1988: The first Shatabdi Express was introduced between New Delhi and Jhansi, creating a new generation of fast daytime intercity trains.

The first Shatabdi Express was introduced in 1988 between New Delhi and Jhansi.

Unlike overnight long-distance services such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi trains were designed primarily for fast daytime journeys between major cities.

The service emphasised air-conditioned chair-car seating, fewer intermediate stops and higher average speeds.

The Shatabdi concept was subsequently expanded to important intercity corridors across India and became highly popular with business travellers, tourists and passengers making same-day journeys.

Shatabdi services represented an important stage in the evolution of Indian passenger trains and helped establish the market for the faster intercity trainsets that would emerge decades later.