This is India's cheapest train, fare of fully AC coaches starts at just 68 Paise/km, it connect major cities in…, competes with Vande Bharat, Rajdhani Express, name is…
In India, train ticket prices change depending on the type of train and the comfort it offers. Air-conditioned (AC) coaches usually cost much more than sleeper or general coaches. In fact, in trains that are fully air-conditioned, the fare for an AC seat can be more than double that of a sleeper seat. Because of this, passengers often pick their coach based on what they can afford.
We often hear about luxury trains like the Vande Bharat Express, Namo Bharat, Rajdhani, and Shatabdi. These are known for their fast service, modern amenities, and comfortable travel experience. They're so popular that they're usually booked out in advance. Plus, their prices go up with demand sometimes they can cost as much as a flight ticket.
But there's one train that stands out for being extremely budget-friendly, despite having AC coaches. It's often referred to as the 'Poor Man's Rajdhani Express.' This nickname comes from the fact that it offers an air-conditioned journey at a fraction of the usual cost.
And don't think that its low price means it's slow, this train is surprisingly fast. In fact, when it comes to speed, it can give even the Vande Bharat and Rajdhani trains a run for their money. India's most affordable AC train: The Garib Rath
India is home to several high-end trains like the Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Vande Bharat, known for their luxury and speed. But not every traveler can afford the high fares these trains charge. That's where the Garib Rath Express comes in, a train that offers full AC comfort at a fraction of the cost, making it the cheapest AC train in India.
The Garib Rath was introduced with the vision of providing air-conditioned travel to the common man without burning a hole in their pocket. While luxury trains charge hefty fares, Garib Rath allows passengers to travel in AC coaches for just 68 paise per kilometer, cheapest than any other AC train in the country.
In terms of speed, it holds up quite well. While the Vande Bharat Express can hit top speeds of 160 km/h, its average runs between 66 to 96 km/h. The Garib Rath isn't far behind, clocking an average speed of 70 to 75 km/h, making it both affordable and fast.
The longest-running Garib Rath route connects Chennai to Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi), covering a distance of 2075 kilometers in about 28 hours and 30 minutes. And guess what? The fare for this entire journey is just Rs. 1,500.
Launched in 2006, the first Garib Rath train ran between Saharsa (Bihar) and Amritsar. Today, the service has expanded to 26 different routes, linking major cities like Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Chennai, and Patna-Kolkata. Thanks to its popularity, the train is almost always packed, and getting a confirmed ticket often requires early booking.
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