Initially, the train was introduced with two rakes of seven coaches, each one of which was painted in silver with scarlet mouldings and the other with royal blue with gold lines

The under frames of the coaches of the original rakes were built in England while the coach bodies were built in the Matunga Workshop of the GIP Railway

The Deccan Queen, initially, had only first class and second-class accommodation. First class was abolished on 1st January 1949 and second class was redesigned as first class, which continued up to June 1955 when third class was introduced on this train for the first time. This was later re-designated as second class from April 1974 onwards

The coaches of the original rakes were replaced in 1966 by anti-telescopic steel bodied integral coaches built by Integral Coach Factory, Perambur. These coaches incorporated improved design of bogies for better riding comfort and also improvements in the interior furnishings and fittings. The number of coaches in the rake was also increased to 12 from the original 7 coaches providing additional accommodation. Over the year the number of coaches in the train has been increased to the present level of 16 coaches

From its inception, besides offering high standards of passenger comfort, the train has seen several improvements, including the first-ever introduction in India of coaches with roller bearings, the replacement of end-on-generation coaches with self-generating coaches featuring a 110-volt system, and the introduction of first- and second-class chair cars to provide increased accommodation