Kolkata, Sep 18 - A new superfast train service was launched in India Friday that promises to cut travelling time between New Delhi and Kolkata by 90 minutes without any stops on the way.

Flagged off by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, the the splashily painted Duronto - speedy in Bengali - Express will cover the 1,454 km distance between Sealdah station in Kolkata and New Delhi 90 minutes quicker than the present inter-city Rajdhani Express.

While the Rajdhani Express completes the journey in 18 hours, Duronto takes only 16 hours and 30 minutes.

The train will adhere to the speed limit of 110 kmph, but reach faster as there are not commercial stoppages. The Sealdah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express has six commercial stoppages.

Another Duronto Express will be flagged off between Chennai and New Delhi next week. Other metros will also be connected in due course by these nonstop, superfast trains.

The Sealdah-New Delhi Duronto will have one AC I-tier coach, three AC II-tier coaches, four AC III-tier coaches and five economy AC III-tier coaches besides generator cars.