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Mahamana Express

Mahamana Express is a superfast express series of trains operated by Indian Railways in India. Initially it was started using ICF coaches with substantially improved facilities as compared to other superfast express trains in India. As of June 2025, only one Mahamana Express services use the original upgraded ICF coaches which is the Bhopal Khajuraho Mahamana Express that got LHB coaches from today 15 feb 2026. The others have been converted to regular LHB coaches as in most other trains in India.

This train is named in the honour of Madan Mohan Malaviya (Mahamana), a freedom fighter and an education reformer who established Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.

Overview

Mahamana Express was launched in 2016 with improved facilities for passengers compared to other superfast express trains in India. The first Mahamana Express connected Delhi and Varanasi. The first run saw a 15% hike in fare due to the upgraded facilities.

Model Rake

The train was introduced with Model Rakes modified by Indian Railways under Make In India scheme. The coaches contain some modern facilities like:

  • Toilet: Bigger mirror, platform wash basin, controlled discharged water tap, odour control system, exhaust fans, LED lights, dustbin inside the toilet, All the toilets are fitted with bio-toilets, in line with Indian Railways' vision to make tracks defecation free.
  • Ladder: Ergonomically designed Ladders for climbing up to upper berths are provided in all coaches.
  • Side berths: Snack tables are provided for side berth passengers also with innovative design side lower berth arrangement.
  • Windows: Windows with powered Venetian blinds and roller blinds instead of conventional curtains.
  • Lighting: LED-based berth indicators for reserved coaches, and all other illumination.
  • Charging Points: Charging points are made available for every berth.
  • Safety: Fire extinguishers in all coaches.
  • Pantry Car: Modular pantry with electric chimneys.

Traction

Since inaugural run, the first Mahamana Express runs on ICF Rakes with WDM-3A or WDP-4 and WAP-5 and in 2026 all Mahamana Express trains get an LHB Coaches upgrade they hauled by WAP-5 and WAP-7.

Active routes

there are 6 active routes of Mahamana Express below

References

See also