord route between Sealdah and New Delhi. The trains feature air-conditioned coaches with various accommodation classes, from first-class to sleeper. Indian Railways aims to provide passengers with comfort and well-maintained facilities for a pleasant journey.
New Delhi-Kanpur Shatabdi Express
Indian Railways launched the Shatabdi Express, also known as the Kanpur Reverse Shatabdi, in 2009. This train operates between New Delhi and Kanpur, covering the 518.8 km distance in approximately 4-5 hours. Compared to the usual 7-hour journey, the Shatabdi Express maintains an average speed of around 89 kilometers per hour. While not the fastest train, it still ranks among India’s fastest trains.
New Delhi – Howrah Duronto Express
Eastern Railway operates this high-speed train on the Grand Chord route. Equipped with modern hybrid LHB coaches, the Duronto Express covers 1,441 kilometers in about 17 hours and 10 minutes, averaging 87 kilometers per hour. Indian Railways runs Duronto Express trains as premium long-distance passenger services, renowned for speed and punctuality, placing them among the top 10 fastest train in India. These trains directly connect major cities, offering swift and efficient travel. Duronto trains provide passengers with comfort and convenience through modern amenities and air-conditioned coaches.
New Delhi – Allahabad Duronto Express
Indian Railways introduced the Allahabad Duronto Express as a high-speed train in 2012. Connecting New Delhi and Allahabad Junction, the train covers the distance in a swift 19 hours and 20 minutes, maintaining an average speed of 86.85 kilometers per hour. The New Delhi to Allahabad Duronto Express boasts the finest facilities, including automatic doors and centralized air-conditioning with a pantry car.
Sealdah- New Delhi Rajdhani Express
The Sealdah Rajdhani Express travels between Sealdah (Kolkata) and Delhi, covering 1,458 kilometers in 17 hours at an average speed of 87.06 kilometers per hour. In contrast, the Nizamuddin-Bandra Garib Rath covers 1,366 kilometers in 16 hours and 30 minutes, reaching a maximum speed of approximately 130 kilometers per hour. A decade ago, Indian Railways crowned the Rajdhani Express as the sole high-speed train in India.
