Bilaspur–New Delhi Rajdhani Express

The 12441 / 12442 Bilaspur-New Delhi Rajdhani Express is a Rajdhani Express train belonging to Indian Railways – Northern Railway zone that runs between Bilaspur Junction and New Delhi in India.

It operates as train number 12441 from Bilaspur Junction to New Delhi and as train number 12442 in the reverse direction, serving the states of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.It is the fastest train in Bilaspur - Delhi route via Nagpur.Some trains that run between Bilaspur - Delhi route via Nagpur are Chhattisgarh Express,Raigarh–Hazrat Nizamuddin Gondwana Express.Currently this is the only Rajdhani in the entire Indian Railway network to have locomotive/rake reversal. The locomotive/rake reversal for both the trains occurs at Nagpur Jn(NGP).

Coaches
The 12441 / 42 Bilaspur–New Delhi Rajdhani Express presently has 1 AC 1st Class, 6 AC 2 tier, 10 AC 3 tier, Pantry car and 2 End on Generator coaches.

As is customary with most train services in India, coach composition may be amended at the discretion of Indian Railways depending on demand.

It was the last Rajdhani class train to get LHB coach (in 2016). Now all Rajdhani services are LHBfied.

Service
The 12441 Bilaspur–New Delhi Rajdhani Express covers the distance of 1501 kilometres in 20 hours 45 mins (72.34 km/h) and in 20 hours 15 mins as 12442 New Delhi–Bilaspur Rajdhani Express (74.12 km/h).

As the average speed of the train is above 55 km/h, as per Indian Railways rules, its fare includes a Superfast surcharge.

Route
The 12441 / 12442 Bilaspur–New Delhi Rajdhani Express runs from Bilaspur Junction via Raipur Junction, Nagpur New Delhi.

It reverses direction of travel at Nagpur. In the year 2009, This train was extended up till Howrah Junction for providing Bhopal Junction–Howrah Junction connection. That time the train used to depart Howrah Junction at 21.35 P.M., Tatanagar at 01.05 A.M., Bilaspur Junction at 08.05 A.M., Nagpur at 14.35 P.M. and reached New Delhi on 3rd day morning at 05.20 A.M. On return the train used to depart New Delhi at 20.35 P.M., Nagpur at 10.49 A.M., Bilaspur Junction at 17.34 P.M. Tatanagar at 00.40 A.M. and reached Howrah Junction at 04.20 A.M. From grey area of 2009, the extended service was withdrawn.

Traction
As the route is fully electrified, it is hauled from end to end by a Ajni Loco Shed-based WAP-7 electric locomotive.

Timings

 * 12441 Bilaspur–New Delhi Rajdhani Express leaves Bilaspur Junction every Monday & Thursday at 14:00 hrs IST and reaches New Delhi at 10:40 hrs IST the next day.
 * 12442 New Delhi–Bilaspur Rajdhani Express leaves New Delhi every Tuesday & Saturday at 15:25 hrs IST and reaches Bilaspur Junction at 12:00 hrs IST the next day.