The Indian Railways network hosts two specific trains managed entirely by IRCTC, often called India’s first private corporate trains. These are the Lucknow-New Delhi Tejas Express and the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central Tejas Express. Unlike standard trains run by the Ministry of Railways, these corporate trains operate under different rules regarding ticket booking, refunds, and onboard services. Many passengers often wonder about the specific differences between these private trains and regular trains like the Shatabdi or Vande Bharat.
Compensation Rules and Passenger Facilities
One major feature that sets these IRCTC trains apart is the delay compensation policy. If the train reaches its destination late by more than one hour, passengers are eligible for a compensation of Rs 100. If the delay exceeds two hours, this amount increases to Rs 250. This facility is currently not available on regular government-run trains.
In addition to compensation, every passenger receives a free travel insurance cover of Rs 25 lakh. The ticket price works on a dynamic fare system, which means the price can increase based on demand. The fare includes high-quality food service, and there is no option to opt-out of catering during booking in many cases.
Difference Between Regular Trains and IRCTC Trains
Travelers should know the operational differences before booking a ticket. The staff on board, including the ticket checking staff, are private employees managed by IRCTC, not government railway employees.
| Feature | Regular Indian Railway Trains | IRCTC Tejas Express |
|---|---|---|
| Operations | Ministry of Railways | IRCTC (Corporate) |
| Delay Refund | No specific rule | Rs 100-250 for delays |
| Ticket Check | Government TTE | Private Hosts/Hostesses |
| Concessions | Senior Citizen/Others (if applicable) | No Concessions allowed |
Current Status and Ticket Booking Process
As per the latest updates, both the Lucknow-New Delhi (82501) and Ahmedabad-Mumbai (82901) Tejas Express are running on their scheduled routes. Recent reports indicate that the Lucknow-Delhi Tejas might face a delay of around 60-70 minutes today, while the Mumbai-Ahmedabad train is running on time.
Passengers planning to travel on these trains must book tickets exclusively through the IRCTC website or authorized agents. There is no facility to book these tickets at physical railway reservation counters. The Advance Reservation Period (ARP) is usually 60 days. Also, parents must note that full fare is charged for children above 5 years of age.