Tejas Express: India’s Premium Semi-High-Speed Train
One of the newest and most opulent trains that Indian Railways has introduced is the Indian train – Tejas Express. It is a major step in improving the standard of rail travel in India by providing passengers with a quicker, more comfortable, and technologically advanced experience.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) operates Tejas Express on certain routes to deliver an airline-like experience on tracks.
On May 22, 2017, Indian Railways launched the inaugural Tejas Express between Mumbai and Goa (Karmali), aiming to attract middle- and upper-class passengers who might otherwise choose private vehicles or flights. By introducing semi-high-speed trains with top-notch amenities and services, it targeted a more premium travel experience.
Since then, Indian Railways has introduced additional Tejas routes, such as:
- The IRCTC’s first corporately operated train in India, the Lucknow-New Delhi Tejas Express, began service in 2019.Mumbai-Ahmedabad Tejas ExpressMadurai Tejas Express to Chennai EgmoreTejas between Delhi and Chandigarh (planned/proposed)
Speed and Performance
Although actual operating speeds are dependent on the track and route conditions, Tejas trains can reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h. In spite of this drawback, Tejas frequently ranks among the fastest trains on its route, cutting down on travel time considerably when compared to conventional express trains.
Coach and Seating Layout
Tejas Express features contemporary LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches, renowned for their superior ride quality and safety, and operates as a fully air-conditioned train.
Usually, it has:
Executive Class Coaches: Roomy seats (2+2), footrests, leg rests, leg rests, and reclining leather seats.
Chair car coaches have tray tables, plenty of legroom, reclining seats, charging ports at each seat, and a comfortable 3+2 arrangement.
Tejas does not have sleeper berths; instead, it is built for daytime travel and serves passengers who value comfort, speed, and a first-rate experience over lengthy trips.
Modern Amenities
Modern features like LED screens to show information about upcoming stations, safety messages, and travel updates; automated doors, bio-vacuum toilets, touch-free taps, and sensor-based water dispensing; CCTV cameras, fire and smoke detection systems for increased safety; Wi-Fi and infotainment systems in certain routes; overhead luggage racks, mobile charging stations, and personal reading lights; and uniformed onboard hospitality staff offering airline-style service are just a few of Tejas Express’s cutting-edge features that rival low-cost airlines.
Catering and Food Experience
Indian train – Tejas trains serve high-quality meals, depending on the time of day—breakfast, lunch, high tea, or dinner. The food is included in the fare and is prepared and served by trained IRCTC staff or partner vendors. The menu typically includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, along with packaged water and beverages like tea or coffee.
What makes it stand out is the airline-style food tray service, hygienically packed meals, and attention to presentation.
Private Operation by IRCTC
IRCTC operates the Tejas trains between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, and Lucknow and New Delhi, making them the country’s first privately run trains, instead of being operated by Indian Railways. This model represents a new approach to train operations in India.
airline-style dynamic fare pricing.
Improve customer service by training hosts and hostesses.
The ticket price includes travel insurance up to ₹25 lakh.
The first compensation for delays in Indian railway travel. For delays longer than an hour, passengers can receive ₹100, and for delays longer than two hours, they can receive ₹250.
The success of this pilot project, which is a privatized model, may pave the way for additional trains of this type in the future.
Tejas vs Other Premium Trains
| Feature | Tejas Express | Shatabdi Express | Vande Bharat Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 160 km/h | Up to 150 km/h | Up to 180 km/h |
| Comfort | High (modern interiors) | Moderate (older design) | Very high (fully modern) |
| Onboard Wi-Fi | Available (limited) | Limited | Available |
| Operation | Partially by IRCTC | Indian Railways | Indian Railways |
| Meals | Included (high quality) | Included (basic) | Included (premium) |
| Compensation for Delay | Yes | No | No |
Challenges and Limitations
Despite providing a high-quality product, Tejas Express has certain difficulties:
Cost of tickets: A little more expensive than other trains, which might put off low-budget passengers.
Due to track restrictions and traffic, average speeds frequently remain lower, even though the coaches are designed for 160 km/h.
Route Selection: Only a small number of routes have sufficient high-end demand to support profitable private operations.
The Future of Tejas Express
A vision of first-rate, on-time, and passenger-focused travel is reflected in the Tejas model.
Tejas Express features contemporary LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches, renowned for their superior ride quality and safety. Moreover, it operates as a fully air-conditioned train, offering a comfortable and modern travel experience.
The Tejas trains, the country’s first privately run trains, are also operated by IRCTC between Ahmedabad and Mumbai and Lucknow and New Delhi.
. Previously, Indian Railways operated these trains.
Indian Railways launched the inaugural Tejas Express on May 22, 2017, between Mumbai and Goa (Karmali). At that time, it aimed to attract middle- and upper-class passengers who might otherwise choose private vehicles or flights by offering semi-high-speed service with top-notch amenities. Since then, Indian Railways has introduced additional Tejas routes, such as those connecting New Delhi with Lucknow and Mumbai with Ahmedabad, to expand its premium train services.
Conclusion
In Indian railway travel, the Indian train – Tejas Express ushers in a new era. It appeals to a rising class of travelers seeking more than just a ride by fusing speed, comfort, and technology with a dash of luxury. Whether you’re a tourist, business traveler, or rail enthusiast, a trip on the Tejas Express offers a window into Indian Railways’ future: quick, hygienic, effective, and welcoming.
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