New Double Decker Delhi-Jaipur Train

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur.
Getty Images/Martin Harvey.

If you're planning on traveling to/from Delhi and Jaipur by train, there's some good news! Indian Railways recently introduced a new double-decker train service that runs daily between the two cities.

Double-decker trains aren't new in India. This type of train was first introduced way back in 1975. However, design challenges have posed a number of problems. Existing bridges, tunnels, and overhead wiring have meant that it's not possible to increase the height or width of the carriages.

The new Delhi-Jaipur train is only 12 centimeters taller than regular Indian Railways trains. However, each carriage can seat 120 passengers, as opposed to only 78 passengers in Shatabdi train carriages. The train is slightly faster than the Shatabdi too, covering the distance in four and a half hours. What's particularly notable about it is that the carriages are made from stainless steel and won't pile up if there's an accident -- which is apparently a first in India.

The details:

• 12986 Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Jaipur AC train departs Delhi daily at 5.35 p.m. and reaches Jaipur at 10.05 p.m.
• 12985 Jaipur-Delhi Sarai Rohilla AC train departs Jaipur daily at 6 a.m. and reaches Delhi at 10.30 a.m.

The fare is 327 rupees and the train is fully air conditioned.

According to this news report, double-decker trains will be introduced onto the Chennai-Bangalore route by the end of the year. Howrah (Kolkata)-Dhanbad was the first route to get these trains, in 2011.

Check out this guide to the Best Delhi to Jaipur Trains for further options for train travel between the two cities.

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