India’s railway network is continuously becoming faster, more comfortable, and more modern. In 2026, passengers have several fast Indian trains options for travelling between major cities and regions. India’s Top 10 Fastest Trains Running in 2026 include Vande Bharat Express, Gatimaan Express, Namo Bharat RRTS, Shatabdi Express, Rajdhani Express, Duronto Express, and newer services such as Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat Express. The speeds mentioned below are maximum or commonly cited operating speeds, so actual journey speed can be lower because of stops, track conditions, signals, and other operational factors.
Fast trains are making railway journeys quicker while also improving passenger comfort. Vande Bharat services are particularly important in India’s railway modernization, with new routes continuing to be introduced in 2026. For example, a new Surat–Udaipur Vande Bharat service has been approved with a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Here are 10 fast Indian trains and services that are worth knowing about in 2026.
Top 10 Fastest Indian Trains to Travel in 2026
1. Vande Bharat Express (Chair Car Variants): 160 km/h
Vande Bharat Express is one of India’s most popular semi-high-speed train services. Its chair-car variants can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h on suitable sections. These trains connect important cities across different parts of India and offer modern interiors, comfortable seating, automatic doors, and improved passenger facilities. Routes vary by service and include important city pairs such as New Delhi–Varanasi, Mumbai–Ahmedabad, and other regional connections. New Vande Bharat routes continue to expand in 2026.
2. Gatimaan Express: 160 km/h
The Gatimaan Express is known as one of India’s fastest conventional passenger trains, with a maximum permissible speed of around 160 km/h on suitable sections. It primarily connects New Delhi and Jhansi, providing a convenient fast connection for passengers travelling towards Agra and central India. Its route includes important stations such as New Delhi, Agra Cantt, Gwalior, and Jhansi.
3. Namo Bharat RRTS (RapidX): 160 km/h
Namo Bharat, earlier known as RapidX, is a regional rapid transit service designed for fast intercity commuting. It can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h, making it one of the fastest rail-based passenger services in the country. The operational Delhi–Meerut corridor connects New Delhi/Delhi with Meerut, with important stops serving cities and towns along the corridor. Its design focuses on frequent services, quick journeys, and comfortable modern travel.
4. Tejas Rajdhani Express (Mumbai–New Delhi): 140 km/h
The Mumbai–New Delhi Rajdhani Express is a premium long-distance train offering a fast connection between two major Indian cities. It can operate at speeds of around 140 km/h on suitable sections. The route connects Mumbai Central and New Delhi, passing through important locations such as Surat, Vadodara, Ratlam, Kota, and other major stations. It is popular among passengers looking for a comfortable overnight journey.
5. New Delhi–Bhopal Shatabdi Express: 150 km/h
The New Delhi–Bhopal Shatabdi Express is another well-known fast train in India. It can reach approximately 150 km/h on suitable sections. The train connects New Delhi with Rani Kamlapati (Bhopal) and serves important destinations including Agra, Gwalior, and Jhansi. It is especially useful for passengers travelling between Delhi, Agra, and Madhya Pradesh.
6. New Delhi–Howrah Rajdhani Express: 135–140 km/h
The New Delhi–Howrah Rajdhani Express is one of India’s most important premium trains. It provides a fast connection between New Delhi and Howrah, passing through major railway cities such as Kanpur, Prayagraj, and other important locations. With speeds of around 135–140 km/h on suitable sections, it remains an important choice for passengers travelling between northern and eastern India.
7. New Delhi–Kanpur Shatabdi Express: 140 km/h
The New Delhi–Kanpur Shatabdi Express is designed for quick daytime travel between the national capital and Uttar Pradesh. It can reach around 140 km/h on suitable sections. Its main route connects New Delhi and Kanpur Central, making stops at important locations such as Ghaziabad, Aligarh, and Etawah depending on the service pattern. It is a convenient option for business and leisure travellers.
8. Vande Bharat Sleeper Express: 130 km/h
Vande Bharat Sleeper Express brings the Vande Bharat concept to overnight and long-distance travel. In the list provided, its operating speed is 130 km/h. The first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express was launched in January 2026, marking an important development in India’s modern overnight rail services. Its routes are designed to connect major cities over longer distances while providing sleeper accommodation and modern facilities.
9. Amrit Bharat Express: 130 km/h
Amrit Bharat Express is a modern non-AC train service aimed at providing comfortable and affordable long-distance travel. The trains are designed for common passengers and include General and Sleeper Class coaches. In the list provided, the maximum speed is 130 km/h. Different Amrit Bharat services operate on routes connecting cities across India, helping passengers travel long distances at affordable fares. Indian Railways reported 60 Amrit Bharat services operating as of March 2026.
10. New Delhi–Sealdah Duronto Express: 135 km/h
The New Delhi–Sealdah Duronto Express is a fast long-distance service connecting New Delhi and Sealdah in Kolkata. It can reach around 135 km/h on suitable sections. The route connects northern India with eastern India and passes through important railway corridors. Duronto trains are known for offering relatively fast journeys with limited stops compared with many conventional long-distance services.
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