Mahamana Express
Superfast train in India
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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.[2][3]
| Mahamana Express | |
|---|---|
New Delhi-Varanasi Mahamana Express | |
| Overview | |
| Status | Active |
| First service | 22 January 2016[1] |
| Current operator | Indian Railways |
| Website | http://indianrail.gov.in |
| On-board services | |
| Classes | AC 1st Class, 2 Tier, 3 Tier and Sleeper |
| Seating arrangements | Yes |
| Sleeping arrangements | Yes |
| Catering facilities | On-board catering |
| Entertainment facilities | Electric outlets Reading Lights & Curtains (In some classes) |
| Baggage facilities | Underseat / Overhead racks |
| Other facilities | Bedrolls (In 1A, 2A, 3A classes only) Passenger Information System |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | ICF rakes (Modified Interiors) and normal LHB rakes |
| Track gauge | 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) broad gauge |
| Track owner | Indian Railways |
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.[4]
Overview
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:[6]
- 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
Active routes
| Number | Route | First Run | Rake |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22417/18 | Varanasi - New Delhi Mahamana Express | 22 January 2016 | LHB |
| 22163/64 | Bhopal - Khajuraho Mahamana Express | 13 July 2017 | LHB |
| 20903/04 | Ekta Nagar - Varanasi Mahamana Express | 22 September 2017 | LHB |
| 20905/06 | Ekta Nagar - Rewa Mahamana Express | 09 March 2019 | LHB |
| 19319/20 | Veraval - Indore Mahamana Express | 29 June 2018[7] | LHB |
| 19333/34 | Indore - Bikaner Mahamana Express | 26 January 2019[7] | LHB |