Around India In 80 Trains
The Duronto Express
At the end of last year a handful of brand new non-stop express trains were being introduced to the railways to cut down journey times between major cities. Durontos, which loosely translate as “quick” in Bengali are the fastest trains in India and are difficult to miss - they look like they've been scribbled all over with wax crayons and inside are (hopefully) still a world apart from the older Rajdhanis.
The interiors have a sleeker design for reading lights, phone sockets, berths and bottle holders, and the beds are slightly wider and more comfortable. Sinks and toilets are much cleaner and well-functioning.
At the time, the new services consisted of five classes of accommodation: First AC, Two-tier AC, Three-tier AC, Economy Three-tier AC and Non AC Sleeper Class with excellent meals - vegetarian and non-vegetarian - included in the ticket price if you're travelling in AC three tier and above. The added benefit, which is quite a large one, is that the trains are derailment-proof.
We took the Duronto Express from Pune to Delhi which cut six hours off the normal 26-hour journey and an overnight service from Allahabad to Delhi which was the comfiest and easiest trip to date.
Overview
non-stop, fastest trains in India
Review Date:
Thu 18 Feb 2010
Rating: 