To truly experience India—its people, culture, and diverse landscapes—there’s no better way than travelling by train on one of the largest railway systems in the world. Indian Railways, a massive state-owned entity, is the largest employer in the world, transporting 10 million passengers daily.. Remarkably, despite its scale, the system remains efficient and poetic, offering a unique way to experience the pace and rhythms of South Asia while witnessing the changing scenery from a train window.
The history of Indian Railways dates back to British colonists, who laid much of the 62,000 kilometres (38,525 miles) of track. They also left behind sturdy Victorian artifacts like clocks, benches, and scales, which can still be found on platforms throughout India.
As a government-run entity, Indian Railways often operates under political influence, with transport schedules sometimes accommodating the needs of local lawmakers. For instance, the rapid inter-city trunk services, known as Rajdhani (connecting Delhi to various state capitals), often experience delays due to interspersed halts demanded by political constituencies. However, despite this political sway, Indian Railways remains an impressive operation. It is managed by the Railway Board, led by a chairman who is always a railway engineer, and is divided into nine zones, each with its own unique characteristics. For example, the Central Railway has inherited much of its structure from the former Great Indian Peninsular Railway.
Reservations and Ticketing
In recent years, the reservation and ticketing process for Indian Railways has become automated at most stations, simplifying the process for travellers. Train Ticket Booking can be online through redRail.
Luxury Train Services
For a more luxurious experience, India offers special train services such as the Palace on Wheels through Rajasthan, complete with two turbaned valets per carriage. First-class, air-conditioned cabins on Indian Railways are on par with luxury train services worldwide, offering the comfort of train travel without sacrificing convenience or speed. When you consider the value for money compared to air travel—without the airport hassles—you’ll find train travel is often the more relaxing option. Budget travellers can also enjoy comfortable journeys in second-class, air-conditioned, three-tier sleeper coaches, which provide relief from the dust and heat.
The Golden Age of Steam
Although steam locomotives have largely been phased out, one famous route has been preserved: the Ootacamund line in the Nilgiris. While the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is being converted to diesel, India still boasts two of the oldest working steam locomotives—Tweed and Mersey—both dating back to 1873. These engines continue to haul sugar cane on private industrial lines in Uttar Pradesh during winter.
In some remote areas, you can still spot steam locomotives operating on abandoned branch lines, especially in the North East Zone near the Uttar Pradesh and Bihar border. However, Indian Railways headquarters in New Delhi may not be the best place to inquire about these steam engines, as they are often overlooked.
Prime Routes and Scenic Journeys
Not all progress has been smooth. In 1994, it was possible to travel across the entire subcontinent on one gauge, but the transition to broad gauge has limited some routes. However, travellers can still embark on remarkable journeys, such as the 4,000-kilometer (2,490-mile) trip from Ledo in Assam to Jhaj in Gujarat, which takes five to seven days. The landscape transforms from the lush rhino tracks of Brahmaputra to the rice fields of West Bengal and the wheat fields of Uttar Pradesh. Rajasthan’s deserts stretch towards the Rann of Kutch, home to the wild galloping ass, and the coastlines along the subcontinent are equally spectacular, particularly the Coromandel Coast leading to Chennai. The extension of the Konkan Railway from Mumbai to Mangalore has opened up another stunning coastal stretch.
India offers a range of charming options for those interested in mountain railways. The narrow-gauge line from Matheran near Mumbai is particularly quaint, while the famous Darjeeling “Toy Train” is recognised worldwide. Contrary to popular belief, the Darjeeling line does not use the “rack” system (which only operates on the Coonoor line) and is not a narrow gauge but a meter gauge railway.
The hill railway to Simla is renowned for its tunnels, but an even better view of the Himalayas can be enjoyed on the Kangra Valley narrow gauge line.
For railway enthusiasts, the world’s largest broad gauge rail line—famous for triple-headed trains that haul iron ore for export from Kirandul to Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh—is an engineering marvel. Another impressive route is the Western Ghats line from Tenkasi to Quilon and,and the newly opened Mangalore to Hassan line. In Rajasthan, the line from Jodhpur to Udaipur passes through dense forests and climbs the Aravalli range, offering stunning views.
Conclusion
Train travel in India provides a full, and immersive experience that allows travellers to explore the country’s many landscapes as well as its diverse cultures and historical past. From the lavish Palace on Wheels to scenic routes through the Western Ghats, Indian Railways has something to offer all types of travellers.
When planning your travels it is essential to use services such as PNR Enquiry that allow travellers to verify their reservation status and plan their travels efficiently. If you’re taking an elite route or a railway journey of a historic nature, getting informed of your ticket’s status via PNR Enquiry will ensure a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.