Vande Bharat, Rajdhani and Shatabdi are among Indian Railways’ premium trains. Here’s how they differ in speed, seating, sleeper berths, routes, trave…
1/8Indian Railways operates several premium train services designed to offer faster and more comfortable travel between major cities. Vande Bharat, Rajdhani and Shatabdi are among the best-known names in this category, but each has a different purpose, seating arrangement and travel experience. From daytime intercity journeys to overnight travel, here’s a look at the key differences between Vande Bharat, Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains.
2/8Vande Bharat Express | Designed mainly for fast, daytime intercity travel, Vande Bharat trains offer air-conditioned Chair Car and Executive Chair Car seating. The trains can operate at speeds of up to 160 kmph on eligible sections, although actual speeds depend on the route and track conditions. With the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper, the train service is also expanding beyond daytime chair-car journeys to offer air-conditioned sleeper accommodation for long-distance travel.
3/8Rajdhani Express | Introduced in 1969, Rajdhani Express is designed for long-distance and overnight travel, connecting New Delhi with major cities across India. It offers fully air-conditioned First AC, Second AC and Third AC accommodation, with sleeping berths for passengers travelling overnight.
4/8Shatabdi Express | Shatabdi trains are premium daytime services connecting major cities with important business and tourist destinations. They offer air-conditioned Chair Car and Executive Chair Car seating and are designed for journeys that can generally be completed within a day.
5/8Seats vs sleeping berths | The biggest difference is the type of accommodation. Standard Vande Bharat and Shatabdi services primarily offer reclining seats, while Rajdhani trains provide air-conditioned sleeping berths in First, Second and Third AC classes. With the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper, Vande Bharat is also entering the long-distance sleeper segment.
6/8Route coverage | Vande Bharat trains primarily connect major cities on intercity routes, with services operating across different parts of the country. Rajdhani Express trains connect New Delhi with several major cities through long-distance routes, while Shatabdi services link major cities with important business and tourist destinations.
7/8Travel time and speed | Vande Bharat is designed for faster intercity journeys and can operate at speeds of up to 160 kmph on eligible routes. Rajdhani and Shatabdi services generally have maximum operational speeds of around 130 kmph, although actual journey times vary depending on the route, number of halts and track conditions.
8/8Food and catering | Catering is available on all three premium services, although menus and meal schedules vary by route and train. Passengers on longer Rajdhani journeys can receive multiple meals and refreshments, while Vande Bharat and Shatabdi services generally offer catering based on the journey duration and departure time.
