India’s first Superfast Train started operation in…, its not Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Vande Bharat, Duronto, Gatimaan, Tejas, top speed is…

The first service of Deccan Queen was conducted from Calyan (now Kalyan) and Pune to ferry rich patrons from Bombay (now Mumbai) to Pune to attend horse racing at Pune Race Course.

Written by: Victor Dasgupta Edited by: Victor Dasgupta

Updated: March 27, 2025, 11:03 AM IST

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https://www.india.com/news/india-first-superfast-train-started-operation-in-its-not-rajdhani-shatabdi-vande-bharat-duronto-gatimaan-tejas-top-speed-deccan-queen-stoppage-fares-7712562/ Copy

New Delhi: Indian Railways has undergone a massive transformation since Narendra Modi came to power in 2014. From 100 percent electrification of tracks to the complete renovation of stations, the railway sector has witnessed significant changes over the past decade. The Modi government has introduced trains like Vande Bharat, enhancing passenger convenience and improving the travel experience. But do you know the name of India’s first superfast train, which has been running since 1930?

The Deccan Queen holds several historic firsts in Indian railways—it is the country’s first superfast train, the first long-distance train powered by an electric locomotive, the first vestibuled train, the first to introduce a “ladies only” coach, and the first to feature a dedicated dining car.

All you need to know about Deccan Queen:

• Deccan Queen was launched on June 1, 1930.
• Deccan Queen’s service name comes from the Marathi nickname Queen of the Deccan, a popular nickname for Pune.
• Deccan Queen entered its 90th year of service on 1 June 2019.
• Deccan Queen is one of the fastest train services linking Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Pune Junction
• Deccan Queen has an average operating speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) including stops, and a top speed of 105 km/h (65 mph).
• Deccan Queen is the only train whose birth is celebrated by the rail passengers every year.
• Deccan Queen was hauled by a Kalyan-based WCAM-3 end to end up until June 2022.
• Deccan Queen is special in way as every year on 1 June, its regular pass-holders, railfans and railway authorities celebrate the train’s birthday.

The first service of Deccan Queen was conducted from Calyan (now Kalyan) and Pune to ferry rich patrons from Bombay (now Mumbai) to Pune to attend horse racing at Pune Race Course. The Central Railways on 19 August 2020 announced an allocation of brand new LHB coach coupled with a simultaneous introduction of a unique culturally significant “Green-Brown-Yellow” curvilinear stripe livery on all of the coaches of Deccan Queen.