From Fastest to Slowest: India's Public Transport

By Sushant Agarwal

Published on | Jun 26, 2025

How India Moves

From high-speed rails to bus rides, here's how fast (or slow) India's public transport really moves.

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Meerut RRTS – India's Fastest Transit

Top Speed: 160 km/h. Designed for swift intercity travel, the Delhi–Meerut RRTS is India's fastest public transport system.

Image Credit: Google

Vande Bharat Express – Semi-High-Speed Marvel

Top Speed: 180 km/h. Although officially faster, its operational speeds are usually 130–160 km/h. Offers comfort with speed on key rail routes.

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Metro Trains – Urban Rapid Lifelines

Top Speed: 80–90 km/h. Reliable, clean, and fast, metros are the pulse of big cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

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Local Trains – Mass Movers of India

Top Speed: 60-100 km/h. From Mumbai’s and Delhi's EMUs to Kolkata’s DEMUs and Chennai locals — they move millions daily at decent speeds.

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Buses – Connecting Every Corner

Top Speed: 60–80 km/h. City buses are slower due to traffic, while express or intercity buses like Volvo reach higher speeds.

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Auto Rickshaws – Quick City Trips

Top Speed: 40–50 km/h. A common urban ride, especially for mid-distance trips. Affordable and maneuverable, though often chaotic.

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Vikram Tempos – Shared Rural Movers

Top Speed: 35–45 km/h. Popular in towns and semi-urban areas. Budget-friendly and overloaded at times, but they get the job done.

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E-Rickshaws – Eco-Friendly Riders

Top Speed: 25–30 km/h. Battery-powered and accessible, these are ideal for short rides in congested or narrow areas.

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Cycle Rickshaws – The Slowest Ride

Top Speed: 10–15 km/h. Slower but nostalgic. Perfect for short distances in small towns and market areas with low traffic.

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Use Public Transport, Curb Pollution

Choosing buses, trains, or rickshaws over private cars helps reduce traffic, fuel usage, and air pollution. Every ride counts!

Image Credit: Google India's Shubhanshu Shukla Blasts Off to ISS After 41 Years