- Speed
- 130 km/h
Rajdhani Express trains represent one of the most important chapters in the development of premium long-distance passenger services on Indian Railways.
The Rajdhani concept was created to provide fast, fully air-conditioned connections between New Delhi and important cities across India. These trains traditionally receive operational priority over many other passenger services.
The New Delhi–Mumbai Rajdhani Express is one of the most prominent members of this category and operates over one of India's most important railway corridors.
Indian Railways documentation gives Rajdhani Express trains a maximum permissible speed of up to 130 km/h. The precise speed at any location still depends on the railway section through which the train is travelling.
A maximum permissible speed of 130 km/h does not mean that the Rajdhani travels continuously at that speed. It accelerates and decelerates around stations, junctions, curves and other restricted areas. Temporary restrictions caused by maintenance or operational requirements may further reduce its speed.
Rajdhani services also played a major role in the adoption of modern LHB coaches across Indian Railways. LHB coaches provide better high-speed stability, improved braking and enhanced crashworthiness compared with older conventional coach designs.
The Delhi–Mumbai corridor is now also part of Indian Railways' programme to raise route speed potential towards 160 km/h, requiring upgrades to tracks, signalling, overhead electrical equipment and safety systems.
Even as Vande Bharat introduces newer trainset technology, Rajdhani Express remains one of the most important premium long-distance services in India's railway system.