Indian Railways took a historic step in modernizing its services with the launch of the Lucknow–New Delhi Tejas Express on October 4, 2019. Operated by IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation), this was India’s first privately managed passenger train — a bold move to offer world-class comfort, service, and efficiency.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

A Journey Like Never Before

The Tejas Express redefined railway travel for India. Covering the busy route between Lucknow Junction (LJN) and New Delhi (NDLS), it takes around 6 hours and 15 minutes to complete the journey. Unlike traditional Indian trains, this service is managed completely by IRCTC under a semi-private model, handling ticketing, catering, and customer service.

Key Highlights

• Luxury on Rails: Premium interiors, modern bio-vacuum toilets, plush seating, and LED lighting create an airline-like environment.

• Dynamic Pricing: Similar to airlines, ticket prices fluctuate based on demand.

• Incredible Hospitality: Passengers enjoy complimentary meals, tea/coffee service, bottled water, and even a personal infotainment screen.

• Wi-Fi and Entertainment: Free Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment, and CCTV surveillance for safety and comfort.

• Compensation for Delays: Unique to Tejas, passengers are compensated ₹100 for a one-hour delay and ₹250 for two hours or more.

A New Business Model

While the tracks and infrastructure are still owned by Indian Railways, the Tejas Express is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) innovation where a private entity (IRCTC) operates the train. This model encourages efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction — something India has long desired in its railway experience.

Expanding Horizons

Following the success of the Lucknow–New Delhi Tejas Express, IRCTC launched another Tejas Express between Ahmedabad and Mumbai Central on January 17, 2020. These trains symbolize India’s vision of modern, fast, and efficient railway services on par with global standards.

Conclusion

The launch of India’s first private train — the Tejas Express — marks a major shift toward the future of Indian travel. It’s more than just a journey; it’s an experience blending speed, style, and service like never before.

The Tejas Express shows that when public and private sectors come together, magic can happen on the tracks!