Train travel in India is an adventure. Trains in India are the primary mode of transportation – often overcrowded but you can observe everyday life of locals. The Indian railway network is the fourth longest in the world. Further expansion is underway. State-owned Indian Railways launches over 13,000 passenger trains and over 8,000 freight trains daily. Majority of the metro urban rail networks are operated by independent companies. In the article, I briefly described only the most important information about traveling by train in India.
Last updated: 02.04.2024
Train travel in India – basic information
The railway network in India is very extended, allowing access to many places in the country. The quality of trains varies, from fast express trains to slow and overcrowded suburban trains. The trains are identified by five digit numbers with train-pairs traveling in opposite directions usually labelled with consecutive numbers.
Useful websites:
Indian Railways – official website. Timetable, prices, additional information.
IRCThelp – website about passenger trains in India.
Indian Rail Info – unofficial website about passenger trains in India.
India Railways operates various categories of express trains including, for example: Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express or Gatimaan Express.
Passengers can book tickets through website, smartphone apps, SMS, rail reservation counters at train stations, or through private ticket booking counters. Reserved tickets may be booked up to 120 days in advance and confirmed reservation tickets will show the passenger and fare details along with berth or seat number(s) allocated to them on the ticket.
Reserved tickets can be booked through the Tatkal train ticket, where no refund is applicable on cancellation and fares are higher. A valid proof for the purchase of ticket along with photo identification is required to board the train. Unreserved tickets for short distance travels may be purchased at stations or through UTS mobile app at any time before departure. Holders of such tickets may only board the general or unreserved coaches.
Train tickets in India are very cheap, especially in slow trains. LLower class passenger fares are subsidised. Seats of lower class of accommodation are reserved for women or senior citizens in some trains.
Train travel in India – travel classes
There are many classes in Indian trains. There is a basic division:
First AC – most expensive class in express trains. Separate air-conditioned compartments with private lockable doors, bedding, dedicated attendants and meals served at seat.
First Class – similar to First AC but non air-condidioned. Currently is used only in toy trains.
Executive Anubhuti – air-conditioned seating carriages equipped with retractable, large cushioned seats in 2×2 configuration. The class is equipped with an entertainment system, large luggage compartments, passenger information system, dedicated reading lights, power sockets and call buttons. Meals often provided as a part of the journey ticket. The class is available only in select trains.
AC Executive Class – premium class in air-conditoned seating carriages in express trains. It is equipped with large retractable seats in 2×2 configuration. Meals are often provided as a part of the journey ticket.In Vande Bharat Express trains, the class is equipped with more features including rotating seats, CCTVs, passenger information system, larger toilets, USB ports and automated doors.
Executive Vistadome – air-conditioned panoramic coaches with glass roofs and extra wide windows. Available only in selected trains popular among tourists.
Second AC or AC 2-tier – an air-conditioned sleeping car with wide windows. There are four berths arranged in two-tiers facing each other in a single bay with two-tiered berths arranged on the sides lengthwise across the corridor. Individual berths are equipped with curtains, simple bedding, reading lights and charging sockets.
Third AC or AC 3-tier – an air-conditioned sleeping car. There are six berths arranged in three-tiers facing each other in a single bay with foldable middle berths and two-tiered berths arranged on the sides lengthwise across the corridor. Charging sockets and lights in each compartment are available with simple bedding provided.
AC 3-tier economy – air-conditioned sleeping cars similar to AC 3-tier. Compared to 3-tier coaches, they have an extra middle berth along the aisle. Only a few trains operate with such coaches. Bedding is available for rent.
AC Chair Car – air-conditioned coaches equipped with retractable seats in 3×2 configuration. The class has cushioned seats with tray tables and are equipped with LED reading lights, power sockets along the window side. Meals are provided as a part of the journey ticket in select trains.
Sleeper S – most common sleeping car coach in Indian Railways. These carriages consists six berths arranged in three-tiers facing each other in a single bay with foldable middle berths and two-tiered berths arranged on the sides lengthwise across the corridor. The coaches are not air-conditioned and have open-able windows. There are common charging sockets, ceiling mounted fans and lights in each compartment.
Second sitting D/J – second sitting is the cheapest seating carriage class in the Indian Railways.It is common in most day-time running trains with six seats arranged in 3×3 configuration. The seats may face each other or towards the same side. The coaches are not air-conditioned and have open-able windows. There are common charging sockets, ceiling mounted fans and lights in each compartment.
Unreserved or General – second seating coaches which are not available for reservation and seats are taken on available basis. Sometimes are attached to express trains. Tickets are valid on any train on a route only for within 24 hours of purchase.
Train travel in India – narrow-gauge railways
In India, you can come across interesting narrow-gauge railways. However, it is difficult to find specific information about these lesser-known ones. In recent years, some lines have been converted to a 1435 mm gauge, so there are fewer narrow-gauge railways left. The list includes four of the most important narrow-gauge railways in India. These scenic railway lines are known worldwide. Narrow-gauge trains in India are generally called “Toy train” but it refers also to miniature and park railways. I will describe short narrow-gauge railways such as Bangalore Park Railway in a separate article.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The famous mountain narrow-gauge railway inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Built between 1879-81, the line was extended to New Jalpaiguri in 1964. Along the way, the train passes through India’s highest railway station – Ghoom.
The length of the line is 88 kilometers (according to the official website), with the train traveling at an average speed of 12 kilometers per hour. The journey from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling takes over 7 hours. Despite this, the line is so popular among tourists that during the season, tickets need to be purchased almost a month in advance.
Features of the railway:
– stunning landscapes
– the difference in altitude between the starting station (100 m above sea level) and the final station (2200 m above sea level).
– innovative technical solutions such as loops and zigzags.
– for a long stretch, the track runs alongside the road, giving the impression of a tramway.
Kalka-Shimla Railway
Another very popular mountain narrow-gauge railway in India. The city of Shimla, now the terminus of the railway, was called the summer capital of India during British rule, as many officials would come here to relax during the hot summer days. For their needs,a narrow-gauge railway line was laid to Shimla.
Shimla is interesting due to its geographical location. Located in the Himalayas, in northern India, near the borders with Pakistan, Nepal, China, and the disputed territory of Kashmir.
The 96-kilometer railway line was opened for traffic in 1903. Along the way, the train passes through 102 tunnels (one is out of use) and 864 bridges. The most famous of them is bridge No. 493 – it has three levels of arches. The journey takes about five to six hours.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
The only operating rack railway in India. Located in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India, it connects Mettupalayam and Ooty. The starting station is at an altitude of 326 m above sea level, and the line ends at 2203 m above sea level.
The train route is 46 kilometers long, and the uphill journey takes about 290 minutes, or nearly 5 hours, while the downhill journey takes 215 minutes. The train reaches a maximum speed of 33 kilometers per hour, but for safety reasons, it travels at an average speed of about 10 kilometers per hour and is one of the slowest Indian trains. The railway is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Matheran Hill Railway
A narrow-gauge railway connecting the town of Neral with Matheran in the state of Maharashtra, near Mumbai. The route is approximately 20 kilometers long. The railway was built between 1901-07. Due to its location, the line is susceptible to track washouts caused by monsoons and floods. It is unknown if it is currently operational.
Train travel in India – luxury trains
The wealthiest tourists can traverse India on special, luxurious trains. These trains are composed of refurbished carriages, often in a retro style, where each tourist has a compartment resembling a luxury apartment at their disposal. Comfortable double beds, toilet, shower, television, meals – all included in the price. The trains embark on journeys usually lasting 6-8 days. Along the way, they stop at the most popular places, where guides await passengers to take them on city tours. Several luxury trains operate throughout India, often described in guidebooks.
In general, a description for all trains could look like this:
Famous worldwide, the Indian luxury train. Composed of stylish carriages, beautifully presented both on the outside and inside. Each of the fourteen carriages has a name associated with the region’s history.
All carriages are air-conditioned, each containing four stylishly furnished, double compartments (apartments) with a toilet and shower. Stewards ensure the comfort of passengers.
The train also includes two restaurants offering specialties of Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine, as well as a bar car where passengers can purchase branded drinks from various parts of the world.
During the journey, passengers have access to bottled mineral water, newspapers and magazines, and hygiene products.
Websites of the luxury trains in India:
Palace on Wheels – official website
Maharajas Express – offcial website
Deccan Odyssey – official website
Golden Chariot – official website
Train travel in India – international trains
Currently, India has passenger international connections with Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal. There is a proposed railway line to Myanmar. Is impossible to obtain up-to-date information about timetable, prices etc.
Pakistan
India has a railway connection with Pakistan. The Thar Express train runs once or twice a week from Karachi through Hyderabad to the Indian station Munabao. Previously, passengers were transported by buses from the Pakistani border to Munabao. At Munabao station, passengers transfer to the Indian Thar Link Express train operating on the Munabao – Bhagat Ki Kothi route.
The Samjhauta Express train used to run twice a week between Lahore and Delhi. The train service was suspended due to political tensions; carriages on both sides of the border were detained. According to press reports, the train service was supposed to be resumed soon, but I can’t verify this information.
Thar Express – unofficial timetable
Nepal
There is a passenger service between Jainagar, India to Bhangaha, Nepal operated by Nepal Railway. Total length of the route is 52 km. Timetable is not available.
Bangladesh
There are three international trains between Bangladesh and India.
Maitree Express (Friendship Express) – modern, fully air-conditioned train between Dhaka and Kolkata. Train was inaugurated in 2008 after being closed for 43 years. A valid visa and passport is required beforehand to purchase a ticket for the Maitree Express train. Tickets are available at Dhaka Cantonment railway station in Bangladesh and at Chitpur Station in Kolkata, India. Operating speed is 45 kilometres per hour. The Maitree Express runs five days a week.The train has 10 coaches. 4 AC Executive Class, 4 AC Chair Car and 2 power car brake vans.
Bandhan Express – express train from Kolkhata to Khulna in Bangladesh. All carriages are equipped with air-conditioning. Train covers the distance of 170 km in 5 hours and 20 minutes. The route recreates the previous Barisal Express route. The immigration process is done in Kolkata and Khulna. A valid visa and passport is required before purchasing a ticket for the Bandhan Express train. Tickets are available at Khulna Railway Station in Bangladesh and at Chitpur Station in Kolkata, India. Train runs twice a week.
Mitali Express – international express train from Dhaka to New Jalpaiguri inaugurated in 2022. A valid visa and passport is required beforehand to purchase a ticket for the Mitali Express train. Tickets are available at Dhaka Kamalapur railway station in Dhaka, Bangladesh and at New Jalpaiguri railway station in Siliguri, India. The train starts at Dhaka Cantonment railway station on the Bangladesh side, stopping at Parbatipur and Chilahati and then crosses the border to Haldibari. The distance between Dhaka and Chilahati is 453 km and from Chilahati to New Jalpaiguri is 71 km.[1] Two extra coaches are added at Chilahati for passengers travelling from that area to India. The train then crosses the Indian side, stopping at Haldibari before reaching New Jalpaiguri railway station. Operating speed is 51.12 km/h. The train has 10 coaches. 4 AC Executive Class, 4 AC Chair Car and 2 power car brake vans.
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