9 Slowest Trains in India Worth Knowing

Many of these trains stop at almost every small station, run on older or busy tracks, or pass through places where speed simply is not possible. In a few cases, like hill railways, going slow is the only safe way to run.

This article breaks down 9 of the slowest trains in India and explains what is really happening behind that low speed. No exaggeration, no assumptions. Just clear reasons backed by how Indian Railways actually operates.

And honestly, not all slow trains are a bad experience. Some are slow because they are doing a job that faster trains simply cannot.

Reality Check

A train being “slow” in India is usually about average speed, not maximum speed. Many trains can run fast between stations, but frequent stops, signal waiting, and traffic reduce the overall journey speed. So what feels slow is often just how the system is designed to work.

Table of Contents

1. Kalka to Shimla Passenger (Toy Train)

Average speed: about 18 to 22 km/h

Kalka Shimla toy train at Kumarhatti Dagshai station in Himachal Pradesh surrounded by hills — *The Kalka Shimla toy train stopping at a small hill station, showing how mountain routes naturally limit train speed*

This train spends most of its time turning rather than running straight.

The route includes more than 100 tunnels and hundreds of bridges. The narrow gauge track and sharp curves naturally limit speed. Even if the train wanted to go faster, the track simply does not allow it.

After a while, you stop thinking about speed and start noticing the scenery instead.

2. Mettupalayam to Udagamandalam (Ooty) Passenger

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway toy train crossing a bridge in the hills with steam engine — *The Darjeeling toy train moving slowly across a bridge, highlighting its scenic and low-speed mountain journey*

Average speed: about 10 to 13 km/h

This is one train where calling it slow is almost missing the point.

Running on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, it climbs steep gradients using a rack and pinion system. That system physically controls how fast the train can move, especially on uphill sections.

At this speed, you are not really travelling in a hurry. You are watching the hills, forests, and curves unfold slowly. And that is exactly how this railway was designed to be experienced.

Who Should Choose These Trains?

Not every journey needs to be fast. These trains make more sense in certain situations, especially when speed is not your top priority.

If you are travelling to smaller towns where faster trains do not stop

If you prefer a budget-friendly option over premium express trains

If you want a scenic journey, especially on hill routes like Ooty or Shimla

If your travel is flexible and you are not in a hurry

3. New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling Passenger (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway)

Darjeeling Mail train coach showing Sealdah to New Jalpaiguri route board on Indian Railways — *The Darjeeling Mail coach displaying its route, a long-distance train known for multiple stops and moderate average speed*

Average speed: about 10 to 15 km/h

This is probably one of the few trains where walking alongside it for a short stretch would not feel impossible.

The train climbs using loops and zigzag reversals, which are necessary for gaining height in steep terrain. In some sections, it runs right next to roads and local markets.

It feels slow, but it is actually operating exactly the way it was engineered to.

4. Island Express (Kanyakumari to Bengaluru)

Indian Railways express train coach at platform with route board and passengers visible inside — *A long-distance Indian Railways coach at a station, representing trains that operate with multiple stops and moderate speeds*

Average speed: about 35 km/h

Now this is a regular express train, but its average speed often surprises people.

The route passes through some of the busiest railway sections in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. With frequent stops and heavy traffic, the train rarely gets long uninterrupted runs.

So even though it is capable of higher speeds, the overall journey feels slower because of waiting time and operational adjustments.

5. Himsagar Express (Kanyakumari to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra)

Himsagar Express route board showing Kanyakumari to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra on Indian Railways coach — *The Himsagar Express route display, one of India’s longest train journeys with multiple stops affecting average speed*

Average speed: about 50 km/h

One of the longest train routes in India.

When a train travels across multiple states and railway zones, delays naturally build up. There are more stops, more checks, and more chances of being held for other trains.

It is not slow in short stretches, but when you look at the full journey, the average speed drops.

6. Guwahati to Lumding Passenger

Indian Railways luggage coach with passenger train route board showing slow passenger services — *A luggage coach attached to a passenger train, typically part of slower services with frequent stops*

Average speed: about 30 km/h

This train is built for connectivity, not speed.

It stops at many smaller stations and runs through sections where track capacity is limited. In some areas, trains still operate on single lines, which means waiting for crossings.

For many passengers, this train is not slow. It is necessary.

7. Jodhpur to Jaisalmer Passenger

Indian passenger train curving through desert landscape in Rajasthan with long route and multiple coaches — *A passenger train crossing a desert route in Rajasthan, where long distances and operational factors affect average speed*

Average speed: about 30 to 35 km/h

A desert route with its own pace.

The train stops at multiple small stations and often waits for crossings on single line sections. These short waits may not seem like much, but they add up over the journey.

So even if parts of the route feel open and fast, the overall timing tells a different story.

8. Howrah to Amta Local

Indian suburban EMU train near Amta route with speed limit sign showing 15 km/h on track — *A suburban EMU train on a low-speed section, where frequent stops and track limits reduce average speed*

Average speed: about 25 to 30 km/h

This is a suburban EMU train, and speed is not what it is designed for. Compared to the Fastest Trains in India, which focus on covering long distances quickly, these trains are built for frequent stops and daily commuting.

Stations are very close to each other, so the train barely accelerates before it has to slow down again. Add heavy daily passenger movement, and the schedule stays tightly controlled.

In this case, going faster would actually reduce efficiency, not improve it.

9. Chennai Beach to Velachery MRTS

*Indian suburban EMU train arriving at platform with curved track and station infrastructure*

Average speed: about 30 km/h

If you have travelled in Chennai, this one will feel familiar.

This train runs through a dense urban corridor with closely spaced stations. The goal here is accessibility and frequency, not high speed.

It is built to move people within the city, and for that purpose, this speed works perfectly.

FAQ

Which is the slowest train in India +

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway train between Mettupalayam and Ooty is considered one of the slowest, with an average speed around 10 to 13 km per hour due to steep gradients and safety limits.

Why are some trains in India so slow +

Trains may run slowly due to terrain, frequent stops, track congestion, or single-line sections. In hill routes, speed is limited for safety, while in busy routes, trains often wait for signals.

Are slow trains in India less reliable +

Not necessarily. Many slow trains are reliable and run on fixed schedules. They may take longer, but they play an important role in connecting smaller towns and local routes.

Do slow trains have lower ticket prices +

In most cases, yes. Passenger and slower trains are usually more affordable than premium trains like Rajdhani or Vande Bharat, making them suitable for budget travel.

Are slow trains useful for travel in India +

Yes, they are very useful, especially for short distances and regional travel. They connect stations where faster trains do not stop and are widely used by daily commuters.

9 Slowest Trains in India: A Detailed Overview