Express trains in India

[1][2] In 1853, the first passenger train ran between Bombay and Thane which covered a distance of 54 km (34 mi) in 57 minutes, averaging a speed of 57 km/h (35 mph).

[5][6] On 1 April 1929, Grand Trunk Express commenced operations between Peshawar in the North Western Railway and Mangalore with two coaches detached and connected to Madras further.

[11] The Grand Trunk express commenced operating as a dedicated daily train between Madras and Delhi from 1 September 1930.

[13] In 1957, Indian Railways adopted 25 kV 50 Hz AC traction with the first runs beginning in December 1959 with the WAM-1 locomotives, capable of reaching speeds of up to 112 km/h (70 mph).

[14] In 1960, the Railway Board of India commissioned a study to increase the speed of its trains, which was restricted to 96 km/h (60 mph) on the existent broad gauge lines.

[15] On 19 February 1969, the Government of India announced the introduction of a new express train capable of reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph) in the railway budget.

[19][20] WAP-5 class locomotives, initially imported from ABB in 1995 and later manufactured at Chittaranjan Locomotive Works in India, reached 184 km/h (114 mph) in trials and later set an Indian speed record by hauling an express train between Delhi and Agra at a speed of 160 km/h (99 mph) in 2014.

[21] In December 2009, the Ministry of Railways of Government of India envisaged the implementation of regional high-speed rail projects to provide services at 250–350 km/h (160–220 mph), and planning for corridors connecting commercial, tourist, and pilgrimage hubs.

[24] In April 2016, the WAP-5 hauled Gatimaan Express became the fastest commercial train in India, with a maximum operational speed of 160 km/h (99 mph).

[25] In 2018, Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, rolled out a semi-high-speed EMU train-set, capable of reaching 180 km/h (110 mph).

[28] In December 2023, two modified WAP-5 locomotives were used to haul the Amrit Bharat train-set in a push-pull configuration, capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h (99 mph).

[33] Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India has built dedicated freight corridors across India to divert cargo traffic from the passenger railway tracks, thus helping increase the operational speed of the passenger trains to 160 km/h (99 mph).

[37][38] A 174 km (108 mi) segment of track in the Tughlakabad–Agra Cantonment section supports semi-high speed passenger traffic of up to 160 km/h (99 mph).

These self-propelled EMU train sets manufactured by Integral Coach Factory are capable of reaching 180 kilometres per hour (110 mph).

[54][53] Express trains stop at select set of stations identified using a combination of factors including commercial importance, traffic and capabilities.

In standard coaches, the berths and seats are classified as follows:[57] Indian Railways Operates various classes of Express trains.

[80][81] A non-airconditioned semi-high speed train-set hauled by two modified WAP-5 locomotives was launched as Amrit Bharat Express.

[95] Unreserved tickets for short distance or unplanned travels may be purchased at stations or through UTS mobile app at any time before departure.

[99] Discounted fares are applicable for railway employees, the differently-abled, students, athletes, patients and those taking competitive examinations.