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 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 ran on ICF Rakes with WDM-3A or WDP-4 and WAP-5. Since 2026, all Mahamana Express have been upgraded to LHB Coaches and are now hauled by WAP-5 and WAP-7 locomotives.
Active routes There are 6 active routes of Mahamana Express below: NumberRouteFirst RunRake22417/18Varanasi - New Delhi Mahamana Express22 January 2016LHB22163/64Bhopal - Khajuraho Mahamana Express13 July 2017LHB20903/04Ekta Nagar - Varanasi Mahamana Express22 September 2017LHB20905/06Ekta Nagar - Rewa Mahamana Express09 March 2019LHB19319/20Veraval - Indore Mahamana Express29 June 2018LHB19333/34Indore - Bikaner Mahamana Express26 January 2019LHB
References
See also