By News Desk 
The Indian Railways, recognized as the fourth-largest rail network in the world, operates thousands of trains every day, transporting millions of passengers across the country. With its vast reach and infrastructure, it plays a vital role in connecting India’s 1.4 billion population.
Over 13,000 Passenger Trains Operated Daily
On average, Indian Railways runs approximately 13,000 passenger trains daily. These include long-distance express services, intercity connections, and local trains, providing essential transport services to a diverse demographic.
A Diverse Fleet of Train Services
Indian Railways operates a wide range of trains across different categories and service classes. These include high-speed and premium services like the Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express, Duronto, and the modern Vande Bharat Express. In addition, mail and passenger trains, suburban locals, and DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Units) services cater to regional and rural travelers.
Trains Serving Millions, Generating Massive Revenue
While a significant portion of Indian Railways’ revenue comes from freight operations, passenger trains contribute a large share through ticket sales. Every year, these trains serve hundreds of millions of travelers, making Indian Railways one of the busiest transport systems globally.
India’s Most Profitable Train
Contrary to popular belief, it is not the Shatabdi or Vande Bharat Express that earns the most revenue for Indian Railways. The title of the highest revenue-generating train goes to the Rajdhani Express—specifically, the KSR Bengaluru Rajdhani Express, which operates under the Northern Railway zone.
KSR Bengaluru Rajdhani Express: A Revenue Powerhouse
Running between Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi) and KSR Bengaluru City Junction, the KSR Bengaluru Rajdhani Express stands as the top-earning train for the national transporter.
Revenue Figures from FY 2022-23
According to official data released by Indian Railways, the KSR Bengaluru Rajdhani Express generated ₹1,76,06,66,339 (approximately ₹176 crore) in revenue during the financial year 2022–23. During this period, the train served 509,510 passengers, making it both a commercial and operational success.
This performance highlights not only the critical role of premium services like the Rajdhani Express but also the trust and preference of long-distance travelers in high-speed rail connectivity.