Rajdhani Express was introduced in 1969, for providing fast connections (up to 140 km/h/87 mph, speed varies depending upon the particular track section) from various railway stations in the capital city of New Delhi to the capital cities of various states in India (or, in certain cases, prominent cities within the state the train serves). The first Rajdhani Express left New Delhi station for Howrah station to cover a distance of 1, 445 km in 16 hours 55mins.