Context
- Tejas Express is India’s first IRCTC-operated corporate passenger train, launched on the Lucknow–New Delhi route in 2019.
- It marked an experiment with corporate participation in passenger-train operations to improve service quality and passenger experience.
What is Tejas Express?
- Tejas Express is a premium, fully air-conditioned, chair-car train service designed to provide enhanced passenger comfort and onboard services.
- The Lucknow–New Delhi service is operated by IRCTC.
- The train connects Lucknow and New Delhi, with major scheduled halts including Kanpur Central and Ghaziabad.
- It offers AC Chair Car and Executive Class seating.
Why was Tejas Express Significant?
- First Corporate-Run Train: The Lucknow–New Delhi Tejas was the first passenger train operated by IRCTC rather than directly by Indian Railways.
- Corporate Participation: It represented an experiment with greater participation of a railway PSU in passenger-train operations.
- Premium Services: The focus was not merely on transportation but also on improving the overall passenger experience through catering, housekeeping and infotainment services.
- Revenue Orientation: The model aimed to combine improved passenger services with commercially viable train operations.
Q. With reference to the Tejas Express, consider the following statements:
1. The Lucknow–New Delhi Tejas Express was the first passenger train operated by IRCTC.
2. IRCTC is a private company independent of the Ministry of Railways.
3. Tejas Express is associated with premium passenger amenities such as catering, housekeeping and infotainment services.
4. The Lucknow–New Delhi Tejas Express commenced its inaugural commercial service in 2019.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation
• Statement 1: Correct. The Lucknow–New Delhi Tejas was the first passenger train operated by IRCTC under the corporate-train model.
• Statement 2: Incorrect. IRCTC is a Government of India public-sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, not an independent private company.
• Statement 3: Correct. The service introduced premium facilities including food and beverage services, housekeeping, security and infotainment.
• Statement 4: Correct. The first IRCTC Tejas Express began operations on 4 October 2019 on the Lucknow–New Delhi route.