Agartala–Anand Vihar Terminal Tejas Rajdhani Express

The 20501 / 20502 Agartala – Anand Vihar Terminal Tejas Rajdhani Express is a flagship Rajdhani-class train operated by Indian Railways. It connects Agartala, the capital city of state of Tripura in Northeast India, to Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi, the national capital. Notably, it is the only Rajdhani-class train originating from the eastern part of India that terminates at Anand Vihar Terminal, instead of New Delhi Railway station in Delhi.

It became the first Rajdhani express to be rolled out with Tejas Express Liveried Sleeper LHB Coaches from 15 February 2021.

Service details
The 20501 Agartala – Anand Vihar Terminal Tejas Rajdhani Express is a weekly train departing every Monday from Agartala at 13:50 hrs and arriving at Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi at 10:50 hrs on Wednesday. Covering a distance of 2593 km in 43 hours and 40 minutes, with an average speed of 59 km/hr. On its return journey as the 20502 Anand Vihar Terminal – Agartala Tejas Rajdhani Express, the train departs from Anand Vihar Terminal on Wednesday at 19:50 hrs and reaches Agartala at 15:40 hrs on Friday. Similarly, it covers the 2593 km distance in 43 hours and 50 minutes, with an average speed of 59 km/hr.

Coach composition
The train has 21 LHB Coaches Of Tejas Express livery, capable of achieving a maximum speed of 130 km/h. The coach configuration is:


 * 1 First AC
 * 4 AC II Tier
 * 12 AC III Tier
 * 1 Pantry Car
 * 2 End-on Generator Car
 * 1 Luggage Van

Traction
A Siliguri Loco Shed based WDP-4/WDP-4B/WDP-4D diesel locomotive hauls the train from Agartala to Guwahati. From Guwahati to Anand Vihar Terminal the train is hauled by a Ghaziabad Loco Shed based WAP-7 electric locomotive and vice versa.

Running
During the time of its introduction, the Agartala Rajdhani Express use to traverse via Katihar- Barauni – Patliputra route to Delhi. However, on 15 January 2024, due to commercial requirements and passenger demand, the Railway Board approved its re-routing via Malda Town – Bhagalpur – Jamalpur – Patna route, with commercial stoppages at Malda Town, Bhagalpur, Jamalpur and Patna Junction.