- By Raju Kumar
- Fri, 21 Mar 2025 02:36 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Railways' fastest trains: While both Vande Bharat Express and Gatimaan Express are semi-high-speed trains, the Vande Bharat Express is India's fastest train. Since the advent of Vandhe Bharat Express - Indian Railways’ flagship semi-high-speed train, people have started talking about the modern facilities and speed of trains. The Vande Bharat Express symbolises a new era in Indian train travel, offering passengers a faster, more comfortable, and premium travel experience. The Vande Bharat Express triggers a healthy competition among premium trains. The railways also upgraded facilities and speeds of existing trains like Rajdhani and Gatimaan Express.
Vande Bharat Express
The Vande Bharat Express is capable of achieving speeds up to 180 kmph. Recently, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a clip showing a Vande Bharat achieving speeds of around 180 kilometres per hour during a trial run, and impressively, a glass of water placed on board remained steady without spilling. However, the train is designated to operate at a maximum speed of 160 kmph.
Designed for: Maximum speed of 160 kmph
Operational speed: Typically operates at 130 kmph on most routes, except for the Delhi-Agra stretch where it can reach its designed speed
Features: Self-propelled, engine-less train with amenities like automatic doors, onboard WiFi, bio-vacuum toilets, and reclining seats.
Routes: Connects major cities
Gatimaan Express
Gatimaan Express- India’s first semi-high speed train - is capable of running at a maximum speed of 160 kmph. The premium train was launched in April, 2016. The train runs between Hazrat Nizamuddin station and Agra Cantt. Station.
Designed for: Maximum speed of 160 kmph
Routes: Operates on the Delhi-Agra route
Features: India's first semi-high-speed train
Current Speed: The maximum speed of the train was reduced from 160 km/h to 130 km/h until the installation of the Kavach autonomous train protection system on the route
Rajdhani Express:
The Rajdhani Express - a premium, fully air-conditioned train service operated by Indian Railways, runs at a speed of 130 kmph. The train
connects New Delhi with major cities, primarily state capitals, offering a comfortable and faster travel experience with priority on the railway network.