Rajdhani Express vs. Vande Bharat: If you travel by train, this news could be of considerable interest to you. In the Indian Railways network, both the Rajdhani Express and the Vande Bharat Express are considered premium trains. There are significant differences in their origins and objectives. In fact, these two trains are not rivals; rather, they have been designed with distinct travel needs and distances in mind.
India’s first Rajdhani Express was launched in 1969, running between New Delhi and Howrah. Its primary objective was to connect the national capital, Delhi, with the capitals of various states and major cities, offering a fast and comfortable overnight journey. The country’s first semi-high-speed train was introduced in February 2019, operating between New Delhi and Varanasi.
Speed and Acceleration
The Vande Bharat Express is designed for a top speed of 180 km/h and can operate at 160 km/h on suitable tracks. In contrast, most Rajdhani trains have a maximum speed of 130 km/h. Unlike the traditional locomotive-hauled Rajdhani, the Vande Bharat is a self-propelled train. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 52 seconds, and the time required to regain speed after slowing down is significantly reduced.
Seating Classes and Coach Features
The Vande Bharat offers Standard Chair Car and Executive Chair Car categories. It features automatic sliding doors, a GPS-based passenger information system, an advanced suspension system, and seats that can rotate 180 degrees. The Rajdhani Express offers sleeping accommodations across First AC, Second AC, and Third AC classes. Additionally, modern ‘Tejas-Rajdhani’ coaches have been introduced on select routes.
These coaches are equipped with automatic doors and bio-vacuum toilets. Furthermore, a sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat is now being introduced to cater to passengers undertaking long-distance overnight journeys. These trains feature cushioned berths, noise-reduction technology, sensor-based lighting, and premium amenities such as hot water in First AC.
What are the food and beverage facilities?
Regarding the Vande Bharat Express, the IRCTC-provided catering service includes snacks, breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Passengers have the option to opt out of the meal service at the time of booking, which reduces the ticket fare. Since the Rajdhani Express involves long-distance travel, there is a scheduled service for morning tea, breakfast, lunch, soup, evening snacks, and dinner. First AC passengers are also offered soup and a special menu.