Rajdhani Express

In 1960, the Railway Board of India commissioned a study to increase the speed of its trains, which was restricted to {{cvt|96|km/h}} on the existent broad gauge lines.{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/railways-golden-girl-50-years-of-the-rajdhani/story-YycT0iir0GObqjuCUqrhKL.html|title=Railways golden girl: 50 years of the Rajdhani story|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=9 March 2019|access-date=1 December 2023}} A target of {{cvt|160|km/h}} with an intermediate stage of {{cvt|120|km/h}} was set for passenger trains. Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) started work on the same in 1962 with field trials commencing in 1967. The coaches were manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory at Madras and hauled by diesel locomotives.

File:Guard giving green signal to start inaugural Rajdhani from Howrah to New Delhi.jpg

On 19 February 1969, the Government of India introduced a new express train capable of reaching speeds of up to {{cvt|120|km/h}} as announced in the railway budget.{{cite report|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/finance_budget/Previous%20Budget%20Speeches/1969-70.pdf|title=Railway Budget of 1969–70|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} On 1 March 1969, the first Rajdhani Express with nine coaches was flagged off from New Delhi to Howrah with the return journey commencing on 3 March.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/kolkata-loses-last-connect-to-first-rajdhani/articleshow/52386071.cms|title=Kolkata loses last connect to first Rajdhani|date=22 May 2016|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=1 December 2023}} The train completed the {{cvt|1450|km}} trip in 17 hours 20 minutes and was the only such train in operation till 1972, when the second Rajdhani was introduced from Mumbai.

Rajdhani, derived from the Sanskrit means "capital" and later, with subsequent up-gradation of the tracks, new Rajdhani expresses were introduced connecting major cities with the capital New Delhi.{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/how-did-rajdhani-shatabdi-duronto-express-get-their-names-know-here-123052600563_1.html|title=How did Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto Express get their names? Know here|date=26 May 2023|newspaper=Business Standard|access-date=1 December 2023}}

Rajdhani trains have fully air-conditioned coaches that have to be reserved in advance. While the trains initially had chair car coaches, now the trains exclusively have sleeper coaches in three configurations: first class, two-tier and three-tier. The first class has dedicated coupes, two-tier with open bays containing six berths per bay (four berths in two tiers and two on the side of the aisle) with curtains and three-tier with open bays containing eight berths per bay (six berths in two tiers and two berths on the side of the aisle).{{cite web|url=http://www.indianrail.gov.in/class_Code.html|title=Accommodation Classes in Indian Railways|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=26 April 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426000003/http://www.indianrail.gov.in/class_Code.html|archive-date=26 April 2017}} The coaches were exclusively manufactured by Integral Coach Factory at Chennai till 2006, when LHB coaches manufactured by Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala were introduced. {{As of|2018}}, each train-set costs {{INRconvert|75|c}}.{{cite news| url=https://news.abplive.com/news/india/on-the-cost-of-one-bullet-train-india-can-afford-to-have-800-rajdhani-trains-707353|title=At the cost of one bullet train, India can afford to have 800 Rajdhani trains|date=5 June 2018|work=ABP News|access-date=1 December 2023}} While the trains are capable of running at higher speeds, the maximum speed is often limited to {{cvt|130|km/h}} with the fastest Rajdhani permitted to reach a maximum speed of {{cvt|130|km/h}} and average speeds being much lesser due to traffic congestion and lack of supporting tracks.{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/web-stories/vande-bharat-rajdhani-more-fastest-trains-of-indian-railways/slideshow/101162753.cms|title=Fastest trains of Indian railways|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=1 December 2023}} The Rajdhani express trains are usually hauled by WAP-7 electric locomotives.{{cite news|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/industry/article/rajdhani-shatabdi-and-duronto-trains-to-get-faster-railways-rolls-out-semi-high-speed-locomotive-wap-7hs/374460|title=Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains to get faster! Railways rolls out semi high-speed locomotive WAP-7HS|work=Times Now|date=7 March 2019|access-date=1 December 2023}}

In July 2021, Indian railways started upgrading the coaches of Rajdhani express to new Tejas coaches with enhanced features.{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/rajdhani-runs-with-new-tejas-rakes-1010439.html|title=Rajdhani runs with new Tejas rakes|newspaper=Deccan Herald|date=19 July 2021|access-date=1 December 2023}}{{cite news|last1=Tyagi|first1=Harshita|title=Western Railway runs Mumbai–New Delhi Rajdhani Express with new Tejas-like smart sleeper coaches|work=Times Now|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/industry/article/western-railway-runs-mumbai-new-delhi-rajdhani-express-with-new-tejas-like-smart-sleeper-coaches/787342|access-date=1 December 2023|date=19 July 2021}} These coaches are equipped with newer air suspensions, bio-toilets, Wi-Fi, fire alarms, CCTVs, reading lights, dedicated power sockets, automatic doors, passenger information system, improved interior and designed exterior.{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1736849|title=Western Railway starts to run Rajdhani Express with New Upgraded Tejas Rakes|date=19 July 2021|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} The trains which are equipped with all new coaches are known as "Tejas Rajdhani" express.{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1953340|title=All the rakes of Rajdhani will run with Tejas coaches|date=August 2023|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} Indian Railways plans to introduce Tejas coaches across all Rajdhani trains in a phased manner.{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indian-railways-is-giviing-rajdhani-express-a-makeover-with-modern-tejas-coaches-11627089614055.html|title=How Railways is giving Rajdhani express a makeover with modern Tejas coaches|date=4 July 2023|newspaper=Mint|access-date=1 December 2023}}

The trains are amongst the premium services operated by Indian Railways and regularly gets a higher priority on the railway network.{{cite news|url=https://www.zeebiz.com/indian-railways/news-high-priority-trains-indian-railways-rajdhani-shatabdi-duranto-arme-president-vvip-231002|title=These are high-priority trains in India. All other trains are bound to give them the pass. Know what is so special about them|work=Zee news|date=17 April 2023|access-date=1 December 2023}}{{cite web|url=http://www.makemytrip.com/railways/list-of-rajdhani_and_duronto-trains.html|title=Rajdhani Express and Duronto Express Trains|publisher=MakeMyTrip|access-date=4 September 2012}} Passengers are served optional meals by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the menu of which could include morning tea, breakfast, lunch, high tea and dinner depending on the duration and timing.{{cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/railways-irctc-menu-for-rajdhani-shatabdi-duronto-see-full-list-here-1775564/|title=IRCTC menu for Rajdhani|date=22 November 2019|newspaper=Financial Express|access-date=1 December 2023}} These trains have fewer halts than other express trains with stoppages only at prominent stations. Dynamic pricing is applicable on fares across all Rajdhani trains.{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/rLNMspevOjN9HqKyxjzrKL/New-fare-scheme-for-Rajdhani-Shatabdi-from-15-March-2019-5.html|title=New fare scheme for Rajdhani|work=Mint|date=20 November 2018|access-date=1 December 2023}}

There are currently 25 operational pairs of Rajdhani express including seven with Tejas coaches:{{cite web|url=http://etrain.info/in?PAGE=LIST--RAJ-TRAINS--1|title=List of Rajdhani Express trains|work=etrain.info|access-date=1 December 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://indiarailinfo.com/trains/rajdhani|title=Rajdhani Express Trains - Railway Enquiry|work=Indiarailinfo|access-date=1 December 2023}}

• The Bilaspur Rajdhani Express is the only Rajdhani Express in India that undergoes loco reversal and loco reversal happens at Nagpur Junction railway station.
• Only Rajdhani Express to operate from Anand Vihar Terminal railway station is Agartala Tejas Rajdhani Express.

File:Coach_A1_-_12957_Ahmedabad_Rajdhani_Express.jpg

File:SC-NZM_Rajdhani_Express_at_Moulali.jpg with a WAP-7 at Moula Ali]]

• On 9 September 2002, At least 140 people were killed when the Howrah–New Delhi Rajdhani Express derailed near Rafiganj, Bihar due to sabotage by Naxalites.{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/odisha-train-accidentdeadliest-train-crashes-in-the-history-of-indian-railways/articleshow/100718648.cms?from=mdr|title=Odisha Train Accident:Deadliest train crashes in the history of Indian Railways|date=3 June 2023|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=1 December 2023}}
• On 27 October 2009, Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express was hijacked by hundreds of armed activists of the Maoist-backed People's Committee against Police Atrocities (PCPA) who forced the train to stop at Banshtala near Jhargram in West Midnapore district of West Bengal and demanded the release of Chhatradhar Mahato. The Maoists fled on the arrival of Central Reserve Police Force and all passengers were rescued without any casualties.{{cite news|title=West Bengal: NIA files chargesheet in 2009 Bhubaneswar-Rajdhani hijacking|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/west-bengal-nia-files-chargesheet-in-2009-bhubaneswar-rajdhani-express-hijacking/articleshow/86464372.cms|date=23 September 2021|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=1 December 2023}}
• On 18 April 2011, three coaches of Mumbai Rajdhani Express caught fire, including the pantry car 2:20 hrs at Thuriya near Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh. Three coaches were written off but there were no casualties.{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/fire-on-mumbai-delhi-rajdhani-all-safe-453264|title=Fire on Mumbai Delhi Rajdhani|date=18 April 2011|work=NDTV|access-date=1 December 2023}}
• On 25 June 2014, at least four passengers were killed and eight injured when the Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express derailed at Goldin Ganj near Chhapra, Bihar in suspected sabotage by Maoists.{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-06-25/news/50855820_1_goods-train-derailment-east-central-railway-sabotage|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627200320/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-06-25/news/50855820_1_goods-train-derailment-east-central-railway-sabotage|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 June 2014|title=Rajdhani Express derails near Chhapra in Bihar; Railway suspects 'sabotage'|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=25 June 2014|access-date=28 March 2015}}
• On 7 September 2017, Ranchi Rajdhani Express derailed at New Delhi railway station and no one was injured in the incident.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rajdhani-express-coach-derails-at-new-delhi-railway-station/articleshow/60506415.cms|title=Rajdhani Express coach derails at New Delhi Railway Station|newspaper=The Times of India|date=14 September 2017|access-date=14 September 2017}}
• On 14 September 2017, Jammu Tawi Rajdhani Express derailed at the New Delhi railway station when entering the platform and no one was injured.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/coach-of-rajdhani-express-derails-in-delhi/articleshow/60506282.cms|title=Coach of Rajdhani Express derails at New Delhi Railway Station|newspaper=The Times of India|date=28 September 2017|access-date=1 September 2023}}
• On 18 October 2018, two coaches of Thiruvananthapuram Rajdhani Express derailed at the staffed level crossing near Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh when a speeding truck collided with train due to brake failure. There were no injuries to the passengers in the train but the truck driver was killed due to the collision and the train continued the journey after delay of seven hours.{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/truck-rams-into-trivandrum-rajdhani-express-1-killed-2-coaches-derailed-1370324-2018-10-18|title=Truck rams into Trivandrum Rajdhani Express, 1 killed, 2 coaches derailed|date=18 October 2018|access-date=1 December 2023|work=India Today}}
• On 3 April 2019, two coaches of Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express uncoupled on the Kathajodi river bridge near Cuttack in Odisha. The train was halted and there was no casualties.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/coaches-of-rajdhani-express-separated-while-passing-kathajodi-bridge/articleshow/68685666.cms|title=Coaches of Rajdhani Express separated while passing Kathajodi river|newspaper=The Times of India|date=3 April 2019|access-date=1 September 2023}}
• On 11 May 2019, a fire broke out at the generator car of Bhubaneswar Rajdhani near Balasore in Odisha. There were no casualties and the train continued its journey after a delay of two hours.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/bhubaneswar-rajdhani-express-catches-fire-in-odishas-balasore-passengers-safe/articleshow/69281513.cms|title=Bhubaneswar: Rajdhani Express catches fire in Odisha's Balasore|newspaper=The Times of India|date=11 May 2019|access-date=1 September 2023}}

Being one of the most popular trains in India, the train's name featured as a title of a Bollywood movie, Rajdhani Express.{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/leander-paes-takes-to-the-bollywood-court/660283/|title=Leander Paes takes to the Bollywood court|newspaper=Indian Express|date=14 August 2010|access-date=5 January 2013}}

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Category:Transport in Delhi

Category:Railway services introduced in 1969

Category:Named passenger trains of India