India
General train travel information for INDIA. Rail travel tours, accommodation, sightseeing.
Brief History
The history of Indian railroads began with proposals to build railroads in Madras in 1832. The first railway line in India was called the Red Hill Railroad and was built by Arthur Cotton to transport granite for road construction. It was opened on September 12, 1837, but was used only for freight transport.
The first passenger train in India, operated by the Great Indian Peninsula Railway, began operations on April 16, 1853, a distance of 34 kilometers between Mumbai and Thane. The first railroad bridges in India were built in Thane in 1854. Then in 1854, passenger travel began in East India and in 1856 in South India.
With the passage of time, the Indian railroads developed and modernized. In 1925, the first electric passenger train was started between Victoria Terminus and Kurla. In 1986, computerized ticket booking and sales were introduced in New Delhi. In 1998, the use of coupon verification machines at Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chhatrapati station was started. In 2000, the official website of Indian Railways came into existence.
As of 2017, the plan is to fully electrify the entire Indian rail network by 2022 or 2023, and by 2030, Indian Railways plans to become net-zero carbon emitting.
General Information and Statistics
Indian Railways, part of the Ministry of Railways of the Government of India, operates the country's national railway system. As of 2022, the total length of railway tracks is 68,043 km . Of the track length, 58,812 km are electrified.
In 2020, Indian Railways will carry 808.6 crore (8.086 billion) passengers. There are 13,169 passenger trains plying daily in the railroad system, serving both long distance and suburban routes and serving 7,325 stations across India.
In addition, the Government of India has committed to electrify the entire rail network by 2023-24 and achieve zero-carbon railroad status by 2030.
What connections to other countries there are.
India has rail connections with the following countries Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
Are trains fast in India in general? How much time to cross the country?
In general, trains in India have different speeds, and their speed depends on the type of train and the route they travel. The fastest train in India is the Vande Bharat Express (also known as Train 18). This high-speed train can reach speeds of up to 180 km/h (110 mph) and serves on long-distance routes. However, most conventional trains on long-distance routes in India have an average speed of about 50-60 km/h (30-40 mph). Suburban commuter trains (local trains) around major cities usually travel at a speed of about 30-40 km/h (20-25 mph).
The journey from Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari takes 73:35 hour.
What railway companies are available?
Indian Railways is a state-owned monopoly and has been the primary and dominant operator of the railway network in the country for many decades.
Konkan Railway (KR) - It is a separate corporation and operates the scenic Konkan Railway route along the western coast of India.
What train types are available in India
Indian Railways operates two main types of coaches for long distance trains and some shorter routes. The first type is the ICF wagon, which was manufactured from 1955 to January 2018 and forms the bulk of the current rolling stock. However, these railcars are considered insufficiently safe and are being phased out of service. As of September 2017, about 40,000 ICF coaches remained in service. To replace them, Indian Railways introduced LHB coaches, which came into existence in the mid-90s. LHB coaches are lighter, safer and can reach speeds of up to 160 kmph.
For long-distance routes, Indian Railways has introduced new electric trains (EMUs), including train-18, which is already in operation, and train-20. These trains are designed to replace locomotive trains on long-distance routes, providing increased efficiency and improved passenger services.
On short distance regional routes, Indian Railways operates trains with mainline electric rolling stock (MEMU) or diesel electric rolling stock (DEMU) depending on the availability of traction. These trains are self-propelled and provide faster acceleration and deceleration, which helps reduce congestion on routes. Locomotive-driven passenger trains with frequent stops are gradually being replaced by these efficient trains across India.
On suburban routes passing through major urban centers, Indian Railways uses trains with conventional electric traction coaches (EMUs), commonly referred to as "local trains" or simply "local". These trains serve millions of passengers every day, providing a critical transportation resource for urban residents.
Are there high-speed-trains available?
India has high-speed trains, but the number is relatively small compared to other countries with a developed high-speed rail network.
The Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, is India's first indigenous high-speed train. It runs between New Delhi and Varanasi and has a maximum speed of 160 km/h.
Most important train stations / hubs.
The main railway hubs in India are Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad.
Websites to buy train tickets for India?
https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search, tripmoney.com, yatra.com, goibibo.com, 12go.asia
Mobile apps to buy train tickets in India?
Indian Railways has its own app called IRCTC Rail Connect.
Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in India?
There are International Tourist Offices at the main stations of major cities and tourist destinations such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and Varanasi, where international travelers can book train tickets, bypassing the crowds and queues at regular ticket offices.
For a list of stations with International Tourist Offices and their opening hours, see www.indianrail.gov.in, select "Information" then "International Tourist".
Can I buy my ticket by phone?
Passengers can dial "139" number, which can be accessed from anywhere in the country without dialing the STD code.
By dialing "139" number, one can get information about the arrival/departure of a train at a particular station.
Return the ticket.
1. Levy of Clerkage:
• Unreserved (second class): Rs. 30
• Second class (reserved) and other classes: Rs. 60
2. Cancellation Charges on Confirmed Tickets:
• 48 hours before scheduled departure:
• 1st AC/executive class: Rs. 240
• 2AC/1st Class: Rs. 200
• 3AC/AC Chair Car/3A economy: Rs. 180
• Second sleeper class: Rs. 120
• Second class: Rs. 60
• Between 48 hours and 12 hours before scheduled departure: 25% of fare
• Between 12 hours and 4 hours before scheduled departure: 50% of fare
• No refund after the above prescribed time limits.
3. Partially Confirmed Tickets:
• Upto half an hour before the scheduled departure of the train.
4. Refund on Unused RAC/WL Tickets:
• Upto half an hour before the scheduled departure of the train, subject to deduction of clerkage charge. No refund after this time limit.
5. Cancellation of Trains for E-Tickets:
• Automatic refund granted, no need to file TDR.
Train ticket prices
Train ticket prices in India are budget-friendly, especially when booked in advance. Avoid peak travel times for better deals. Long-distance journeys remain affordable, and various classes of travel cater to different budgets.
For example, a ticket from New Delhi to Varanasi can be bought for as low as 6.30 euros.
Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?
Traveling from Indian Kolkata to Khulna in Bangladesh at a cost of:
AC Single 12.10 euros + 15% VAT, AC Chair 8.05 Euro + 15% VAT
Where to find timetables.
Find train schedules on https://www.indianrail.gov.in/enquiry/SCHEDULE/TrainSchedule.html?locale=en
Buying tickets in advance or right before the train
If you know when you want to travel on a long-distance journey within India or to neighbouring countries, buy your ticket now. You will then be able to find cheaper fares.
If you are travelling within a region on local trains, you do not need to buy your ticket in advance.
Types of tickets.
Indian Railways have a unique system with 4 possible statuses for seats/berths/bookings:
• AVL = Available, these are seats or berths that are unsold and available for booking.
• CNF = Confirmed. When you book an available seat or berth, your PNR status (Personal Name Record) becomes CNF, confirmed. You're safely booked on the train with a specific seat or berth.
• RAC = Reservation Against Cancellation. When all the seats or berths on a train in a given class have been sold, a certain number of tickets in that class are sold as Reservation Against Cancellation, or RAC.
• WL = Waitlist. When all the RAC places have been sold, further prospective passengers can buy Waitlist (WL) tickets.
Interrail/Eurail Passes in India
Interrail/Eurail are not available in India.
Saver price.
Sleeper Class (SL): This is the most affordable class where passengers sleep on bunk beds in a common carriage. Sleeper Class ticket prices are usually lower than in other classes.
General Unreserved (UR): A carriage without reserved seats, where passengers sit on empty seats. Tickets in this class are usually the cheapest, but can be crowded and uncomfortable for long journeys.
Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?
Buy single tickets, not return tickets. This will give you more flexibility if you need to change your travel plans. It is not cheaper to buy return tickets.
Flexible tickets.
Flexible tickets are available for some classes of travel on Indian Railways. The most flexible tickets are usually offered in higher classes of travel, such as First AC (1A) and Executive Class, where passengers have more options to change their travel date or cancel their ticket with fewer penalties.
For example, in First AC and Executive Class, passengers can often change the date and time of travel without significant penalties, especially if they do so well in advance.
Rules of boarding.
The user is not obliged to provide photo ID details of any of the passengers when booking a ticket. However, he/she must carry and present the original identity card during the journey.
Discounts for group travel.
IRCTC is pleased to bring online group booking on its premier Tejas trains to the passengers travelling in groups for attending corporate meetings, marriages, social events etc. Following are salient features of group booking:
• One fully Air-conditioned Chair Car coach of Tejas Rake having 78 seats will be available for group booking to parties. This booking will be done online.
• Train is fully air-conditioned with on board infotainment facilities.
• Morning Tea, Break Fast, Snacks, Dinner, High tea will be served as per the journey timings.
• Each coach is provided with RO Water Filter, Tea, Coffee vending machines.
• The fare for entire coach having a seating capacity of 78 will be charged even if the passenger group is less than 78.
• Group booking is allowed between 60 days and 5 days in advance of journey date.
• Travelling passenger names can be submitted upto 5 days before the journey date.
Group Booking is available on following IRCTC Trains:
• Train No. 82501 IRCTC Lucknow NE (LJN--New Delhi (NDLS) Super Fast Exp.
• Train No. 82502 IRCTC New Delhi (NDLS)-Lucknow NE (LJN) Super Fast Exp.
Age groups and discounts.
Indian Railways offers various concession options for different categories of passengers:
Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan):
• 75% concession in 2nd class, Sleeper, 1st class, 3AC, AC chair car.
• 50% concession in 1AC and 2AC.
• 25% concession in 3AC & AC Chair Car of Rajdhani/Shatabdi trains.
• 50% concession in Monthly Season Tickets (MST) & Quarterly Season Tickets (QST).
• One escort is also eligible for the same concession.
Students:
• 50% concession for students of General Category in 2nd and Sleeper class, MST, and QST.
• 75% concession for students of SC/ST Category in 2nd and Sleeper class, MST, and QST.
• Free second class MST for girls up to Graduation and boys up to 12th standard (including Madrasa students) between home & school.
Age limitations for minors.
There is no age restrictions to travel in Indian railway, you have to manage yourself. Between the age of 5 and below 12 years you are treated as a child passenger in Indian railway. A child passenger can also travel alone or with someone else. From the age of 12 and onwards you will be treated as an adult passenger.
Handicapped passengers.
Indian Railways has taken significant steps to make train travel more accessible for differently-abled and elderly passengers. The 'Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan' (Accessible India Campaign) launched in 2015 aims to provide barrier-free transportation across the railway network. Wheelchairs and battery-operated vehicles are available at stations, and SLRD coaches with wider doors and lower berths are reserved for people with disabilities. Stations are equipped with ramps, escalators, and lifts for easy movement. Concession in ticket fares and exclusive reservation counters further facilitate hassle-free travel for this community. The railways' commitment to inclusivity ensures a comfortable and memorable journey for all passengers.
Seat reservations in trains in India.
Passengers who wish to travel in Indian Railway trains must reserve their seat in advance for all classes of travel except for General/Unreserved coaches. The railway reservation facility allows you to travel in the train and travel class of your choice with a berth/seat allotted against your name.
Comfort classes on the trains.
There are 11 classes on the Indian railroads:
• AC 1-tier, designated as AC1 or 1A, consists of upper and lower berths in air-conditioned two- and four-seater compartments, bedding is provided.
• AC 2-tier, designated as AC2 or 2A, upper and lower berths in air-conditioned open-plan coaches, bedding provided.
• AC 3-tier, designated as AC3 or 3A, upper, middle and lower berths in air-conditioned open-plan cars, bedding is provided.
• AC 3-tier economy, designated as 3E, a variation of AC 3-tier with an additional berth in each sleeper compartment along the longitudinal side of the aisle.
• Executive Anubhuti Chair, denoted as EA, available only on some Shatabdi Express trains, similar to the Executive Chair class but with additional amenities such as TVs in the seat backs.
• Executive Carriage Chair, designated as EC, comparable to European 1st Class, with 2+2 full width seats in open-plan carriages.
• Armchair Car, designated as CC, comparable to European 2nd class with 2+3 seats across the width of the car in air-conditioned open-plan cars.
• Sleeper class, designated as SL, upper, middle and lower berths in open-plan coaches, a mode of travel for the general public, without air conditioning and bedding.
• 1st Class, designated as F or FC, with two- and four-seat compartments, although this class is now almost entirely discontinued in favor of AC2.
• Class 2 reserved seats, designated 2S, are basic open-plan wooden or plastic seats.
• Unreserved 2nd class seats, designated as GN, are for general seating. Basic wooden or plastic open plan seats.
Food and drink in trains / train restaurant in India.
There are no restaurant cars or buffet cars on Indian railroads, but on long-distance trains, a conductor will appear in the carriage and ask if you would like to order food. He will write down your order (usually a choice of "vegetarian" or "non-vegetarian" food) on a piece of paper. An hour or so later, he'll reappear with rice and curry in little foil containers from the kitchen wagon. It's not expensive - you can expect to pay £2-£3 per portion. There are also regular servants in each carriage selling soft drinks, snacks or excellent hot sweet Indian tea (garam tea) for a few rupees. On the first-class Rajdhani Express trains (connecting Delhi to Mumbai, Kolkata, etc.) and the first-class Shatabdi Express day trains (connecting Delhi to Jaipur, Agra, etc.), meals are included in the fare and served at your seat.
Night trains in India?
Night trains in Indian Railways are a popular and convenient mode of travel for passengers who prefer to journey during the night and reach their destination in the morning. They offer various classes of accommodation, such as sleeper class and AC classes, catering to different budgets. These trains are equipped with amenities like mobile charging points and clean bedding, ensuring a comfortable journey. Booking can be done through railway counters, online platforms, or mobile apps. Night trains provide an efficient and budget-friendly way to travel long distances in India.
Are there trains transporting cars?
The only remaining night train service that offers car transport is from Innsbruck (Austria) to Hamburg.
Important train routes in India.
AUGUST 2023
Delhi – Varanasi /from 8:00 hours / from 6.30 EUR / 1-2 trains per hour
Delhi - Jaipur / from 4:20 hours / from 3.60 EUR / 13 trains a day with different intervals
Delhi - Jaisalmer / from 17:45 hours / from 6.30 EUR / 4 trains a day
Delhi – Jodhpur / from 9:50 hours / from 5.40 EUR / 8 trains a day
Delhi - Udaipur / from 12:15 hours / from 6.30 EUR / 3 trains a day
Mumbai - Goa / from 7:23 hours / from 4.50 EUR / 2 or 3 trains an hour
Mumbai - Gokarna / from 11:55 hours / from 6.30 EUR / 5 trains a day
Delhi - Amritsar / from 6:10 hours / from 3.60 EUR / train every 2-3 hours
International train routes.
India has rail connections with the following countries Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
Tourist / scenic routes in India.
• Mumbai to Goa:
This journey starts from Mumbai and follows the Asian Highway (AH 47) and NH 66 for a distance of 585 km. The road passes through dense forests, providing beautiful panoramic views and a pleasant journey. The condition of the road is good, providing a comfortable traveling experience. It is one of the most scenic and popular routes in India.
• Chennai to Pondicherry:
This route, known as East Coast Road, stretches for 690 kilometers and follows parallel to the coast of the Bay of Bengal. The journey provides amazing sea views, cool sea breeze and views of pine trees. It is one of the most beautiful and unique trekking routes in south India.
• Rameswaram Pamban Bridge:
This bridge is a marvel of engineering and is the only pathway connecting the island of Rameswaram to the Indian mainland. You will be surrounded by the sea on both sides which will create a breathtaking experience. The condition of the road is excellent and the journey will be serene and enjoyable.
• Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley:
This 114 km route is suitable for those who are looking for a short and beautiful journey. The road is surrounded by green forests, which creates a peaceful atmosphere. The journey will take just 3 hours and you will enjoy every minute of this amazing journey.
• Mumbai to Pune Expressway:
This route stretches over 94.5 kilometers and is one of the most beautiful and amazing routes in the Western Ghats of India. The two-hour journey will bring you to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature and panoramic views. You can make stops to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.
Luggage information.
Free baggage allowances are very generous: you can take up to 70 kg in AC1 coach, 50 kg in AC2 coach, 40 kg in AC3 coach, 35 kg in AC Chair or Sleeper coach, and 35 kg in 2nd class coach. Most Western travelers are unlikely to exceed this allowance, but if you really need to, you can pay an excess baggage fee and take up to 150 kg in AC1 or up to 100 kg in AC2. However, in AC3 or AC Chair class, the maximum baggage weight is 40 kg.
Bicycle on the train.
The bike will be loaded on any train going to your destination. It is as per the discretion of the railway clerk. You will be given a receipt for the same. Once the cycle reaches the destination station, you need to visit the luggage office there, show them your receipt and ID and collect your bike.
Ski or snowboard on the train.
Sports equipment: The information on the official website does not provide specific information on the carriage of skis, snowboards and other sports equipment. Passengers may request specific recommendations from the railway authorities on the transportation of such items.
Luggage lockers on the stations in India.
In India, major railway stations offer Cloak Rooms where passengers can securely store their luggage for a specific period. By depositing luggage in the cloakrooms, travelers can explore the city without worrying about their belongings. To use the cloakrooms, passengers should ensure their luggage is properly locked and neatly packed. They receive a receipt with essential details like passenger name, ticket number, number of articles deposited, and the deposit date and time.
The maximum storage period for luggage is generally one month, but some cloakrooms may have a maximum period of 7 days. Passengers need to present their train ticket, and the bags must be properly locked for acceptance. Food items should not be kept in the bags. The cloakroom fees are Rs. 20 for using a locker for 24 hours, and Rs. 30 for each additional 24 hours. Additionally, the cloakroom rent is Rs. 15 for 24 hours, with an extra Rs. 20 for every additional 24 hours.
Lost and Found Items.
If you have lost something on Indian trains, you can fill a missing person's report on the official website https://rpf.indianrailways.gov.in/RPF/Lost&Found.jsp. They will try to help you as soon as possible.
Pets on the trains.
Indian Railways allows passengers to carry pet dogs in AC-First Class or First Class in 2-berth Coupe or 4-berth Cabin. Only one dog is allowed per booking. The dog must be booked in advance at the luggage office, and a doctor's certificate mentioning breed, color, and gender is required. Dogs are not allowed in lower class compartments. Owners are responsible for the dog's care during the journey. Puppies can be carried in baskets, and pet dogs can also be booked in the luggage-cum-Brake Van. Railways are not liable for any loss or damage to animals after the journey is completed.
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