India’s first private train runs from…, top speed is…, not Vande Bharat, Gatimaan Express, Duronto, the name is…
GH News April 04, 2025 01:06 PM

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had flagged off the Tejas Express marking a major milestone in Indias railway sector. This high-speed train operated by IRCTC is the first privately-managed train in the country offering a swift and comfortable journey between Lucknow and New Delhi. With a travel time of just 6 hours and 15 minutes the Tejas Express is now the fastest train on this route surpassing the Swarn Shatabdi which takes approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes. In addition to the Lucknow-New Delhi route IRCTC also operates a Tejas Express between Ahmedabad and Mumbai with a schedule similar to the Lucknow-Delhi route. This train runs six days a week (except Thursdays). The launch was part of Indias push to modernize its railway services making train travel more efficient and passenger-friendly.
Tejas Express ticket price
The ticket pricing for Tejas Express follows a dynamic model with AC Chair Car fares starting at ₹1280 and Executive Chair Car seats priced at RS. 2450. However due to fluctuating demand fares have sometimes gone up to Rs. 4325. In comparison Swarn Shatabdi tickets cost Rs. 970 for a Chair Car seat and Rs. 1935 for AC First Class.
What truly sets the Tejas Express apart is its unique passenger benefits. Unlike other trains it offers compensation in case of delays calculated on an hourly basis. Additionally every traveler is covered under a complimentary insurance plan worth Rs. 25 lakh ensuring both comfort and security.
The Tejas Express also offers a Foreign Tourist Quota of 5 seats in an Executive Chair Car and 50 seats in AC Chair Car for international travellers.
Tejas Express schedule
Delhi-Lucknow route: Operating six days a week with Tuesdays as a scheduled break the train departs from Lucknow at 6:10 AM and reaches Delhi by 12:25 PM. On the return journey it leaves Delhi at 3:35 PM and arrives in Lucknow by 10:05 PM. With just two stops at Kanpur and Ghaziabad the train ensures a smooth and quick journey.
For Ahmedabad to Mumbai the train departs at 06:40 AM and arrives at 01:15 PM. And from Mumbai to Ahmedabad the train departs at 03:40 PM and arrives at 10:25 PM.
Tejas Express: Features and Facilities
The Tejas Express is designed to offer a premium travel experience packed with modern amenities and top-notch comfort. According to the Ministry of Railways here’s what makes this train special:
Seating Capacity:
Executive Chair Car – 56 seats
AC Chair Car – 9 coaches each with 78 seats
Total Capacity – 736 passengers
Amenities for a Luxurious Journey:
High-quality meals and beverages – Served through an airline-style catering service with trolleys. Passengers get breakfast snacks evening tea and dinner all included in the ticket price.Infotainment system – Enjoy entertainment options right at your seat.
Clean drinking water – Each coach has an RO water filter for fresh water.
Complimentary tea and coffee vending machines – Available throughout the journey.
Tejas express speed
The top speed of the Tejas Express is 160 km/h (99 mph). However the average running speed on most routes including the Lucknow–New Delhi route is usually around 80–110 km/h depending on track conditions and stops. Despite not always reaching its top speed Tejas remains one of the fastest trains in India on its designated routes.
The success of Tejas Express could pave the way for more private players in the Indian railway sector raising the overall standard of train travel. With cutting-edge amenities high-speed connectivity and passenger-centric policies the Tejas Express is redefining premium rail travel in India.