Rajdhani Express and Vande Bharat Express are among the premium train services operated by Indian Railways. While both offer comfortable and relatively faster journeys, they were introduced for different purposes and cater to different travel requirements. Rather than being direct competitors, the two train services are designed around different routes, journey durations and passenger needs.
The first Rajdhani Express was introduced in 1969 between New Delhi and Howrah. The service was primarily intended to provide a fast and comfortable overnight connection between Delhi and state capitals as well as other major cities.
India’s first semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express was launched in February 2019 on the New Delhi–Varanasi route.
Speed and Acceleration
Vande Bharat Express has been designed for a maximum speed of 180 km/h and can operate at up to 160 km/h on tracks that support such speeds. Most Rajdhani Express services, meanwhile, have a maximum speed of around 130 km/h.
Another major difference is the train’s design. Vande Bharat is a self-propelled train, unlike the conventional locomotive-hauled Rajdhani Express. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in about 52 seconds. Its ability to regain speed quickly after slowing down can also help reduce travel time.
Seating, Coaches and Passenger Facilities
Vande Bharat Express primarily offers two seating categories: Chair Car and Executive Chair Car. The trains come with features such as automatic sliding doors, GPS-based passenger information systems and advanced suspension. Executive Chair Car seats can also rotate up to 180 degrees.
Rajdhani Express provides sleeping berths for overnight journeys through First AC, Second AC and Third AC classes. Modern Tejas-Rajdhani coaches have also been introduced on selected routes.
These upgraded Rajdhani coaches include features such as automatic doors and bio-vacuum toilets. At the same time, Indian Railways is introducing sleeper versions of Vande Bharat for passengers travelling long distances overnight. These trains are designed with cushioned berths, noise-reduction technology, sensor-based lighting and premium facilities, including hot water in First AC.
Food and Catering Services
Catering is another area where passengers get different services depending on the train.
On Vande Bharat Express, IRCTC catering generally includes options such as snacks, breakfast, lunch or dinner. Passengers can also choose not to take the meal service while booking their ticket, which reduces the fare.
Rajdhani Express, being designed for long-distance overnight travel, provides a scheduled catering service that can include morning tea, breakfast, lunch, soup, evening snacks and dinner. Passengers travelling in First AC are also provided soup along with a special menu.
Overall, the two premium train services offer different travel experiences, with Vande Bharat focusing on high-speed daytime journeys and modern seating, while Rajdhani Express continues to provide overnight travel with sleeping accommodation and scheduled catering.