Top 10 Fastest Trains in India 2024:- India’s railway network has been a backbone of the country’s transportation system for over a century. With advancements in technology and infrastructure, India has seen the introduction of high-speed trains that offer efficient, comfortable, and rapid transportation across the vast expanse of the nation. In 2024, several trains stand out for their remarkable speed, cutting-edge features, and connectivity. Here’s a rundown of the top 10 fastest trains in India, along with their routes and standout features.
Top 10 Fastest Trains in India
Main Contents
- Top 10 Fastest Trains in India
- List of Top 10 Fastest Trains in India
- Vande Bharat Express
- Tejas Express
- Gatimaan Express
- Bhopal (Habibganj) – New Delhi Shatabdi Express
- Mumbai-New Delhi Rajdhani Express (Mumbai Rajdhani Express)
- Kanpur Reverse Shatabdi
- Sealdah Duronto Express
- Howrah Rajdhani Express
- Mumbai Central – Ahmedabad AC Double Decker Express
- H. Nizamuddin – Bandra Garib Rath
- High Speed Trains in India
- Conclusion
- FAQ’s
As one of the world’s most densely populated nations, India relies heavily on its railway system as an affordable and expedient mode of transportation. The Indian Railways, ranking as the fourth largest rail network globally, serves as the backbone of the country’s transportation infrastructure. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 fastest trains operating within the Indian Railways network. These trains boast remarkable speeds, swiftly traversing vast distances. Furthermore, with ongoing advancements, newer trains are poised to surpass their predecessors in speed. Included are details on the speeds and amenities offered by these trains, providing comprehensive insights into their capabilities.
Fastest Trains in India Overview 2024
Article For | Top 10 Fastest Trains in India 2024: Speed, Routes & Features |
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Year | 2024 |
Category | Trending |
List of Top 10 Fastest Trains in India
Train Name | Route | Maximum Speed (km/h) | Average Speed (km/h) | Distance Covered (km) | Notable Features |
Vande Bharat Express | New Delhi to Katra and others | 180 | – | – | Self-propelled, integrated engine, modern amenities |
Tejas Express | Mumbai to Goa, Lucknow to Delhi | 162 | 110 | 551-880 | Contemporary onboard amenities, aircraft-style features |
Gatimaan Express | Delhi to Agra | 160 | – | 188 | Luxury train, sliding doors, GPS, Wi-Fi, bio-toilets |
Bhopal (Habibganj) – New Delhi Shatabdi Express | New Delhi to Bhopal | 155 | – | 707 | Fully air-conditioned, meal services, no sleeper class |
Mumbai-New Delhi Rajdhani Express (Mumbai Rajdhani Express) | Mumbai to New Delhi | 140 | – | 1384 | Alstom-LHB coaches, onboard catering, Wi-Fi, plug-in outlets |
Kanpur Reverse Shatabdi | New Delhi to Kanpur | 140 | 87 | 437 | No sleeper class, plug-in sockets, onboard refreshments |
Sealdah Duronto Express | Kolkata to New Delhi | – | – | 1452 | Non-stop journey, pantry car, AC coaches, onboard catering |
Howrah Rajdhani Express | New Delhi to Howrah | 130 | 85 | 1451 | Complete air conditioning, Wi-Fi, onboard amenities |
Mumbai Central – Ahmedabad AC Double Decker Express | Mumbai to Ahmedabad | 130 | 67 | 493 | Double-decker train, on-board catering, e-catering |
H. Nizamuddin – Bandra Garib Rath | Delhi to Mumbai | 130 | 80 | 1367 | Affordable travel option, air conditioning, narrower seats/beds |
Vande Bharat Express
The Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, boasts a remarkable top speed of 180 km/h, positioning it as a semi-high speed intercity electric train. Crafted by the Integral Coach Factory in Perambur, Chennai, this train materialized in a mere eighteen months. Operating along route 22439, it shuttles passengers from New Delhi to Katra. Distinguished by its self-propelled design and integrated engine, akin to metro or bullet trains, the Vande Bharat Express slashes travel times by up to 15%. Positioned as the successor to the aging Shatabdi Express fleet, this innovation promises a leap forward for the thirty-year-old train service.
Routes
- New Delhi to Katra
- New Delhi to Varanasi
- New Delhi to Amb Andaura
- Mumbai Central to Gandhinagar
- Chennai to Mysuru
- Howrah to New Jalpaiguri
- Bilaspur to Nagpur
- Visakhapatnam to Secunderabad
Tejas Express
In 2017, Indian Railways unveiled the Tejas Express, a semi-high-speed marvel. Operating from Mumbai Central Station to Karmali Goa, it boasts a range of contemporary onboard amenities. Covering the Mumbai to Goa route in 8.5 hours over 551 km, it delivers efficiency and comfort. Expanding its reach, two more Tejas lines connect Lucknow to Anand Vihar terminal and New Delhi to Chandigarh. With an impressive average speed of 110 km/h and a peak speed of 162 km/h, the Tejas Express redefines travel standards. Beyond its speed, passengers enjoy a suite of modern conveniences such as LCD screens, USB chargers, and attendant call buttons, all wrapped in sleek, aircraft-inspired design.
Routes
- Chennai to Madurai
- Mumbai CSMT to Madgaon
- Ahmedabad to Mumbai Central
- Lucknow to New Delhi
Gatimaan Express
Gatimaan Express stands as one of India’s premier luxury trains, whisking passengers along the 188 km journey from Delhi to Agra in a swift hour and ten minutes. With a maximum speed reaching 160 km/h, it exemplifies high-speed travel. Crafted under the guidance of the Standard Organisation and Research Development, this train comprises ten meticulously designed coaches. Each coach is overseen by male and female hosts, ensuring exceptional service. Among its ten coaches, eight are dedicated to AC Chair Car accommodations, while the remaining two offer Executive AC Chair Car luxury. Notable for its array of amenities, Gatimaan Express boasts sliding doors, GPS navigation, automatic fire alarms, emergency braking systems, LCD screens integrated into seats, complimentary Wi-Fi access, eco-friendly bio-toilets, and onboard train hostesses, among others. Additionally, passengers delight in two dining venues onboard.
Route
- Delhi to Agra
Bhopal (Habibganj) – New Delhi Shatabdi Express
In 1988, the Bhopal Shatabdi Express embarked on its inaugural journey, commemorating Jawaharlal Nehru’s birth anniversary. Racing at a top speed of 155 km/hr, it covers the 707 km stretch from Delhi to Bhopal with remarkable efficiency. Comprising 18 coaches, including 2 First Class AC cars, 14 Chair cars AC vehicles, and 2 Power cars, this train operates daily under the designations 12001 or 12002. Alongside its swift pace, the Bhopal Shatabdi Express offers passengers a range of amenities, including meals, water bottles, tea or coffee, snacks, and more, all within its fully air-conditioned coaches. Notably, it lacks sleeper class accommodations, ensuring passengers travel comfortably in chair cars for the entirety of the journey.
Routes
- New Delhi to Bhopal
Mumbai-New Delhi Rajdhani Express (Mumbai Rajdhani Express)
Among the Rajdhani Express fleet, the Mumbai Rajdhani Express reigns as the swiftest, boasting a top speed of 140 km/hr. Spanning a total distance of 1384 kilometers between Mumbai Central and New Delhi, this express service operates under the train numbers 12951 and 12952. Distinguished as the first Rajdhani train to feature Indian Railways Alstom-LHB Coaches, it comprises a total of twenty coaches, including one first-class coach, five second-class coaches, eleven third-class coaches, two luggage coaches, and one pantry coach. Passengers aboard the Mumbai Rajdhani Express enjoy a range of amenities, including plug-in outlets, Wi-Fi connectivity, and on-board catering services offering meals, ice cream, tea, coffee, and snacks during morning and evening hours.
Routes
- Mumbai Central to New Delhi
Kanpur Reverse Shatabdi
The New Delhi Shatabdi Express, colloquially known as the Kanpur Reverse Shatabdi, stands as one of India’s swiftest railway services. Its moniker derives from its inverse schedule compared to the Lucknow Shatabdi Express. Originally introduced to alleviate passenger congestion on the Lucknow route, it swiftly covers the 437-kilometer distance between New Delhi and Kanpur, reaching speeds of up to 140 km/h. Despite its rapid pace, the average speed clocks in at 87 km/h. Owing to its short travel duration, the train doesn’t offer sleeper class accommodations. However, passengers are treated to essential amenities including plug-in sockets, bottled water, tea, coffee, and morning or evening snacks.
Routes
- New Delhi to Kanpur
Sealdah Duronto Express
In India, the Duronto Express railway line made its debut during the 2009–2010 period. Leading this series is the Sealdah Duronto Express, connecting Sealdah, Kolkata, to New Delhi. Distinguished by its striking yellow-green livery, resembling a cascade of golden blooms, this train traverses a distance of 1452 kilometers in just 16 hours and 55 minutes. Its composition includes two pantry car coaches, nine AC 3-tier coaches, four AC 2-tier coaches, and one AC first-class coach. Departing from Sealdah, the 12259 train embarks on a non-stop journey to New Delhi, while its counterpart, 12260, makes intermittent stops en route. Passengers aboard the Sealdah Duronto Express are treated to a range of amenities, including water, tea, coffee, snacks, and meals.
Routes
- Sealdah, Kolkata to New Delhi
Howrah Rajdhani Express
Dubbed the “King of India” by its patrons, the Howrah Rajdhani Express, also known as the Kolkata Rajdhani Express, reigns as one of the nation’s fastest trains. Pioneering several firsts in India’s Rajdhani Express Trains series, it holds the distinction of being the inaugural fully air-conditioned service and the trailblazer in offering Wi-Fi connectivity. With an average speed of 85 km/h and a maximum speed reaching 130 km/h, it facilitates a scenic journey through key Buddhist sites along India’s Buddhist circuit. Covering a distance of 1451 kilometers between New Delhi and Howrah in approximately 17 hours, this esteemed service spoils passengers with complimentary Wi-Fi access, sumptuous lunches, delectable snacks, coffee or tea, as well as cozy pillows, blankets, and bedding, among other amenities.
Routes
- New Delhi to Howrah
Mumbai Central – Ahmedabad AC Double Decker Express
The Mumbai Central – Ahmedabad AC Double Decker Express, bridging Ahmedabad Junction and Mumbai Central, stands as a prominent member of the Shatabdi class, renowned for its rapid service. Operating at a maximum speed of approximately 130 km/h, it maintains an average speed of 67 km/h, completing the 493-kilometer journey in approximately 7 hours. Operating six days a week, with the exception of Sundays, this double-decker marvel offers passengers a host of amenities, including on-board catering and e-catering services. Notably, in 2017, the train underwent a transformation as it became the inaugural branded service of Indian Railways, promoting the Savlon Swasth India Mission with its vinyl-wrapped Savlon soap advertisements.
Routes
- Mumbai Central to Ahmedabad
H. Nizamuddin – Bandra Garib Rath
Operating between Nizamuddin, Delhi, and Bandra, Mumbai, this train stands out as the swiftest Garib Rath express service nationwide. Introduced by Indian Railways in 2005, its aim is to provide economically feasible long-distance travel options for passengers who may not afford daily air-conditioned train travel. Covering a total distance of 1367 km, it achieves a maximum speed of 130 km/h, completing the journey in approximately 16 hours, with an average speed of around 80 km/h. While offering air conditioning, this train distinguishes itself with narrower seats and beds compared to other rapid Indian trains, accommodating more passengers without compromising on speed.
- Nizamuddin, Delhi to Bandra, Mumbai
High Speed Trains in India
The development of high-speed rail in India stands as a pivotal focus for Indian Railways, aiming to bolster transportation infrastructure nationwide.
Key High Speed Train Projects
- Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor: Spanning 508 km, this corridor is designed to accommodate trains traveling at speeds of up to 320 km/h, with completion slated for 2028.
- Chennai-Bengaluru-Mysuru High-Speed Rail Corridor: Covering a distance of 435 km, this corridor will facilitate trains operating at 320 km/h, expected to be finalized by 2030.
- Delhi-Agra High-Speed Rail Corridor: Extending over 200 km, this route will enable trains to achieve speeds of 320 km/h, targeted for completion by 2026.
Semi High Speed Train Projects
- Vande Bharat Express Network: Incorporating trains capable of reaching speeds up to 180 km/h, offering expedited intercity travel options.
- Gatimaan Express: Operating at speeds of up to 160 km/h, providing efficient connectivity between major cities.
- Shatabdi Express: Linking major urban centers with speeds of up to 150 km/h, enhancing regional transportation networks.
- Rajdhani Express: Serving pivotal routes with speeds of up to 140 km/h, ensuring swift and comfortable travel experiences.
Conclusion
In 2024, India’s top 10 fastest trains represent a testament to the nation’s commitment to advancing rail transportation. From the high-speed corridors like Mumbai-Ahmedabad to the semi-high-speed marvels like Vande Bharat Express, these trains redefine travel with their impressive speeds, spanning key routes across the country. Equipped with modern amenities and serving diverse passenger needs, these trains symbolize India’s progress towards efficient, comfortable, and accessible railway journeys, fostering connectivity and convenience for millions of travelers nationwide.
FAQ’s
What is the new route of Vande Bharat Express 2024?
The Amritsar-Delhi Vande Bharat Express commenced operations on January 6, 2024, departing from Amritsar Junction. Linking Amritsar with the Old Delhi Junction, it operates six days a week, excluding Fridays. Spanning a distance of 447 km, the journey is completed in five hours and 30 minutes, with a stop at Ambala Cantt along the route.
What are the top 10 fastest trains in India in 2024?
The top 10 fastest trains in India include Vande Bharat Express, Tejas Express, Gatimaan Express, Shatabdi Express, Rajdhani Express, Duronto Express, and more.
How fast do these trains travel?
These trains can reach speeds ranging from 130 km/h to 180 km/h, ensuring swift and efficient travel between destinations.
Are there any upcoming high-speed rail projects in India?
Yes, India is actively working on several high-speed rail projects including the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, Delhi-Agra High-Speed Rail Corridor, and more, aiming to further enhance connectivity and travel efficiency.
How can I stay updated on the latest developments and news about these trains?
You can stay updated by following Indian Railways' official website, social media channels, or subscribing to railway-related newsletters and publications for the latest information on routes, features, and developments regarding these trains.
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