
Tejas Express: India’s first semi-pvt train offers airline-like travel between Lucknow and Delhi
New Delhi: The Lucknow–New Delhi Tejas Express is India's first train to operate under a semi-private model, introduced through Indian Railways' Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative, media reports said.
Launched in 2019, it marked a new approach to train operations in the country. Following a positive response, a second Tejas Express was rolled out on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad route, Times Now reported.
Though the Tejas Express runs on tracks owned by Indian Railways, its services—ticketing, onboard meals, and passenger assistance—are handled by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), making it a hybrid public-private venture focused on improving passenger experience.
The Tejas stands apart from conventional trains by offering services akin to air travel.
These include onboard catering, dedicated passenger assistance, travel insurance, and compensation in case of delays.
The train also features modern interiors with ergonomic seats, LCD entertainment screens, CCTV surveillance, automatic doors, and bio-vacuum toilets, aiming to deliver a premium, secure, and comfortable ride.
The Lucknow–Delhi Tejas Express makes just two stops—at Kanpur and Ghaziabad—before reaching its final destination.
It departs from Lucknow at 6:10 AM and reaches Delhi at 12:25 PM.
The return journey commences at 3:35 PM from Delhi and ends in Lucknow at 10:05 PM.
Indian Railways remains one of the most accessible and affordable means of transport in the country, used daily by countless passengers across all income groups.
While it is a state-owned entity, efforts like the Tejas Express highlight its push to integrate private sector efficiency into the national transport network.
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