Passenger Chooses Tejas Rajdhani Express Over Flight Despite Equal Fare: Why He Picked the Train

A recent social media video has highlighted a travel choice where a passenger opted for the Tejas Rajdhani Express over a flight from Mumbai to New Delhi, even though the ticket fares were comparable.

Malhar, a vlogger from Pune, documented his journey aboard the Tejas Rajdhani Express (train number 12951). According to the report, the train covers the approximately 1,384-kilometer distance between Mumbai and New Delhi in roughly 15 hours and 32 minutes, operating daily with a maximum speed of 130 km/h.

Malhar stated that he paid ₹5,300 for a First AC (1AC) ticket, which included catering services. He noted that this fare was roughly equivalent to the cost of a flight between the two cities.

Onboard Experience and Amenities

• Welcome and Cleanliness: The vlogger showcased onboard amenities, including a chilled water bottle, clean facilities, and a geyser-equipped bathroom.
• Catering Services: Throughout the journey, passengers were reportedly served tea prepared in the pantry, followed by soup, a vegetarian lunch, and a continental dinner ordered by the vlogger.

Viral Reach and Public Response

The video of the journey reportedly gained significant attention online, drawing millions of views and hundreds of thousands of likes within a short timeframe. Viewers shared mixed reactions and personal anecdotes about their own experiences with the Rajdhani service and railway maintenance.

Practical Implications and Verification

• Fare Comparison: While flight prices fluctuate based on booking time and class, average economy airfares between Mumbai and Delhi can start around ₹5,500.
• Verification: Readers can verify train schedules, seat availability, and official ticket pricing directly through the Indian Railways official ticketing portal (IRCTC) or authorized booking channels.
• Image Rights: Visuals and screenshots from social media videos should not be reused without verifying platform rights or securing proper permissions.