Main Operation(s) India Parent company Indian Railways | Fleet size 23 | |
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The Rajdhani Express is a series of express passenger train services in India operated by Indian Railways connecting New Delhi with other important destinations (mostly capital cities of other states). Rajdhani means "The Capital" in many Indian languages. The Rajdhanis are among the fastest trains in India along with Gatimaan Express, Shatabdi Express and Duronto Express and get the highest priority on the Indian railway network.
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History
Rajdhani Express was introduced in 1969, for providing fast connections (up to 170 km/h or 110 mph, speed variation depending upon the particular track section) from New Delhi to the capital cities of various states in India. The first Rajdhani Express left New Delhi station for Howrah station to cover a distance of 1,445 km in 17 hours 20 mins.
About
Rajdhani express get highest priority on the Indian railway network. They are fully air-conditioned. Passengers are served complimentary meals during the journey. Depending on the duration and timings of the journey, these could include morning tea, breakfast, lunch, high tea and dinner. All Rajdhani Express trains offer three classes of accommodation: AC First Class with 2-berth and 4-berth lockable bedrooms, AC 2-tier with open berths (bays of 4 berths + 2 berths on the other side of the corridor) with curtains for privacy, and AC 3-tier (bays of 6 berths + 2 berths on the side) without curtains. Currently there are 22 pairs of trains, connecting New Delhi to important cities across the country. These trains have fewer stops than other express trains and halt only at prominent stations. The Indian Railways has also introduced free wi-fi facility in Rajdhani Express trains. Recently Dynamic pricing has been introduced on all Rajdhani express trains.
Routes
There are currently 22 sets of Rajdhani Express operational:
Incidents
On 25 June 2014,at least four passengers were killed and eight injured when the New Delhi-Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express derailed at Goldin Ganj station near Chapra in suspected sabotage by Maoists. The train was heading towards Dibrugarh .