India’s first deluxe train is nearly a century old, was launched on…; not Deccan Odyssey, Maharajas Express, Rajdhani, Golden Chariot, the name is…

Deccan Queen: The Indian Railways manages and operates the world’s third-largest rail network, which includes luxury trains such as the  Maharajas’ Express, the Palace on Wheels, the Deccan Odyssey, and the Golden Chariot, that have set new benchmarks for luxury train travel in India and indeed globally.

But did you know that India’s first deluxe train is nearly a century old, and was launched way back on June 1, 1930 during the British colonial era? Yes, the train in question is the iconic Deccan Queen, aka ‘Dakkan ki Rani’, which holds the distinction of being the first deluxe train to run in India.

Deccan Queen – India’s first deluxe train

The Deccan Queen, named after Pune’s nickname Dakkan Ki Rani (Queen of Deccan), holds the title of being India’s first deluxe train, which embarked on its first journey, June 1, 1930, more than 95 years ago. The train’s launch marked major milestone for the Great Indian Peninsula Railway, the predecessor of the central railways.

Initially, the Deccan Queen had only seven coaches, offering first and second class compartments, setting a new benchmark in luxury train travel for passengers. In 1955, a third-class compartment was added to accommodate more travelers.

Notably, the Deccan Queen underwent a major transformation and modernization in 1966 as the Indian Railways upgraded the iconic train with anti-telescopic, steel-bodied coaches. Additionally, the train’s interiors also received a much-needed upgrade for enhanced passenger comfort.

The remarkable history of Deccan Queen

The Deccan Queen, which runs between Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Pune Junction (PUNE), holds many firsts to its name in Indian Railway history.

It was the first superfast train in India, the first long-distance electric-hauled train, and the first vestibuled train. It was also the first train in the country to feature a women-only car, as well as a separate dining car.

Today, flaunting its  iconic cream and Oxford blue exterior with a red band above the windows, the Deccan Queen remains a symbol of luxury train travel in India, which completed 95 years of service on June 1, 2025.

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