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Train travel in India is considered one of the most convenient and affordable transport means for people. Millions of passengers depend on Indian Railways to go from one place to another every day. Not only passengers, but trains are also used extensively for freight transportation. This is the reason why Indian Railways is called the “lifeline” of the country.
If you have ever traveled by train, you must have seen that passenger, mail, express and superfast trains run on the same route. But have you ever wondered why the railway divides them in different categories? After all, what is the difference between mail, express and superfast trains?
In this article, we will tell you in detail what is the difference between the characteristics, speed and fares of these trains.
1. Superfast Train – Fast speed vehicles
What is superfast train?
According to Indian Railways, if the average speed of a train is 55 km per hour on a large line and 45 km per hour on the medium gauge, then it is a superfast train. It is placed in the category of.
What is the speed of superfast trains?
- The speed of most superfast trains is up to 110–130 km per hour.
- The maximum speed of some trains can also be up to 160 km per hour.
- These trains are run for long distance travel and stop at very few stations.
Superfast train coaches and facilities
- These trains consist of general, sleeper and AC compartments.
- These include less halt (stop) than other trains.
- The fare is more than mail and express trains, as the journey is completed rapidly.
Famous superfast trains
- Rajdhani Express
- Duronto Express
- Shatabdi Express
2. Passenger Train-Train Stopped at every small and big station
What is a passenger train?
If you want to travel short distance and travel for low fare, then the passenger train is the best option.
Passenger train features
- These trains are run for short distances.
- Every small and big station on the way stops.
- Their speed is very low (30–40 km per hour).
- Most of the coaches are full of general bogies.
How is the journey in passenger trains?
- There are general bogies without reservation.
- The fare is very low, but the crowd is high.
- Passengers get the facility to get down at any station.
Major passenger trains
- EMU (Electric Multiple Unit) Local Trains
- MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit)
- Demu (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit)
3. Mail Train – Postal Service Category
What is a mail train?
In olden times, Indian Railways had installed a special box in trains to carry the mail, which sent letters and parcels to different parts of the country.
Why is the mail train called even today?
Although separate coaches are no longer installed for post, but trains in which this service was earlier available is still called “mail train”.
Mail train speed and stoppage
- The average speed is 50–60 km per hour.
- These trains stop mostly at large stations.
- The train number of mail trains usually starts at 123.
Facilities in mail train
- These include general, sleeper and AC coaches.
- The fare is slightly less than the express train.
- It is convenient for long distance travel.
Famous mail trains
- Howrah Mail
- Mumbai Mail
- Chennai Mail
4. Express train – option between mail and superfast
What is an express train?
Express train is placed in the category of semi-priority trains. These mail trains run faster, but are slower than superfast trains.
Express train speed
- The average speed is 55–65 km per hour.
- There are slightly more stops than superfast trains.
- Mail trains have higher speeds.
Express train names and features
- The name of these trains is often based on a city, place, person or historical event.
- These include general, sleeper and AC coaches.
Famous express trains
- Kalka Express
- Punjab Express
- Ganga Express
Conclusion: Which train is the best?
| Type of train | Speed (average) | Stopping station | Objective | Reservation facility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Superfast train | 110-130 km/h | Very little | Long distance | Yes |
| express train | 55-65 km/h | medium | middle distance | Yes |
| Mail train | 50-60 km/h | More | Long distance | Yes |
| Passenger train | 30-40 km/h | Every station | Short distance | No |
If you want to arrive early, the superfast train is the best option. But if the budget is low and stop at more stations, then passenger train can also be a good option.