Indian Railways, the backbone of the country’s transportation system, has consistently evolved over the years to meet the growing needs of its passengers. Among its various innovations, double-decker trains stand out as a unique and efficient solution to the ever-increasing demand for seats, especially on busy routes. These trains, with two levels of seating, offer a larger passenger capacity and are designed to provide a comfortable and affordable travel experience. You can book train tickets to travel in double decker express trains and enjoy the journey to favourite city. In this blog, we will take a closer look at popular double-decker trains in Indian Railways and explore what makes them special.
8 Popular Double Decker Express Trains in India
Check out some well-known double decker express trains.
1. Mumbai Central – Ahmedabad Double Decker Express
The Mumbai Central – Ahmedabad Double Decker Express (12931/12932) was one of the first double-decker trains introduced by Indian Railways. Launched in September 2012, it connects two major commercial hubs: Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Covering a distance of approximately 491 km, this train operates daily and provides a convenient travel option for business travellers and tourists alike.
The train features comfortable seating in both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned coaches. With spacious interiors, ample legroom, and large windows for panoramic views, it offers a pleasant travel experience. Given the heavy traffic on the Mumbai to Ahmedabad route, the double-decker design significantly enhances passenger capacity, making it easier for travellers to secure seats during peak seasons.
2. Howrah – Dhanbad Double Decker Express
The Howrah – Dhanbad Double Decker Express (12383/12384) serves passengers travelling between Kolkata (Howrah) and Dhanbad in Jharkhand. This train was introduced in October 2011 and remains a popular choice for passengers on this busy route. Covering a distance of about 259 km in just over 4 hours, the train operates daily, catering to the needs of both daily commuters and tourists.
This double-decker train provides passengers with air-conditioned seating in a comfortable and modern environment. It is especially favoured by students, professionals, and regular travellers due to its timely and efficient service. The train’s double-decker design maximizes the number of seats available, making it a practical solution for routes with high passenger demand. You can book tickets for double decker expr ess trains, check PNR status, track running status and find other train-related information on redRail.
3. Chennai – Bangalore Double Decker Express
The Chennai – Bangalore Double Decker Express (22625/22626) is a popular train that connects the two southern metropolises of Chennai and Bangalore. Launched in April 2013, the train covers a distance of around 362 km and operates six days a week, excluding Tuesdays. With its fast service and convenient timings, it has become a favourite among business travellers and tourists commuting between the two cities.
This train offers comfortable AC Chair Car seating with spacious interiors, making the journey between Chennai and Bangalore enjoyable. The double-decker design accommodates more passengers, and the large windows offer stunning views of the scenic landscape along the route.
4. Visakhapatnam – Tirupati Double Decker Express
The Visakhapatnam – Tirupati Double Decker Express (22707/22708) connects the coastal city of Visakhapatnam with the pilgrimage town of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. This train covers a distance of around 761 km and operates on a weekly basis. Launched in 2016, it offers a convenient and affordable travel option for pilgrims visiting the famous Tirupati Balaji temple.
The train’s air-conditioned double-decker coaches provide a comfortable and spacious environment for long-distance travel. It has become a popular choice for families and tourists who prefer a hassle-free journey to one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India.
5. Lucknow Junction – Anand Vihar Double Decker Express
The Lucknow Junction – Anand Vihar Double Decker Express (12583/12584) connects the capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, with Delhi’s Anand Vihar terminal. Covering a distance of approximately 480 km, this train operates three days a week and caters to the growing demand for travel between these two major cities.
The double-decker design ensures more seating capacity, making it a popular choice among students, professionals, and tourists. The train offers air-conditioned seating with ample legroom and modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable journey for passengers. Additionally, the train’s schedule makes it convenient for weekend travellers.
6. Kacheguda – Tirupati Double Decker Express
The Kacheguda – Tirupati Double Decker Express (22119/22120) connects Hyderabad’s Kacheguda station with Tirupati, another major pilgrimage destination in South India. This weekly train covers a distance of approximately 661 km, offering passengers a comfortable and affordable travel option to reach Tirupati.
The train’s air-conditioned double-decker coaches provide a convenient and spacious seating arrangement for long-distance travel. It is a popular choice for pilgrims heading to Tirupati, as well as tourists travelling between Hyderabad and Tirupati.
7. Jaipur – Delhi Sarai Rohilla Double Decker Express
The Jaipur – Delhi Sarai Rohilla Double Decker Express (12985/12986) is one of the most popular double-decker trains in India, connecting the Pink City of Jaipur with Delhi’s Sarai Rohilla station. Launched in 2012, this train covers a distance of about 305 km and operates daily. It has become a preferred choice for business travellers, tourists, and students travelling between these two cities.
This train features air-conditioned seating with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey. The double-decker design increases passenger capacity, which is especially useful on this busy route. The train’s short travel time and frequent operation make it a highly convenient travel option.
8. Bandra Terminus – Surat Double Decker Express
The Bandra Terminus – Surat Double Decker Express (12921/12922) is another popular double-decker train that connects Mumbai’s Bandra Terminus with Surat in Gujarat. Covering a distance of approximately 263 km, this train operates daily and is a favourite among business travellers and tourists commuting between the two cities.
The train’s double-decker coaches provide air-conditioned seating with ample legroom, ensuring a comfortable journey. Its frequent operation and short travel time make it an ideal option for passengers travelling between Mumbai and Surat for work or leisure.
Benefits of Double Decker Trains in Indian Railways
Double-decker trains in Indian Railways offer several advantages that make them a practical and efficient choice for passengers. Some of the key benefits include:
- Increased Passenger Capacity: The double-decker design allows for more seating without requiring additional trains or coaches. This is especially beneficial on high-demand routes where passenger traffic is consistently high.
- Cost-Effective Travel: Double-decker trains provide an affordable alternative to flights and other modes of transport, particularly for short to medium-distance travel. The availability of AC Chair Car and Second Seating options ensures that passengers have access to comfortable yet budget-friendly options.
- Comfort and Convenience: These trains are designed with passenger comfort in mind, offering spacious seating, ample legroom, and large windows for scenic views. The air-conditioned coaches also ensure a pleasant journey, even in hot weather conditions.
Conclusion
Double-decker trains have become a symbol of efficiency and innovation in Indian Railways, offering a cost-effective and comfortable travel solution on busy routes. From the scenic journey between Jaipur and Delhi to the bustling business routes of Mumbai and Ahmedabad, these trains have successfully enhanced passenger capacity while maintaining comfort. As Indian Railways continues to expand its services, double-decker trains are poised to play an even more significant role in addressing the growing demand for travel across the country. With their unique design, modern amenities, and focus on passenger comfort, double-decker trains provide a memorable travel experience for millions of passengers each year. So, what are you waiting for? Book your double decker express trains on redRail now!