The name "Shatabdi" means century in Sanskrit and the first Shatabdi Express train was announced on 10 July 1988 by then Railways Minister Madhavrao Scindia to commemorate the birth centenary of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India and plied between New Delhi and Jhansi Junction.[2].

Speed of this New Delhi Bhopal Shatabdi was increased to 150 kmph between Tuglakabad and Agra Cantt on 15 February 2006 and was the fastest train of India then also [1][2] till the introduction of Gatiman Express on April, 5, 2016 [3] [4].

Shatabdi Express trains offer fast connectivity between major cities with only a few intermediate stops and can run at a maximum speed of 150 km/h (93 mph).

[7] Seats in Shatabdi Express have to be reserved in advance as there is no unreserved accommodation, unlike most of the other trains in India.

[11] As Shatabdi Express are day-trains and return to the station of origin the same day, coaches have only seats and not berths.