The Rajdhani Express holds a special place in the Indian Railways network, it is widely regarded as the King of Indian Railways. This prestigious title comes from its unmatched combination of speed, priority, and premium onboard service.
When the first Rajdhani Express was launched on 1 March 1969, running between New Delhi and Howrah, it marked a turning point in Indian rail travel. At that time, it covered the nearly 1,450 km journey in just 17 hours and 20 minutes, which was an extraordinary achievement.
What sets the Rajdhani apart is not just its speed but also its royal treatment. From the beginning, it was designed as India’s first fully air-conditioned express train, a big leap in passenger comfort and prestige.The coaches were carefully built by the Integral Coach Factory, and the train ran with a small number of luxurious cars.
Another defining feature of the Rajdhani Express is the priority it enjoys on the railway network. Because of its importance, the Rajdhani gets the highest clearance on its route, other trains rarely overtake it, helping ensure punctuality.
Onboard, passengers are treated like royalty: all-coach air conditioning, clean interiors, and meals included in the ticket.Over the years, Rajdhani services have expanded significantly, connecting New Delhi with major state capitals and big cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Guwahati.
Over time, the train has evolved. At its golden jubilee in 2019, Rajdhani’s legacy was celebrated with nostalgic touches: passengers were served delicacies from the early days, and the train was decked in marigolds.Its coaches have also been upgraded, the older ICF coaches have given way to modern LHB (Linke-Hofmann-Busch) ones for improved safety and comfort.
Today, there are more than 20 Rajdhani routes across India.These trains continue to be a symbol of India’s progress: blending tradition, modern speed, and top-tier service to offer passengers a truly royal journey on rails.
