Archive · 16 Sep 2025
Remembering Ram Subhag Singh, Creator of the Rajdhani Express
Once upon a time, a politician named Ram Subhag Singh thought India needed a super-fast train!
He was the Railway Minister, and he made the Rajdhani Express.
It was the first of its kind in India, a fancy, air-conditioned train that went really fast.
The first trip was from Delhi to Howrah.
It was like a miracle!
People loved it even though the tickets were expensive.
This train helped connect different parts of India in a quick and comfy way.
Ram Subhag Singh, a Congress leader, launched the Rajdhani Express.
The first Rajdhani Express started on March 1, 1969, linking Delhi and Howrah.
The train was the first superfast, fully air-conditioned service in India.
Passengers welcomed the train with enthusiasm despite the high ticket prices.
Singh later became the Leader of the Opposition after splitting from Congress.
- Who
- Ram Subhag Singh, a Congress leader and then Railway Minister.
- What
- Singh proposed and launched the Rajdhani Express, India's first superfast, air-conditioned train.
- When
- The Rajdhani Express was launched on March 1, 1969.
- Where
- The first Rajdhani Express connected New Delhi to Howrah.
- Why
- Singh envisioned a high-speed, comfortable train to connect Delhi with various state capitals.
- Key Figure
- Ram Subhag Singh
- Occupation
- Politician
- Political Party
- Congress
- Railway Minister Tenure
- February-November 1969
- Rajdhani Express Launch Date
- March 1, 1969
- First Route
- Delhi to Howrah
- First Train Speed
- 130 kmph