Indian Railways operates trains across five speed and service categories. Rajdhani Express trains are the premier overnight services connecting New Delhi to state capitals across India, fully air-conditioned with meals included. Shatabdi Express trains are the premier daytime chair car services on shorter corridors, also fully air-conditioned with meals. Vande Bharat Express (Train 18) is the newest semi-high-speed train designed entirely in India, operating at speeds up to 160 km/h on selected corridors including Delhi to Varanasi, Mumbai to Shirdi, and Chennai to Mysuru. Duronto Express trains are long-distance mostly non-stop services. Mail and Express trains form the backbone of the network, covering thousands of routes at lower fares.
The Northeast Corridor of Indian Railways connects Delhi to Kolkata on one of the world's most heavily trafficked rail routes. The Howrah Rajdhani (12301/12302) covers 1,443 kilometres in approximately 17 hours. The Rajdhani network now extends to over 20 state capitals from Delhi. Southern India is connected by the Chennai to Mumbai route via the Grand Trunk Express, the Bengaluru to New Delhi Karnataka Express, and the weekly trains to the northeastern states.
Sleeping class accommodation on Indian overnight trains falls into four types: First AC (4-berth lockable cabins, air-conditioned), Second AC (6-berth open bays with curtains, air-conditioned), Third AC (8-berth open bays, air-conditioned), and Sleeper Class (non-air-conditioned 6-berth bays). General (unreserved) coaches are available on all trains at the lowest fares on a first-come, first-served basis. Indian Railways carries more passengers in unreserved General class than most national rail networks carry in total.
Tickets for Indian Railways are booked through IRCTC (irctc.co.in) or the IRCTC Rail Connect app. The booking window opens 120 days before the date of travel. Tatkal tickets (last-minute premium bookings) open 1 day before departure for most trains. For confirmed seats on popular trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi, book as soon as the 120-day window opens. The NTES (National Train Enquiry System) at enquiry.indianrail.gov.in provides live running status for any train currently in service.