#13 Shatabdi & Duronto Express: Revolutionizing Intercity Travel (Indian Railways Series)

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Shatabdi and Duronto: Fast-Tracking India’s Intercity Connectivity

Connecting major cities with convenient train services has been crucial for India’s growth. The Shatabdi and Duronto Express trains have been game-changers in intercity travel since the 1980s. With airplane-like speeds and services, they have helped cities feel closer.

Need for Speedy Urban Links 

Did you know earlier that it took 5-6 hours to travel between cities just 200-300 km apart? Stopping at multiple stations made journeys longer.

By the 1980s, India wanted to provide airport-like direct intercity trains. Shatabdis connecting metros like Delhi-Agra and Durontos linking distant state capitals were conceived.

Shockingly, when launched in 1988, Shatabdis touched top speeds of 140-150 kmph, drastically cutting travel times between cities.

Luxury Travel Arrives

Shatabdis boasted airplane-style seats, and pantry cars with catering, LCDs, and WiFi. This luxury made travel between cities feel effortless.

Not only that, Durontos added comfortable sleepers and AC coaches in 2009. Traveling overnight between cities is now possible while you sleep.

With enhanced safety and punctuality, Shatabdi and Durontos became extremely popular for business and leisure trips.

Expanding Connectivity

From just 1 in 1988, over 50 Shatabdi routes are crisscrossing India. Key connections include Delhi-Chandigarh, Mumbai-Pune, Chennai-Bengaluru, and Howrah-Patna.

You’ll be shocked to know that Shatabdis covers 1200-1600 km in just 8-12 hours with minimal stops.

Similarly, Duronto Expresses links 12 major long-distance city pairs overnight, like Mumbai-Delhi, Delhi-Jammu, Pune-Patna. 

Reducing Urban Isolation

With Shatabdis and Durontos, cities feel much closer today. The business has boomed as corporate centers become more accessible.

Tourism between cities has risen as visits can be covered over a weekend. Pilgrimage hubs like Vaishno Devi near Jammu also draw more pilgrims. 

Medical, educational, and entertainment hubs in metros have widened their catchment areas thanks to easier connectivity.  

Truly, Shatabdi and Duronto have fast-tracked urban India’s progress by revolutionizing intercity connections. Traveling between cities is easier than ever before.

Source-

• Ministry of Railways, Government of India. (2018). Shatabdi Trains. Railway Board. 

• PTI. (2019). 30 years of Shatabdi Express: 30 facts about the train service. Business Standard. 

• Das, G. (2014). Duronto trains have made train travel faster. The Times of India. 

• Jagran Josh. (2020). Shatabdi Trains: Routes, Fare, Facilities and Schedule. Jagran Josh Education News. 

• Gupta, S. M. (2013). Indian Railways: The next two decades. New Delhi: Academic Foundation.

• Kurup, N. P. (2003). Indian Railways: On the fast track. New Delhi: Academy of Business Studies. 

• Times News Network. (2018). Shatabdi services complete 30 yrs, overtake Rajdhani in earnings. The Times of India. 

• Indian Railways Seat Availability. (2021). Duronto Express Trains. 

• Khare, V. (2019). The Shatabdis: Stars Among Trains. Rail Restro.