Tejas Express, India’s first privately run train by IRCTC, connects Delhi and Lucknow with modern amenities, comfort, and high-speed luxury travel

With the launch of the Tejas Express, the nation’s first privately run train, India’s railway system began a new phase of modernization in 2019. This program, which was fully run by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), signaled a change to more comfortable and customer-focused train travel. With an emphasis on speed, service, and dependability, the New Delhi–Lucknow Tejas Express launched its first commercial run on October 4, 2019, linking the capital of Uttar Pradesh and the nation’s capital, two of North India’s most significant cities.

A Successful Beginning

IRCTC made an operational profit of over Rs 7.73 lakh in its first month of business, demonstrating the high level of consumer interest in the new service. Despite charging more than other high-end services like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Vande Bharat Express on the same route, the Tejas Express soon gained popularity among passengers seeking comfort, timeliness, and a hint of luxury.

Comparison of Prices for the Delhi–Lucknow Route

Tejas Express: Rs 2,457 (Executive Chair Car), Rs 1,679 (AC Chair Car).

Executive Chair Car: Rs 1,955; AC Chair Car: Rs 1,255; Shatabdi Express

Executive Chair Car: Rs 2,415; AC Chair Car: Rs 1,255; Vande Bharat Express

Rs 1,590 (3AC), Rs 2,105 (2AC), and Rs 2,630 (1AC) for Rajdhani Express

Even though the Tejas is still the priciest of them, travelers frequently defend the price due to its excellent amenities and level of service.

Onboard Comfort and Technology

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Modern amenities are included in Tejas Express trains to guarantee a first-rate travel experience. These consist of reading lights, snack trays, CCTV surveillance, Wi-Fi access, air-conditioned coaches, automatic doors, and personal infotainment systems. Like airline models, IRCTC’s dynamic pricing system offers flexibility in revenue management by adjusting ticket prices based on demand.

Designed for Safety and Speed

Although present track limits limit operations to 160 km/h, Tejas coaches, which are manufactured at the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, are designed to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. The train’s sophisticated braking systems, which include steel brake discs and electro-pneumatic assist brakes, guarantee accuracy and safety when traveling at high speeds.

An Icon of Contemporary Indian Railroads

In India’s continuous endeavor to update its rail system, the Tejas Express represents a significant turning point. It keeps raising the bar for passenger experience and operational effectiveness with its focus on comfort, timeliness, and service quality. Travelers consider Tejas to be a premium travel experience that showcases the future of Indian railways, even with its higher tickets.