Indian Railways’ Icon Hits Half-Century: Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani Completes 50 Years Of Operations

The Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express celebrated its Golden Jubilee on Sunday (3 March), Press Trust of India reported.

Decorated with flowers, the prestigious Rajdhani was flagged off from Howrah station at 4.50 pm after a ceremonial cake cutting ceremony, which was attended by Eastern Railways General Manager Debasish Chandra.

The fully air-conditioned train first operated on this route on 3 March 1969. Known for its efficiency, the train covers the 1,450 km distance in 17 hours and 20 minutes.

During it maiden journey the train rake contained five AC chair car coaches, one AC first class coach, one AC dining car and two generator cars. Over time the train has been equipped with AC three tier, two tier coaches at the expense of chair and dining cars.

To celebrate this occasion, the passengers were given complimentary dishes like fish fry, vegetable cutlets, rasgullas and ice cream. The Indian Railways also printed “50 years of Rajdhani Express” on linen and disposable napkins which were then distributed to the passengers.