Traveling is always fun, especially on trains. One can enjoy the views from the train window and experience the thrill of a journey. That is why most people prefer train journeys. If you are traveling with your family it feels more like family gathering in a different home. If you travel frequently then you must have traveled via Indian Railways, the 4th biggest Rail network in the world.
Additionally, traveling is more fun and elite when you travel in the Rajdhani Express. Amongst all the trains, this high-speed prestigious train offers many facilities to passengers which you may not be able to avail yourself in other trains.
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Here are some unknown facts about Rajdhani Express that you should know:
1. Rajdhani Express connects the capital of India with state capitals
As the name suggests Rajdhani means “The Capital”. Rajdhani Express connects the national capital of India with the capital of other Indian states and major cities in India.
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2. Launch of Rajdhani Express
Initially, this train faced a lot of resistance when the train was launched. Many naysayers including the chairman of the Indian Railway opposed its start in 1969. However, its launch has proved everybody wrong through its great success. Now, traveling via this train is many people’s dream due to its benchmark of luxury and comfort.
3. The first trial of Rajdhani Express
The first trial of the Rajdhani express was done between Howrah and Delhi in the year 1967. The first train service ran from Howrah to Delhi on 3rd March 1969. At that time the permissible speed for Rajdhani was 120 km/hr.
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Guard, S. O. Levi giving the green signal to start the first journey of Rajdhani from Howrah quora
4. Rajdhani is India’s first fully air-conditioned train
Rajdhani Express was the first fully air-conditioned nonstop train in Indian Railways.
5. Accommodation of the Rajdhani Express
The Express train offers three types of accommodation- first AC with 2 and 4 berth lockable coupes, AC 2-tier with open berths and curtains, and AC 3-tier without curtains.
6. Every passenger is served complimentary meals
Every passenger is served with breakfast, lunch, tea, and dinner during the journey. The meal depends on the duration of the journey and timing.
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7. Number of Rajdhani Trains in India
Currently, there are 24 pairs of Rajdhani trains connecting the national capital of India, New Delhi to major cities across India.
8. Rajdhani has a lesser number of halt stations
As compared to other trains, this train stops at fewer stations, which are prominent stops. That is why it takes less time to reach the destination.
9. There is a free Wi-Fi facility at some Rajdhani trains
On the railway platform, passengers can get the Wi-Fi facility but what if you get Wi-Fi inside the running train? Currently, Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani is the only Rajdhani express in Indian Railways to have a Wi-Fi facility.
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10. Fastest train record in South Asia
It was the first train that run at the speed of 120Km per hour in entire South Asia at the time of introduction. The other South Asian countries included Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
11. Rajdhani is one of the fastest trains in India
Currently, the Rajdhani express is recorded as 3rd fastest train in India. Mumbai Rajdhani Express runs with a 140 km/ hr speed and 90 km/hr average speed.
12. Rajdhani holds the record for the longest non-stop run
Trivandrum Rajdhani holds the longest non-stop run record between Kota Junction to Vadodara Junction. Rajdhani runs for 527 km without a stopping.
13. Change in timetable during monsoon
Every year during monsoon season Trivandrum Rajdhani timetable changes because it goes through the Konkan Region.
14. Shortest and longest route of Rajdhani in India
Jammu Tawi Rajdhani has the shortest route of 582 km while Trivandrum Rajdhani has the longest route of 3131 km.
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15. West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam are the only states with three Rajdhani Express
16. Maharashtra and Jharkhand are the only states with two Rajdhani Express
17. The Rajdhanis whose terminating station is not a capital
Bilaspur Rajdhani and Dibrugarh Rajdhani are the only Rajdhani express whose terminating station is not the capital of the State. Bilaspur Rajdhani terminates at Bilaspur instead of its capital, Raipur for the state of Chattisgarh, and Dibrugarh Rajdhani terminates at Dibrugarh instead of the capital, Guwahati for the state of Assam.
18. Tejas – Rajdhani Express
The Indian Railways upgraded some of the Rajdhani train coaches to Tejas coaches. Bihar, Maharashtra, and Tripura Rajdhani coaches have been upgraded to Tejas coaches.
19. Worst Accidents of Rajdhani
An accident on the Howrah Rajdhani Express took place on 9 September 2002, near the foot-over bridge over the Dhave river near Rafiganj in Bodh Gaya. This occurred when a local Maoist insurgent group wrecked the bridge by removing fish plates. More than 140 people died and more than 200 people were wounded in this accident in Rafiganj. It is one of the deadliest accidents ever in Indian Railways and was the first accident of Rajdhani Express.
20. Most number of 2nd AC and 3rd AC in Rajdhani Express
The most number of 2nd AC is in the Patna Rajdhani Express – 7 and the most number of 3rd AC in Sealdah Rajdhani Express – 13.
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21. There is a popular Bollywood movie named Rajdhani Express
By improving its facilities, the Indian Railway is really trying to make train travel hassle-free and comfortable. Nowadays, tourists love to travel by Rajdhani Express and it has added glory to our country.
Also read – 30 Incredible Facts About The Indian Railways You Never Knew
