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Shatabdi Expresses are a series of superfast passenger trains which are being operated by Indian Railways, to serve as connections between Metro towns and important cities and business centers. Shatabadi Expresses are day trains and they return to the station of origin, the same day.

Shatabdi and Rajdhani Express are the fastest trains in India, and India Railways considers them to be prestigious trains. While the Shatabdi Express series of trains run over short distances, Rajdhani Expresses are long-distance trains connecting Delhi to various state capitals. Both series of trains have a regular speed of 130 km/h. The fastest train in India though is the New Delhi - Bhopal Shatabdi Express which runs at a speed of 150 km/h.

The train was considered a landmark when it was introduced in India in 1988. In fact, it was criticized heavily by a section of society for its luxury in a poor country. However, with the passage of time, the train has fallen far below global standards of luxury and speed.

Shatabdi Expresses offer fast connectivity with very few stops in between. They are fully air-conditioned and of a much higher standard than most Indian rail coaches. Shatabdi Express travelers are provided with snacks, breakfast/meals, coffee/tea, a one litre water can, and juice.

Fast Forward!

The Shatabdi Express Super fast, intercity trains known as the Shatabdi Express link major cities and offer facilities for quick and comfortable travel.

While you relax, the Shatabdi hospitality treats you to meals and snacks. Before you are through, your destination has arrived.<

Destinations

Indian Railways operates 12 pairs of Shatabdi Expresses and 16 pairs of Jan-Shatabdi Expresses. Out of the 12 Shatabdi Expresses, 8 originate from New Delhi (to Bhopal, Lucknow, 2 to Amritsar, 2 to Kalka, Ajmer and Dehradun), two from Chennai (to Bangalore and Mysore) and one each from Kolkata (to Ranchi) and Mumbai (to Ahmedabad).

Agra

Once the capital of the brilliant Mughal rulers, Agra has history stamped indelibly on every brick of its numerous monuments. The places of interest include the Taj Mahal - a poetic monuments to live; the Agra Fort with the Pearl Mosque, some lovely palaces and pavilions and Fatehpuri Sikri, a fascinating ghost town.

Lucknow

The capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow is the artistic hub of this region. Luckown's culture, cuisine, crafts - especially chikan work, charming poetry and a mellifluous language, all remind one of the age of courtesy and romance. The scarred brick building of the Residency, the Bara and Choota Imambaras, Jama Masjid, Rumi Darwaza, the Clok Tower, the Picture Gallery, Aminabad and Hazrat Ganji, all tell vivid tales of the city's past.

Dehra Dun

Dehra Dun set in the Doon Valley in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most picturesque regions in the foothills of the panoramic Shivalik ranges. Enjoyable throughout the year because of its salubrious climate, Dehra Dun is a popular spot and an appropriate base for tourists visiting Haridwar, Rishikesh and the charming hill resort of Mussoorie.

Amritsar

Shatabdi Express, Luxury Trains in IndiaSituated on the north western borders of India, in Punjab, the 400 year old city of Amritsar is the most important seat of Sikh history and culture. The city houses the sacred shrine - the Golden Temple, the Akal Takhat - the immortal throne, the Sikh Museum and the Durgiana Mandi.

Bhopal

The city of Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is very impressive with its verdant, exquisitely laid out parks and gardens, broad avenues and streamlined modern edifices. Sites to visit in this historic city are: Taj-ul-Masjid, Jama Masjid, Moti Masjid, Shaukat Mahal, Sadar Manzil, Bharat Bhawan - the centre for performing and visual arts and the Tribal Habitat - a presentation of contemporary tribal cultures.

Mysore

140 km from Bangalore and 770 m above seal level, the city of Mysore was once the capital of the Wodeyar rulers. It still retains its quaint charm. The Brindavan Gardens, ornamental and terraced with swirling fountains and colourful fairy lights, attract thousands of visitors. The Mysore Palace, St.Philomena's Church, Mysore Zoo, Chamundi Hiils with the Chamundeshwari Temple, the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery are other interesting spots to visit.