When one thinks of superfast trains in India, the first name that pops into their head indubitably is the Rajdhani Express. The Rajdhani Express, as the name suggests, is a superfast passenger train that connects the national capital with state capitals or other metropolitan cities of India.
There are many other superfast trains in India, such as Gatimaan, Shatabdi, Duronto, Tejas etc. But the highest priority is given to the Rajdhani on railway tracks instead of any other superfast trains listed above. Rajdhani halts at only the significant junctions, and have fewer stoppages than other superfast trains. It runs at an average speed of 55-86 km/h, and its maximum possible speed is 130-140 km/h.
On February 19, 1969, Railway Minister Dr Ram Subhag Singh announced the introduction of the Rajdhani Express in his budget speech. And on March 1, 1969, New Delhi-Howrah Rajdhani Express was introduced to the nation, which initially started as a bi-weekly train that covered 1441 km within 18 hours. Earlier trains between New Delhi and Kolkata used to take more than 20 hours. The first Rajdhani train brought on track arrived at its destination in a time record of 17 hours and 20 minutes, completing 1450 km.
Initially, 120 km/hr was the maximum speed of the Howrah Rajdhani Express. Until 1972, the New Delhi-Howrah was the only Rajdhani Express in India. But later, on May 17, 1972, the Indian Railways introduced the Mumbai Rajdhani Express between Mumbai Central and New Delhi. With furthermore development on the tracks, other Rajdhani Expresses were gradually added.
Rajdhani Express is regarded as the vehicle of elites because all the compartments are entirely cooled. During the train journeys, facilities provided are onboard catering service, large windows, and reading lights. We are bestowed with services like under-seat baggage facilities and electric outlets also. Riding the Rajdhani Express is an experience of its own altogether.
To commemorate this incredible addition of the Rajdhani Express by the Indian Railways on this day in 1969, KarmaPlay is hosting a Railways Quiz. So instead of jumping the tracks, hop on the gravy train and post your wins on your social feed!