Private train between Chennai and Delhi time table, route, frequency, train no., and fare
Private train between Chennai and Delhi
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in Passenger Train Operations Project Indicative Routes Chennai and Delhi
Private train will leave Chennai at 0600 hrs Daily and arrive Delhi at 0900 hrs and train running time between the station 27:00 hrs
Private train will leave Delhi at 1535 hrs Daily and arrive Chennai at 2000 hrs and train running time between the station 28:25 hrs
Distance between Chennai and Delhi Railway Station is 2184 Kilometer
Frequency per week: Daily
I wasn’t able to identify any private (PPP) train service currently running between Chennai and Delhi. However, I found a train that operated as a COVID-era special service, which may still be active or has perhaps transitioned back to regular service.
Contents
Private Train? – Not Active between Chennai and Delhi
There’s no confirmed private or IRCTC-run train operating on a PPP model between Chennai and Delhi at this time. Any mention of such is likely speculative or not yet launched.
Special Service: COVID-Era “Special” Train (02615 / 02616)
While not private, there was a fully reserved special train that ran between Chennai Central (MAS) and New Delhi (NDLS) during the pandemic. Key details:
- Train No. 02615 (MAS → NDLS)
- Departure: 18:50 from Chennai Central
- Arrival: 06:35 two days later (total ~35 h 45 m)
- Train No. 02616 (NDLS → MAS)
- Departure: 16:10 from New Delhi
- Arrival: 04:30 two days later (~36 h 20 m)
- Frequency: Ran daily, fully reserved (Classes: 1A, 2A, 3A, SL, 2S) with e-catering—but no pantry car
- Distance & Route: ~2,182 km via major stations like Vijayawada, Nagpur, Bhopal, Jhansi, Agra Cantt, and Mathura
Note: This was a special service; it may now be replaced by or reverted to the regular Grand Trunk Express (12615/12616). Confirm via IRCTC or booking platforms.
Regular Trains: Chennai ⇄ Delhi (Direct, Confirmed)
Here’s a breakdown of regular and reliable train services:
• Tamil Nadu Superfast Express (12621)
- Departs: 22:00 daily (except Sunday)
- Arrives: 06:30 next day
- Duration: ~32 h 30 m — fastest over a standard path
- Fare:
- 1A: ₹5,158
- 2A: ₹2,985
- 3A: ₹2,032
- SL: ₹809
• Grand Trunk Express (12615)
- Departs: 18:10 daily
- Arrives: 05:10 next day
- Duration: ~35 h
- Fares:
- 1A: ₹5,285
- 2A: ₹3,100
- 3A: ₹2,140
- SL: ₹820
• Duronto Express (12269)
- Departs: 06:35 (Mon & Fri)
- Arrives: 10:40 next (Tue & Sat)
- Duration: ~28 h 05 m — fastest coverage
- Fares:
- SL: ₹880
- 3A: ₹2,370
- 2A: ₹3,445
- 1A: ₹5,880
• Rajdhani Express (12433)
- Departs: 06:05 (Sun & Fri)
- Arrives: 10:30 (Mon & Sat)
- Duration: ~28 h 25 m
- Fares:
- 1A: ~₹5,880 (plus ₹465 catering charges)
- 2A: ₹3,445 (+ ₹395)
- 3A: ₹2,370 (+ ₹395)
• Garib Rath Express (12611)
- Departs: 06:00 (Saturday)
- Arrives: 10:30 (Sunday)
- Duration: ~28 h 30 m
- Fare (3A only): ~₹1,470 — economical AC option
Quick Comparison Table
| Train Type | Departure | Duration | Frequency | Approx Fare (3A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special (02615/16) | 18:50 | ~35h 45m | Daily (COVID-era) | Varies (special tariff) |
| Duronto Express (12269) | 06:35 | ~28h 05m | Mon & Fri | ~₹2,370 |
| Rajdhani Express (12433) | 06:05 | ~28h 25m | Sun & Fri | ~₹2,370 |
| Tamil Nadu SF Exp (12621) | 22:00 | ~32h 30m | Daily (Except Sun) | ~₹2,032 |
| Grand Trunk Exp (12615) | 18:10 | ~35h | Daily | ~₹2,140 |
| Garib Rath (12611) | 06:00 | ~28h 30m | Saturday | ~₹1,470 |
Community Insight
One traveler noted the superiority of Rajdhani/Duronto performance and comfort on long-distance routes:
“Rajdhani is best on any route on which it is available.”
Another praised the Duronto’s cleaner, less-crowded journey compared to other trains.
What You Can Do Next
- For a fast and comfortable ride, the Duronto Express or Rajdhani Express are the best bets.
- Prefer daily convenience? Consider the Tamil Nadu Express or Grand Trunk Express.
- To check current availability, live fares, or book: visit IRCTC, ConfirmTkt, Ixigo, or similar platforms.
- Let me know your travel date and class preference (e.g., 1A, 2A, 3A), and I can help you pick the best train for your trip!
Happy to assist with booking tips or any further comparisons.
