Indian Railways is the one of the world’s largest railway networks and also, the most complex. Different trains meet different requirements of travellers. Some trains run over long distances, others are planned to cut the travel time. If you are trying to understand which the best train for your travel is, here’s a list of the most widely used trains in India.
Rajdhani Express Trains
These are express passenger trains that connect New Delhi with other important destinations (mostly capital cities of other states). The Rajdhanis are the fastest trains in India along with Shatabdi Express and Duronto Express, and get the highest priority on the Indian Railway Network.
Shatabdi Express Trains
These are superfast in India) passenger trains that connect metro cities with other cities that are important centres of tourism, pilgrimage or business. Shatabdi Express are day trains and they return to the station of origin the very same day. Shatabdi Express trains get second highest priority, after Rajdhani Express trains.
Jan Shatabdi Trains
This is a more economical option for people who can’t afford to book Shatabdi Express tickets. These trains have both AC and non-AC compartments.
Duronto Express
While Shatabdi Express trains run over short to medium distances, Duronto Express are long-distance trains, and are faster than Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains.
Garib Rath Trains
These are fully air-conditioned trains that offer air-conditioned long distance travel at subsidized fares to passengers who can’t afford standard fares of AC classes in regular trains.
Suvidha Trains
Trains that are operated during festive or peak rush season to cater to premium travellers, who make travel plans over a short time period.
Yuva Express Trains
Yuva Express Trains provide an air conditioned low-cost travel option for the youth of the country. About 60% seats of the train are reserved for students or low-income groups. The seats are reserved for people belonging to the age group of 18 – 45 years.
Special Tatkal Trains
These trains cater to additional rush at tatkal fares. While travellers need to book tatkal tickets in regular trains not more than 24 hours before the journey, for Special Tatkal trains, the advanced reservation period is minimum 10 days and maximum 60 days.
Special Trains
Special trains were launched by Indian Railways to make train travel more affordable for the common man. Special Trains cater to additional rush at normal fares.
