Indian Train Names Inspired by Literature, Poetry, and Poets

India’s railway network is more than just a mode of transport — it’s a moving tapestry of the country’s heritage, art, and imagination. Among its thousands of trains, some stand out for their names inspired by literature, poetry, and legendary poets, paying tribute to India’s timeless love for words, rhythm, and thought. Each name reflects a story — of journeys, emotions, and the poetic soul of India.  

1. Shatabdi Express – Poetry in Motion

The Shatabdi Express was introduced in 1988 to mark Jawaharlal Nehru’s birth centenary, with its name suggested by renowned poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan.
“Shatabdi,” meaning century, perfectly symbolizes progress and continuity — much like Bachchan’s verses on time and life.

2. Geetanjali Express – Tagore’s Song Offerings

Named after Rabindranath Tagore’s Nobel Prize-winning work “Gitanjali”, this train connects Mumbai and Howrah, bridging western and eastern India — just as Tagore’s writings bridged hearts and cultures.

3. Kavi Guru Express – Honoring the Poet Teacher

The Kavi Guru Express was launched in 2011 to celebrate 150 years of Rabindranath Tagore. Running across various routes, it carries forward the poet’s message of unity, beauty, and creativity — connecting India through poetry on wheels.

4. Humsafar Express – A Poetic Journey Together

“Humsafar” — meaning companion — resonates with Urdu poetry, where it often symbolizes love, friendship, and shared journeys. The Humsafar Express captures that sentiment, offering travelers comfort, warmth, and the joy of traveling together.

5. Pushpak Express – Inspired by Ancient Epics

Derived from the Pushpaka Vimana, the mythical chariot in the Ramayana, this train represents imagination, speed, and wonder — a nod to India’s rich storytelling traditions that blend mythology with poetry.

6. Udayan Express – Symbol of New Beginnings

“Udayan” translates to rising sun or new dawn, a theme found in countless Sanskrit and Hindi poems. This train reflects optimism and renewal, mirroring the poetic spirit of fresh starts and hopeful journeys.

7. Sanghamitra Express – Enlightened Journeys

Named after Princess Sanghamitra, Emperor Ashoka’s daughter, this train represents compassion, learning, and peace — ideals echoed in Buddhist poetry and Indian philosophy.

8. Ananya Express – The Incomparable Spirit

The Ananya Express, meaning unique or matchless, takes its name from Sanskrit literature, where “Ananya” denotes devotion and beauty. Its poetic essence makes it stand out, just like the diverse landscapes it crosses.

9. Janmabhoomi Express – Tribute to the Motherland

A word often found in patriotic literature, Janmabhoomi (Motherland) reflects emotional attachment to one’s roots. The Janmabhoomi Express, connecting Visakhapatnam to Ahmedabad, celebrates that literary spirit of belonging.

10. Vivek Express – Words of Wisdom in Motion

Named after Swami Vivekananda, the Vivek Express honors his philosophical and literary contributions. Spanning from Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari, it’s India’s longest-running train — symbolizing unity through words, thought, and distance.

Featured Routes Map & Highlights

Here are a few iconic routes that connect India’s literary soul:

• Geetanjali Express: Mumbai – Howrah (Tagore’s land of Bengal to the cultural heart of Maharashtra)

• Kavi Guru Express: Howrah – Kamakhya (Tagore’s poetic trail through the Northeast)

• Shatabdi Express: New Delhi – Bhopal (named by Harivansh Rai Bachchan, India’s heartland poet)

• Vivek Express: Dibrugarh – Kanyakumari (the longest poetic journey — from Assam’s tea hills to Tamil Nadu’s shores)

Travel Tips for Literature Lovers

• Carry a poetry collection or travel journal — let the rhythm of the train inspire your words.

• Visit bookstores and libraries at major junctions — cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Chennai have rich literary histories.

• Time your journey with literary festivals — like the Jaipur Literature Festival or Kolkata Book Fair.

• Choose night trains to enjoy the quiet, reflective ambience of long-distance travel — perfect for reading or writing.

The Poetry of Indian Railways

From Tagore’s Gitanjali to Bachchan’s lyrical “Shatabdi,” the Indian Railways beautifully merges movement and meaning. These train names reflect how literature and travel share a common spirit — both are journeys of discovery, connection, and reflection. Every railway line becomes a stanza, and every station a pause in the poem of India.

People Also Ask

1. Which Indian train is named after a poet?
The Kavi Guru Express honors Rabindranath Tagore.

2. What is the origin of “Shatabdi Express”?
It was named by poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan for Nehru’s centenary.

3. Which train connects literature with mythology?
The Pushpak Express, inspired by the Ramayana.

4. What’s India’s longest train route?
The Vivek Express from Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari.