The Indian Railways, under the Modi government, has undergone significant transformations to enhance passengers’ travel experiences. A standout innovation is the flagship Vande Bharat train, which has proven to be a game changer. Recently, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai unveiled fully air-conditioned sleeper coaches for the Vande Bharat trains, featuring enhanced safety measures and top-tier interiors.
Since 2018, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has been manufacturing the sleek Vande Bharat Express trains. So far, 77 of these trains have been produced and are operational across the country, primarily featuring chair car seating. Recently, the ICF introduced its first Vande Bharat train rake equipped with fully air-conditioned sleeper coaches, designed for long-distance overnight travel.
This article provides a detailed comparison between the Vande Bharat Express and the Rajdhani Express. Renowned for its luxury, comfort, and premium features, the Rajdhani Express exclusively offers air-conditioned coaches and serves complimentary meals to passengers during the journey. Over the years, its network has expanded to connect major cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Ahmedabad.
Vande Bharat Express Vs Rajdhani Express
- Indian Railways operates a total of 102 Vande Bharat train services (51 trains) till September 2024.
- Its maximum speed is 160 km/h
- The new sleeper coach trains of Vande Bharat series, though similar to chair car trains, has improved safety features.
- The coaches have been fitted with best-in-class interiors with GFRP (Glass fiber reinforced polymer) panels, aluminium extrusions berth frame with polyurethane foam cushion
- It has bio-vacuum toilets with touch-free amenities
- Vande Bharat sleeper’s has extra cushioning on the side of each berth
- All coaches are equipped with automatic doors; GPS-based audio-visual passenger information system, on-board hotspot Wi-Fi for entertainment purposes, and very comfortable seating.
Salient features of Vande Bharat sleeper coaches:
Best-in-class interiors with GFRP panels
Aerodynamic exterior looks
Modular pantry
- Automatic exterior passenger doors
- Sensor based inter communication doors
- Shower with hot water in 1st AC car
- Public announcement and visual information system
- Modern passenger amenities
- Spacious luggage room
Rajdhani Express: Key Features
- Rajdhani Express connects the country’s capital to the state capitals or major cities
- High priority among the trains
- Fully air-conditioned coaches
- Rajadhani Express trains offer three different classes of accommodation. They are AC First Class (1A), AC 2-tier (2T), and AC 3-tier (3T).
- Rajadhani Express provides complementary food when you make your travel.
- Hazrat Nizamuddin–Thiruvananthapuram Rajdhani Express is the one which covers the maximum distance among these trains.
- The Rajdhani Express connecting Delhi and Jammu Tawi is the shortest distance covering among these Rajadhani express trains
- Many of the states have only a single Rajadhani Express allocated to them. But there are a few exceptions to this matter. Maharashtra and Jharkhand are the two main states who has two such Express trains.
- When we compare these express trains with normal train services, Rajadhanis have fewer halts.
- Free wifi facilities in Rajadhani trains
Rajdhani Express trains are among the top-tier services offered by Indian Railways. Passengers traveling in AC coaches receive complimentary amenities such as blankets, pillows, towels, and bed sheets. These items are provided in sealed covers to ensure hygiene. Each bedroll includes one pillow, one blanket, one face towel, and two bed sheets, enhancing the comfort of the journey.