NEW DELHI: Indian Railways is witnessing a historic transformation as it moves rapidly towards a modern, high-speed, and passenger-centric transport network. From indigenous semi-high-speed trains like Vande Bharat Express to upgraded premium services such as Gatimaan, Tejas, Rajdhani and Shatabdi, the national transporter is steadily redefining intercity travel. With track upgrades, advanced signalling, and Make-in-India rolling stock, India today boasts several trains capable of running at speeds once considered unattainable on conventional tracks.
1. Vande Bharat Express: India’s Fastest Train
The Vande Bharat Express tops the list with a design speed of 180 kmph, though it currently operates at up to 160 kmph on select routes. It is India’s first indigenous semi-high-speed train, known for rapid acceleration, modern safety systems, automatic doors, and aircraft-like interiors. It now runs on multiple routes across the country.
2. Gatimaan Express
Operating between Delhi and Agra, Gatimaan Express was the country’s first train to touch 160 kmph. Designed for fast tourism and business travel, it significantly cut the travel time to the Taj Mahal city and marked India’s entry into semi-high-speed rail operations.
3. Tejas Express
Tejas Express is a premium, fully air-conditioned train capable of reaching 160 kmph. Known for its world-class services, infotainment systems, modern seats and high onboard comfort, Tejas represents the private-train service model under Indian Railways.
4. New Delhi-Bhopal Shatabdi Express
This is one of the fastest conventional Shatabdi trains with a top speed of around 150 kmph. It connects the national capital with Madhya Pradesh’s capital in significantly reduced travel time, making it one of the most efficient day trains in India.
5. Mumbai-New Delhi Rajdhani Express
One of the most prestigious long-distance trains in India, the Mumbai–Delhi Rajdhani operates at up to 140 kmph. It enjoys track priority, limited halts, and premium onboard services for overnight travel.
6. New Delhi-Kanpur Shatabdi Express
With a top speed of 140 kmph, this Shatabdi remains a crucial high-speed link between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh’s industrial hub, supporting daily business and commuter traffic.
7. Sealdah-New Delhi Duronto Express
Among the fastest long-distance Duronto services, this train runs at around 135 kmph and drastically reduces travel time between Kolkata and the national capital by limiting intermediate stops.
8. New Delhi-Howrah Rajdhani Express
Another flagship Rajdhani service, this train links Delhi and Kolkata at speeds touching 135–140 kmph, making it one of the fastest overnight services on the eastern corridor.
9. Mumbai LTT-Hazrat Nizamuddin AC Superfast Express
This fully air-conditioned superfast train runs at a maximum of around 130 kmph, offering a faster alternative to many regular long-distance expresses between Mumbai and Delhi.
10. Mumbai Central-Ahmedabad AC Double Decker Express / Garib Rath Express
With operational speeds of about 130 kmph, these trains provide affordable high-speed AC travel on busy corridors, particularly benefiting daily intercity passengers.
NOTE: These speeds refer to the maximum permitted or design speeds of the trains. Actual operational or average speeds can differ due to track conditions, halts and signalling constraints.
India’s High-Speed Railway Push
The expansion of high-speed and semi-high-speed trains is a key pillar of Indian Railways’ modernisation drive. Over the past decade, the national transporter has upgraded tracks for higher speeds, electrified most major routes and deployed advanced safety technologies such as automatic signalling and train protection systems. Flagship projects like the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor and the continuous rollout of newer Vande Bharat services underline the government’s focus on faster, safer and more efficient rail travel.
Railway officials say operational speeds are expected to rise further as more routes are upgraded for 160 kmph and above. Upcoming next-generation Vande Bharat variants, improved rolling stock and dedicated high-speed corridors are likely to reshape intercity transport in the years ahead, positioning railways as a faster and more energy-efficient alternative to short-haul air travel.
About the Author
