Khajuraho-Udaipur Express generates highest earning of 40.3cr, tops NCR zone

Prayagraj: The Khajuraho-Udaipur Express overtook the iconic Prayagraj Express to claim the top spot in terms of earnings among trains in the North Central Railway (NCR) zone. Operated by the Jhansi Division, the Khajuraho-Udaipur Express generated an impressive revenue of ₹40.36 crore in the financial year 2024-25, marking a steady rise from ₹37.9 crore in the previous year.
In contrast, the Prayagraj Express, which runs from Prayagraj Junction to New Delhi and long held the number one position in the region in terms of earnings, reported earnings of ₹39.49 crore in the same period, down from ₹42.25 crore in 2023-24. Notably, this dip comes despite the Maha Kumbh being organised earlier this year, an event that usually boosts travel demand significantly.
One of the main reasons behind the surge in popularity of the Khajuraho-Udaipur Express is its proximity to the Bageshwar Dham in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh. Passengers arriving at Khajuraho can reach the spiritual site in under an hour, making the train a preferred choice for thousands of devotees and tourists alike.
Another major development in the NCR earnings list is the exclusion of the Kanpur-New Delhi Shatabdi Express from the top 10 for the first time in years. The train now stands at number 11. Meanwhile, Jammu Mail, which began operations between Subedarganj and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra in July 2024, made a strong entry into the top 10 list, earning ₹26.38 crore in just 208 trips.
Commenting on the performance, CPRO Shashikant Tripathi stated, "Compared to Prayagraj Express, the income of Khajuraho-Udaipur Express in FY 2024-25 was significantly higher. Importantly, both trains ran without a single day of cancellation throughout the year."
The figures indicate shifting passenger preferences and growing regional connectivity, with religious and tourist destinations playing a significant role in influencing train travel trends.