India’s Most Profitable Train Isn’t Shatabdi or Vande Bharat – This one Brings in Rs 1.76 Billion Annually
India’s Most Profitable Train Isn't Shatabdi or Vande Bharat – This one Brings in Rs 1.76 Billion Annually
India’s railway network is among the largest in the world, transporting millions daily through a range of trains, including the Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, and Vande Bharat Express. While these trains are critical to the country’s transportation system, the most profitable train may surprise you.
1. Bangalore Rajdhani Express: The Top Earner
- Route: Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi) to KSR Bengaluru
- Train Number: 22692
- Revenue: ₹1,76,06,66,339 (Fiscal Year 2022-23)
- Passengers: 509,510
The Bangalore Rajdhani Express led the Indian Railways’ revenue charts for the 2022-23 fiscal year, generating the highest earnings. With over half a million passengers served, it remains the most profitable train across the network.
2. Sealdah Rajdhani Express: Close Second
- Route: Kolkata to New Delhi
- Train Number: 12314
- Revenue: ₹1,28,81,69,274
- Passengers: 509,164
The Sealdah Rajdhani Express closely followed the Bangalore Rajdhani, operating between Kolkata and New Delhi. It served almost the same number of passengers and earned over ₹1.28 billion in the fiscal year.
3. Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express: Third in Line
- Route: New Delhi to Dibrugarh
- Train Number: Not specified
- Revenue: ₹1,26,29,09,697
- Passengers: 474,605
In third place is the Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express, which operates between New Delhi and Dibrugarh in Assam. This train carried over 474,000 passengers, generating ₹1.26 billion for Indian Railways.
Notable Observations
While high-profile trains like the Shatabdi and Vande Bharat Express often make headlines, it’s the Rajdhani Express trains, particularly the Bangalore Rajdhani, that have proven to be the biggest financial contributors to Indian Railways. These trains provide efficient travel and bring in significant revenue, showcasing their critical role in the country’s transportation infrastructure.
