What is Rajdhani Express?
Rajdhani Express is the premium overnight train service of Indian Railways, connecting New Delhi with state capitals and major cities. All coaches are fully air-conditioned and meals are included in the fare. Rajdhani trains get the highest priority on the track — they are rarely delayed compared to other express trains.
Rajdhani Express Classes
| Class | Code | Berths per Bay | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First AC | 1A | 2 or 4 (private coupe) | Highest |
| Second AC | 2A | 4 (open bay) | High |
| Third AC | 3A | 6 (open bay) | Medium |
| Third AC Economy | 3E | 6 (open bay, smaller berths) | Lower |
Meals on Rajdhani Express
Rajdhani Express includes all meals in the ticket fare — dinner (boarded at night) or lunch, and breakfast the next morning depending on departure time. Meals are served at your seat by pantry car staff. The menu is fixed (veg and non-veg options) and announced before each meal.
Key Routes and Journey Times
- 12951/52 Mumbai Rajdhani: New Delhi ↔ Mumbai Central, ~15.5 hours
- 12301/02 Howrah Rajdhani: New Delhi ↔ Howrah, ~17 hours
- 12433/34 Chennai Rajdhani: New Delhi ↔ Chennai, ~28 hours
- 12431/32 Thiruvananthapuram Rajdhani: New Delhi ↔ TVC, ~44 hours
- 22691/92 Bangalore Rajdhani: NZM ↔ Bangalore, ~33 hours
Booking Tips for Rajdhani Tickets
- Book 60 days early — Rajdhani quota opens 60 days before travel and fills within hours for peak dates.
- Check 3E class — Third AC Economy is cheaper and often has better availability than 3A on the same train.
- Use Tatkal — Opens 1 day before departure at a 30–50% surcharge. Reliable way to get confirmed seats.
- Watch the waitlist — Rajdhani cancellations are high, especially 2–3 days before departure. A WL 20 often clears.
Track Your Rajdhani PNR
If you have a waitlisted Rajdhani ticket, use PNR Alert to monitor your waitlist and get an instant WhatsApp notification the moment your ticket gets confirmed. Rajdhani charts are prepared 4–8 hours before departure.