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Railway Stations

Railway stations in Jodhpur

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Jodhpur is Rajasthan’s second million-plus population city. Earlier the capital of the princely kingdom of Marwar, Jodhpur is now a top tourist center with its forts, palaces and the backdrop of the Thar Desert. Called Blue City because of the blue houses in the vicinity of Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur is also the Sun City because of its year-round sunny weather.

Jodhpur Railway Station is North Western Railway’s divisional headquarters. It is connected with many cities in the country by train routes such as Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, Alwar, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Trivandrum, Kota, Pune, Kanpur, Hyderabad, Bareilly, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Indore, Dhanbad, Nagpur, Lucknow, Guwahati and Gwalior.  Jodhpur is among the top hundred booking stations of the Department of Railways.

The first train from Jodhpur Railway Station left for Luni as far back 1885. The New Jodhpur Railway merged with Bikaner Railway to form Jodhpur-Bikaner Railway in 1889. The rail projects were financed by the princely houses of Jodhpur and Bikaner. The construction of the Jodhpur-Bikaner railway line was completed in 1891. It was connected with Hyderabad, Sindh in 1900. Jodhpur- Bikaner Railway was merged with Western Railway in 1951. North Western Railway zone was carved out in 2002 from Western Railway and Northern Railway.

The Jodhpur Railway Station has five platforms and six tracks. It has a parking facility. The station is now being used every day by around 156000 passengers.  The main Jodhpur station (station code JU) is getting congested. So the nearby suburban station, Bhagat ki Kothi (station code BGKT), is being developed now to release the pressure on Jodhpur station. Bhagat ki Kothi will serve as the second main station for passenger trains.

There are eight suburban railway stations in Jodhpur. They are Raikabagh Palace Junction(2 km from Jodhpur), Bhagat Ki Kothi (3 km), Mahamandir (5 km), Basani (6 km), Jodhpur Cantonment (8 km), Mandor (10 km), Banar (14 km) and Salawas (16 km).

Facilities at Jodhpur station

The Jodhpur Railway Station has the wheelchair facility for disabled passengers. It can be asked for by making a phone call and can also be booked through the website. It would be confirmed through an SMS. Retiring room facility can b availed on payment of prescribed charges for bonafide passengers at Jodhpur. The station has retiring rooms, AC rooms, and a dormitory. The station also has computerized reservation, computerized unreserved ticket counters, waiting rooms, tourist information centre, vegetarian and non-vegetarian refreshment rooms, book stall, tea stalls, STD and PCO booths, and the Government Railway Police office.

The main trains originating from Jodhpur Railway Station include Jodhpur-Indore Ranthambore Express, Jodhpur-Delhi Mandore Express, Jodhpur-Mumbai Suryanagri Express, Jodhpur-Lucknow Marudhar Express, and Jodhpur-Howrah Howrah Superfast. As many as 106 trains operate from the two stations at present.

Luxury trains ‘Palace on Wheels’ and ‘Royal Rajasthan on Wheels’ bring the real experience of the magnificence and royal opulence of Rajasthan to the passengers.  Jodhpur is one of the major destinations of both of the trains. These trains are run jointly by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and the Railways.

Bhagat Ki Kothi

Bhagat Ki Kothi Railway Station has a large diesel loco shed for all types of the WDP 4 locos. These are used to power trains like Mandore express, Marudhar express, Ashram Express, Jaipur Duronto and Howrah Jodhpur Express. Some of the important trains that run from Bhagat Ki Kothi are Thar Link Express, Bangalore Express, Ranikhet Express, Bandra Express and Mannargudi Express.

Restaurants near Railway Station

Some of the restaurants near station are-

  • Midtown Ac Veg Restaurant
  • Hotel Priya & Restaurant
  • Janta restaurant
  • Ram Bhojanalya

 Food Delicacies of Jodhpur

Though Jodhpur has many of its own culinary specialties, it also serves foods of every cuisine from Indian to Mughlai to Chinese to Continental. But the famous Kachori is Jodhpur’s very own special dish, which is eaten with chutney. Then it has various types of laddoos and most people can’t stop eating them.  And there is the alluring big glass of lassi. Don’t miss makhaniya lassi, mawa kachori, pyaaz Kachori, Dal bati churma, hot and spicy mirchi bada, mirchi ka kutaa, lasan ki chutney, gatte ki sabzi and lapsi and Panchkuta.  Panchkuta is also called ker sangri sabzi and has the five ingredients of sangri, ker, kumatiya, dried goonda and dried red chilies. The Jodhpur style is to begin with sweets and then proceed to other foods.  Some popular Jodhpur sweets are mave ki Kachori, besan ki chaaki, and maakhan vade, ras malai, malpua, ghevar, motichur ke laddu, and thorr.

 

 

 

 

Railway Stations

Railway stations in Cochin

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Everyday Indian railways serve millions of people by taking them to their destinations all over the country. People use Indian Railways both for daily and long distance travels. Indian Railways act as the lifeline of the country as it carries millions of tonnes of freight every year at very reasonable fares.

Cochin, or commonly known as Kochi, is a major cost city situated in Ernakulam district of Kerala in India. It is classified as a tier II city by the central government and is the most densely populated city of Kerala. Railways play an important role in the life of people of Cochin and Cochin has many railway stations serving the state. Cochin is a port city and is a premium centre of import and export to and from India. For this reason, Cochin needs a very good infrastructure of transportation to all the parts of the country.

The major railway stations in Cochin City are Ernakulam Junction (ERS), Ernakulam Town (ERN), Edappally Railway station (IPL), Aluva (AWY).

Ernakulam Junction

Ernakulam Junction or ERS is also known as south station and is the main and largest station of Cochin City. There are six platforms in this station along with two terminals that are the main entry and eastern entry. The Junction has four lines from four directions meeting at this point. These four lines come from Shormur in North, Alappuzha in South, Willingdonn Island in South-west and Kottayam in East.

The Ernakulam Junction comes under the Southern Zone of Indian Railways and is controlled by Thiruvananthapuram Railway division. It is an A1 grade station of Southern Railways and there are around 128 trains either originating or terminating or passing from this station to other cities of India. It was the first station in Kerala to include an escalator in 2013. The major facilities at Ernakulam station are:

  • Escalator subway and elevator
  • Passenger Waiting Hall
  • Integrated Surveillance Post by Excise & Commercial Taxes Department
  • Railway Protection Force
  • Cyber Cafe
  • Online Reservation counters
  • Parcel Booking Office
  • Railway Mailing service (RMS) office
  • IRCTC Restaurants
  • Pre-Paid Parking space
  • Pre-Paid Auto-rickshaw counters
  • ATM
  • Foot Over Bridge

Ernakulam Junction also has a Diesel loco shed, which is the only loco shed in the entire state of Kerala. It was set up in 1982 and works with around 54 diesel locomotives per month.

Ernakulam Town Railway Station

Ernakulam Town Railway Station or ERN, built in 1890, is also known as Ernakulam North and is one of the three major railway stations serving the city of Cochin. It has six platforms and four tracks for handling a large number of express and local passenger trains.

It is located in the northern part of the Cochin city and serves as a major stoppage for trains that are mainly headed towards Kottayam. This railway station provides convenience to the passengers that are travelling to and from the northern parts of Cochin City.

The major facilities that are provided at this station are:

  • Computerised Unreserved Ticket Counter
  • Pre Paid Auto
  • Computerised Reservation Ticket Counter
  • Subways, Escalator and Foot Over-bridge

There are around 33 trains that pass through Ernakulam North Railway Station.

Aluva Railway station

Aluva Railway Station or AWY is another major railway station in Cochin City and is the second busiest station in Kerala handling more than 30,000 passengers per day. It is an A grade station of Indian Railways, which fall sunder Thiruvananthapuram railway division.

Aluva railway station serves as an important halting point for many stations coming from different parts of the country. It is a convenient option for people who are travelling to and from Cochin International Airport. This railway station proves to be very helpful in reduction of congestion from Ernakulam north and Ernakulam south railway stations.

There are three platforms at Aluva railway station, which handle long distance and local passenger trains and one platform at this station is dedicated to cargo trains. There are around 53 express trains and 9 passenger trains that pass through Aluva station daily.

These are three major stations of the Cochin city, which serve as the lifeline of the city and are contributing greatly in the rapid growth and development of the city.

Railway Station, Railway Stations

Overview of Bangalore City Railway Station – SBC

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Bangalore City Railway Station (codenamed SBC) is one of the busiest stations within Southern Western Railways. The station is located in the heart of the city and handles close to 220,000 passengers daily. It station has ten platforms and handles 88 trains daily including 63 express trains. The city station is a central hub in Southern India and has connectivity with every major railway station in the country. Located opposite to the Kempegowda Bus Station, the Bangalore City station has high passenger density and railways are preferred means of transportation among the city dwellers.

Bangalore City Station is equipped with 18 reservation counters and 25 unreserved ticket counters. The station also is major coaching terminal with six tracks for train maintenance services. Indeed, the city station was once part of Mysore State Railways promoted by Princely State of Mysore. Five major railway lines cross Bangalore City station towards Chennai, Hosur, Mysore, Tumkur, and Hyderabad. These lines provide interface with Western, Northern, and Eastern Railway Zones. All the railway lanes originating from Bangalore City were electrified and have been operational for some time.

The station hosts a variety of passenger amenities ranging from digital reservation charts, advance reservation display, reflective indication boards, ATM facility, telephone booths, dedicated baby care facility, well-maintained dormitories, air-conditioned lounge, and ‘May I Help You’ centre. The technology played a vital role in the station maintenance and other information services offered are really a great help to the passengers. Information kiosks, Paid waiting lounge, tourist information centres, ferry cart, on-board entertainment, emergency medical centre, book stalls, escalators, and Interactive Voice Responsive System (IVRS) services position Bangalore City station as one of the sophisticated stations in the country.

Bangalore City station also provides high quality of food restaurants, continuous water supply, emphasis on cleanliness & maintenance of the station and support for the differently abled within the confines of the station perimeter. These value-added services turn the experience of travelling so pleasurable visiting Bangalore City station. There are multiple transportation services from the city station. Apart from the bus services opposite to the railway station, there are prepaid taxi services, car rental service, prepaid autos, and intercity bus service from the station. The Station puts great focus on the safety of the passengers using the Indian Railways and is equipped with bomb detection squad, CCTV surveillance, baggage checking counter, and a strong contingent of Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Army Intelligence.

The City Station also houses an art gallery, heritage gallery, murals walls, cartoon gallery, statues and LED lighting to entertain the passengers during their time at the station. The heritage gallery archives lot of history on the Indian Railways and how the Bangalore division was set up during the early 1981. The evolution of the Southern Western Railways is explained through paintings. Bangalore city station is the highest revenue generating station for the entire Bangalore division, which comprises of 989 Kilometres across three states: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

The nearest railway stations to the Bangalore City are Yesvantpur Junction (5 KM), Baiyyappanahalli (11 KM), and Krishnarajapuram (14 KM). All these three satellite stations were developed over the years to reduce passenger traffic at the Bangalore City station.

Nearby Railway Stations to Bangalore City Railway Station –

The station codenamed YPR serves as the first satellite station for Bangalore City station. Yesvantpur junction is located on the Bangalore – Miraj main line and crossing with trains heading to Hubli. The station is located in Yesvantpur region and is one of the fast developing parts of the sub-urban Bangalore city. With close proximity to this station, many dwellers prefer to board from Yesvantpur junction. There are few super-fast and express trains originating from this station, as well.

  • Baiyyappanahalli Railway Station –

This station codenamed BYPL is third satellite station developed to supplement the Bangalore city station. The station also has the capacity for the coach maintenance services and recently received 80 crore funding for development of a new coach terminal. Baiyyappanahalli station will likely have new trains originating from here to other parts of the country to decongest the Bangalore and Yesvantpur stations. The station houses a metro station, interstate bus terminal, and modernisation is underway to upgrade the facilities and amenities. The metro station is part of the Namma Metro project in Bangalore.

A suburb station in Krishnarajapuram and at a distance of 14 km from Bangalore City Railway station, Krishnarajapuram Railway Station is situated at the junction of Outer Ring Road, Bangalore and Old Madras Road (NH 4) with a line from Guntakal also joining the track into the station. Since it serves International Tech Park along with the local population, most of the trains stop here.

Trains Passing through Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC) –

Train No. Train Name Arr. Time Dep. Time
Mysore – Varanasi Premium Special
08:00
08:30
BSB-MYS PRUM EXP SPL
14:10
14:30
Mysore – Santragachi Premium Special
08:00
08:30
SRC-MYS PRUM SPL
14:10
14:30
DBG SBC SPECIAL
23:00
destination
MYS SNSI EXPRESS(MYS-SNSI)
08:13
08:25
MYS BSB EXP
09:55
10:00
BSB MYS SPL
00:10
00:15
BANGALORE EXP
10:00
destination
BANGALORE SPL
21:00
destination
Mumbai LTT – Coimbatore (Kurla) Express
21:50
22:15
Coimbatore – Mumbai LTT (Kurla) Express
15:45
16:00
UDYAN EXPRESS
08:50
destination
Udyan Express
origin
20:30
Chennai-Mysore Shatabdi Express(MAS-MYS)
10:50
11:00
Mysore Chennai Shatabdi Express(MYS-MAS)
16:15
16:25
Chennai Bangalore Shatabdi Express(MAS-SBC)
22:30
destination
Bangalore Chennai Shatabdi Express(SBC-MAS)
origin
06:00
Bangalore City-Hubli Jan Shatabdi Express
origin
06:00
Hubli Bangalore Janshatabdi Express
21:25
destination
Sanghamitra SF Express
origin
09:00
Sanghamitra SF Express
20:20
destination
Bangalore – Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express(SBC-NZM)
origin
20:20
Bangalore Rajdhani Express(NZM-SBC)
06:40
destination
Bangalore-Hazrat Nizammudin Rajdhani Express(SBC-NZM)
origin
20:20
Bangalore-Hazrat Nizammudin Rajdhani Express(NZM-SBC)
06:40
destination
Bangalore-Guwahati (Kaziranga) Express
origin
23:30
Guwahati-Bangalore (Kaziranga) SF Express
11:50
destination
Bagmati SF weekly Express(DBG-SBC)
20:40
20:55
Bagmati Weekly SF Express(SBC-DBG)
09:55
10:10
Lalbagh Express
21:35
destination
Lalbagh Express
origin
06:30
Chennai-Bangalore Intercity Express
20:05
destination
Bangalore-Chennai InterCity Express
origin
08:00
Tippu Express
13:45
destination
Tippu Express
origin
15:00
Karnataka Express
origin
19:20
Karnataka Express
13:40
destination
Brindavan Express
14:00
destination
Brindavan Express
origin
15:00
Chennai – Bangalore Mail
05:10
destination
Bangalore-Chennai Mail
origin
22:40
Bangalore City-Ernakulam Intercity Express
origin
06:15
Ernakulam-Bangalore City InterCity Express
19:50
destination
Ernakulam Bangalore SF Express
04:20
destination
Bangalore Ernakulam SF Express
origin
18:45
Chennai Central – Satya Sai Prashanti Nilayam Express
05:25
05:40
SatyaSai Prashanti Nilayam-Chennai Central Express
22:13
23:00
Siddhaganga Intercity Express
origin
13:00
Siddhaganga InterCity Express
14:05
destination
Kacheguda – Bangalore City SF Express
06:25
destination
Bangalore City – Kacheguda SF Express
origin
18:20
Mysore-Jaipur SF Express
12:55
13:00
Jaipur-Mysore SF Express
12:50
13:00
Bangaloreâ??Dibrugarh Weekly Express
origin
23:55
Dibrugarhâ??Bangalore Weekly Express
11:50
destination
Kaveri Express
03:30
04:00
KAVERI EXPRESS
23:25
23:45
Bangalore City-Shimoga Town InterCity Express
origin
15:30
Shimoga Town -Bangalore City InterCity Express
11:55
destination
Ajmer-Mysore Express
03:15
03:30
Mysore-Ajmer Express
21:30
21:50
Chamundi Express
09:30
destination
Chamundi Express
origin
18:15
Mysore-Sainagar Shirdi Express(MYS-SNSI)
07:55
08:15
Sainagar Shirdi – Mysore Weekly Express(SNSI-MYS)
03:15
03:30
Kaveri Express(MYS-MAS)
23:25
23:45
Kaveri Express(MAS-MYS)
04:00
04:15
Bangalore-Talguppa Express
origin
23:00
Talguppa-Bangalore Express
04:30
destination
BSB-MYS BI WEEKLY EXP(BSB-MYS)
00:10
00:15
Mayiladuthurai-Mysore Express
05:50
06:00
Mysore – Mayiladuthurai Express
18:50
19:00
Tuticorin- Mysore Express
06:40
07:00
Mysore-Tuticorin Express
21:00
21:15
Bangalore City-Kochuveli Express
origin
17:15
Kochuveli-Bangalore Express
08:35
destination
Bangalore Tiruvananthapuram Weekly Express(SBC-TVC)
origin
17:15
Tiruvananthapuram Bangalore Weekly Express(TVC-SBC)
08:35
destination
Gandhidham-Bangalore City Express
03:15
destination
Bangalore City – Gandhidham Express
origin
21:50
Bhagat Ki Kothi – Bangalore Express
03:15
destination
Bangalore – Bhagat Ki Kothi Express
origin
21:50
Bangalore – Kannur Express [via Mysore]
origin
20:00
Kannur – Bangalore (Via Mysore) Express
08:20
destination
Jolarpettai Bangalore Express(JTJ-SBC)
08:00
destination
Bangalore Jolarpettai Express(SBC-JTJ)
origin
17:30
Bangarpet-Bangalore Express(BWT-SBC)
23:25
destination
Bangalore Bangarpet Express(SBC-BWT)
origin
19:35
Island Express
07:20
destination
Island Express
origin
20:00
Udyan Express(CSTM-SBC)
08:50
destination
Udyan Express(SBC-CSTM)
origin
20:00
Ajmer – Bangalore Garib Nawaz Express
04:45
destination
Bangalore – Ajmer Garib Nawaz Express
origin
17:00
Bhagat Ki Kothi – Bangalore City Express
04:45
destination
Bangalore City – Bhagat Ki Kothi Express
origin
17:00
Gol Gumbaz Express
18:25
18:45
Gol Gumbaz Express
08:10
08:15
Bangalore-Nagercoil Weekly Express(SBC-NCJ)
origin
23:05
Nagercoil-Bangalore Express(NCJ-SBC)
04:00
destination
Mysore Bangalore Rajya Rani Express(MYS-SBC)
19:40
destination
Bangalore Mysore Rajya Rani Express(SBC-MYS)
origin
08:15
Mysore-Yeshvantapur Express(MYS-YPR)
16:50
17:00
Yeshvantapur-Mysore Express(YPR-MYS)
10:20
10:25
Rani Chennamma Express
origin
21:15
Rani Chennamma Express
07:00
destination
Hampi Express
06:10
06:30
Hampi Express
21:50
22:00
Hazur Sahib Nanded-Bangalore City Express
05:30
destination
Bangalore City-Hazur Sahib Nanded Express
origin
22:45
Tuticorin Mysore Express(TN-MYS)
06:40
07:00
Mysore-Tuticorin Express(MYS-TN)
21:10
21:20
Seshadri Express
origin
11:00
Seshadri Express
12:30
destination
NAGERCOIL EXP
origin
17:00
BANGALORE EXP
09:05
destination
Mysore Yesvantpur Express(MYS-YPR)
15:05
15:10
Yesvantpur Mysore Express(YPR-MYS)
11:30
11:35
Basava Express
16:40
17:00
Basava Express
10:45
11:15
Prashanti Express
12:05
destination
Prashanti Express
origin
14:00
Ernakulam-Bangalore Weekly SF Express(ERS-SBC)
04:20
destination
Bangalore-Ernakulam Weekly SF Express(SBC-ERS)
origin
18:45
SBC DOUBLE DECK
13:10
destination
MAS DOUBLE DECK
origin
14:30
Mysore-Chennai SF Express(MYS-MAS)
22:45
23:00
Chennai-Mysore SF Express(MAS-MYS)
05:30
05:40
Bangalore City – Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express
origin
20:20
Hazrat Nizamuddin-Bangalore City Rajdhani Express
06:40
destination
Bangalore City-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express
origin
20:20
Hazrat Nizamuddin-Bangalore City Rajdhani Express
06:40
destination
HWH MYS EXPRESS(HWH-MYS)
00:45
01:15
MYS HOWRAH EXPRESS(MYS-HWH)
03:00
03:15
Chamarajanagar-Tirupati Fast Passenger
20:40
20:45
Tirupati-Chamarajanagar Fast Passenger
06:55
07:30
Hospet – Bangalore Passenger
05:15
destination
Chikjajur-Hospet Passenger(JRU-HPT)
origin
23:30
Indian Railway Map, Indian Railway News, IRCTC

Indian Railway info

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Indian Railways (IR) is one of the largest rail networks in the world. It is a public enterprise whose owning and operations rest with Ministry of Railways, the Government of India. Every day it ferries over 23 million passengers across 7000 stations.

Proper information is vital to the coordination of such a large network. The organization of the railways is as follows: The railways are divided into 17 zones and 68 divisions. Every zone is helmed by a general manager and every station by the station master.

The IR covers a track of 115,000 km. Trains are classified as per their average speed. A fast train moves with fewer stops and is, usually, a long distance train.

The various trains in the Indian Railways are:

  • Duronto Express: Introduced in 2009, these are non-stop point to point services. They connect the major capitals of states and metros and beat the Rajdhani Express in speed. They include first tier AC (Air conditioned), 2-tier AC and 3-tier AC. Some include non-AC sleeper class.

  • Rajdhani Express: These are trains connecting Delhi to major cities and are fully air conditioned. They are high priority trains with some of the fastest speeds (130 km/ hour). They stop at few stations.

  • AC Express: Trains connecting major stations of the country. They have few stops and high speeds.

  • Shatabdi Express: They are fully air conditioned inter- city trains for daily commute. They have executive seats and ordinary seats. Some have 3 tier berths and the trains are some of the fastest in the IR network.

  • Garib Rath Trains: They are air conditioned, basic facility trains with 3 AC berths and economy seats.

  • Jan Shatabdi: More affordable versions of Jan Shatabdis having AC and non AC carriages.

  • Intercity Super Fats: As name suggests, they are high speed trains for which extra surcharge is levied with the fare.

  • Express: Most common trains in India having frequent stops.

  • Passenger: These stop at all stations and are the least expensive trains. They have sleeper class, as well as 3-tier AC.

  • Suburban Trains: These trains operate between major cities and have unreserved seating arrangement.

  • Metro: Meant only for city transport.

IR is the best way to experience India. Contrary to reputation, many trains afford comfortable travel via AC1, AC 2 tier and AC 3 tier. All seats on such trains have reservations system, so they are a comfortable, civilized and cheap way to roam India.

Such a huge and varied network requires prompt and accurate dissemination of information. Indian Railway information is available nowadays through many sources. The main source is the publication-‘Trains at a Glance’ by Indian Railways. Other than this, there are many online sources for Indian Railway Train Information.

The main site is the Indian railways website www.indianrail.gov.in. It provides the following information:

  • Train availability at main stations
  • Schedule of reserved trains
  • Enquiry stem of National trains
  • SMS service
  • Availability of current booking
  • Catering charges
  • Availability of train berth
  • Information on train type
  • Rules
  • Viewing of codes
  • Trains at a glance
  • Tatkal Scheme
  • Service for international tourists
  • Connect to other railway websites.

Some other Major Services Provided by this Site are:

  • PNR status
  • Fare enquiry
  • Internet reservation
  • Reserved train between important stations
  • Seat availability

There is also the National Train Enquiry System: www.enquiry.indianrail.gov.in/ntes/.

It provides train information Indian Railway like:

  • Spot your train
  • Live station
  • Trains between stations
  • Schedule of trains
  • Cancelled trains
  • Rescheduled trains
  • Diverted trains.
  • PNR enquiry
  • Berth/seat availability
  • Berth/seat booking.

Other sites where Railway information India is available are:

  • www.indiarailinfo.com: With easy login, the site shows arrival/departure at your nearest stations, ascertains PNR status, gets information on train type and features an atlas with maps of the IR network.

  • www.seat61.com/India.htm: It provides maps of train routes, check train timing and fares, booking of tickets, online purchase of tickets, buying and utilizing Ind-Rail pass, tour packages including train journey, booking of tourist trains like Palace on Wheels, guidebooks, and hotel information.

  • IRCTC (Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation): Key in PNR number, train name and number and get feedback on PNR status, locate train, find live running status, arrival/departure etc. It also has services like information on tour packages, special trains, holiday trains, tourist trains, booking for retiring room, etc.

  • www.makemytrip.com/railways/indian-railways.html: Enter whether one way or two way trip, dates and place (from/to).

  • www.rail.yuplee.in: It features train timetable, train enquiry (Search by train/station), PNR status, train schedule, train list.

  • www.runningstatus.in: Feed in the train number and get live running status.

  • CRIS: CRIS is an independent organization under the Ministry of Railways. They are the Information Technology arm of the IR. Their website www.cris.org.in/CRIS/Home/Home features latest information on IR network.

  • TravelKhana.com: A portal mainly devoted to the delivery of food to train passengers, it has now diversified into umbrella service of ticket booking, PNR status checking, live tracking of train position, etc. Search your train by providing number or name. Choose a station from the drop down list, click on departure or arrival, and get the feedback of accurate position of the train on the map. One can do auto tracking of movement of the train. The status of train is updated every five minutes, so you must key in details each time, freshly. You can utilize this information whether you are on the train for waiting at the platform to receive someone.

These are just a sample of the services for getting access to information on IR network and its related aspects.

Trains Between Cities

New Delhi to Lucknow Trains

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Train Name Depart Arrival Duration Running Days Class Price

Ljn Swran Shtbd

12004
 06:15 AM 12:35 PM 6h

20m

 Sun

,Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
1A
CC
1456
660
 Order Food

Dli Dbg Premium Special

04024
 11:20 AM 06:40 PM 7h

20m

 Tue,

Fri
2A
3A
SL
938
653
243
 Order Food

Bihar

S Kranti

12566
 02:20 PM 09:45 PM 7h

25m

 Sun

,Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
1A
2A
3A
SL
1728
1033
720
266
 Order Food

Shc

Garib Rath

12204
 11:15 AM 06:40 PM 7h

25m

 Sun

,Wed, Sat
3A
CC
458
374
 Order Food
Neelachal Exp
12876
 06:30 AM 02:05 PM 7h

35m

 Sun

,Tue, Fri
2A
3A
SL
1020
712
264
 Order Food

Ndls Kyq Premium Spl

02504
 11:40 PM 07:15 AM 7h

35m

 Thu
2A
3A
1087
765
 Order Food
Kaifiyat Exp
12226
 07:20 PM 03:00 AM 7h

40m

 Sun

,Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
1A
2A
3A
SL
1707
1020
712
264
 Order Food

Lko

Duronto Exp

12272
 11:30 PM 07:10 AM 7h

40m

 Sun

,Tue, Fri
1A
2A
3A
3E
1737
955
606
501
 Order Food

Ndls

Lko Ac Exp

12234
 11:30 PM 07:10 AM 7h

40m

 Mon,

Wed, Sat
1A
2A
3A
1609
952
663
 Order Food

Ndls

Lko Ac Spl

02234
 11:30 PM 07:10 AM 7h

40m

 Thu
1A
2A
3A
1609
952
663
 Order Food

Ndls

Lko Raj

12430
 11:30 PM 07:10 AM 7h

40m

 Sun

,Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
1A
2A
3A
1842
1087
765
 Order Food

Sapt

Kranti Exp

12558
 02:50 PM 10:40 PM 7h

50m

 Sun

,Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
1A
2A
3A
SL
1559
925
644
239
 Order Food

Anvt-

Gkp Spl

05030
 01:00 PM 08:50 PM 7h

50m

 Wed
2A
3A
SL
1008
704
260
 Order Food

NDLS

GHY SUP SPECIAL

02236
 09:30 AM 05:25 PM 7h

55m

 Fri
2A
3A
SL
952
663
247
 Order Food
Vaishali Exp
12554
 07:50 PM 03:45 AM 7h

55m

 Sun

,Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
1A
2A
3A
SL
1728
1033
720
266
 Order Food

Ghy

Rajdhani

12236
 09:30 AM 05:25 PM 7h

55m

 Tue
1A
2A
3A
1842
1087
765
 Order Food

Ndls

Dbrt Rjdhni

12436
 09:30 AM 05:25 PM 7h

55m

 Sun

,Thu
1A
2A
3A
1842
1087
765
 Order Food
Shramjevi N Exp
1239
 01:15 PM 09:15 PM 8h Sun

,Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
1A
2A
3A
SL
1609
952
663
247
 Order Food

ANVT

MAU EXP

15026
 01:00 PM 09:00 PM 8h Mon,

Fri
2A
3A
SL
1008
704
260
 Order Food

Bsb

Garib Rath

22408
 06:15 PM 02:25 AM 8h

10m

 Mon,

Wed, Fri
3A
505
 Order Food

Mki

Garib Rath

12212
 09:00 PM 05:15 AM 8h

15m

 Wed
3A
458
 Order Food

Gkp

Premium Spl

02528
 03:55 PM 12:15 AM 8h

20m

 Tue,

Thu
2A
3A
SL
925
644
239
 Order Food

Ndls

Nfk Express

14004
 06:05 PM 02:25 AM 8h

20m

 Sun

,Thu
2A
3A
SL
952
663
247
 Order Food

Ndls

Njp Sf Exp

12524
 03:10 PM 11:35 PM 8h

25m

 Sun

,Wed
2A
3A
SL
952
663
247
 Order Food
Padmavat Expres
14208
 07:50 PM 04:20 AM 8h

30m

 Sun

,Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
1A
2A
3A
SL
1583
938
653
243
 Order Food

Ndls

Bju Premium

04022
 07:30 PM 04:00 AM 8h

30m

 Wed,

Sat
2A
3A
SL
952
663
247
 Order Food
Lucknow Mail
12230
 10:10 PM 06:45 AM 8h

35m

 Sun

,Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
1A
2A
3A
SL
2S
1609
952
663
247
146
 Order Food

Gomti

Express

12420
 12:30 PM 09:25 PM 8h

55m

 Sun

,Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
1A
2A
CC
2S
1684
1008
562
147
 Order Food

ANVT

GKP SPL

05028
 02:30 PM 11:45 PM 9h

15m

 Sun

,Wed, Fri
3A
SL
644
239
 Order Food

Dli Fd

Exp

14206
 06:35 PM 03:50 AM 9h

15m

 Sun

,Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
1A
2A
3A
SL
1583
938
653
243
 Order Food

NDLS-

LKO SUMMER. SPECIAL

04202
 07:30 PM 04:45 AM 9h

15m

 Mon,

Wed, Sat
1A
2A
3A
SL
1609
952
663
247
 Order Food
Gorakdam Expres
12556
 07:20 PM 04:45 AM 9h

25m

 Sun

,Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
1A
2A
3A
SL
1750
1045
731
270
 Order Food
Farakka Express
13484
 09:50 PM 07:20 AM 9h

30m

 Sun

,Tue, Thu, Fri
2A
3A
SL
1008
704
260
 Order Food

Farkka

Express

13414
 09:50 PM 07:20 AM 9h

30m

 Mon,

Wed, Sat
2A
3A
SL
1008
704
260
 Order Food

Bsb

Express

19407
 02:04 PM 11:35 PM 9h

31m

 Fri
2A
3A
SL
952
663
247
 Order Food

Aii

Njp Exp

19601
 02:02 PM 11:35 PM 9h

33m

 Sat
2A
3A
SL
952
663
247
 Order Food

Jsm

Hwh Sf Exp

12372
 02:02 PM 11:35 PM 9h

33m

 Thu
2A
3A
SL
952
663
247
 Order Food

Asr

Kir Express

15708
 02:48 PM 12:25 AM 9h

37m

 Sun

,Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
2A
3A
SL
1008
704
260
 Order Food
Saryuyamuna Exp
14650
 08:15 PM 06:10 AM 9h

55m

 Mon,

Wed, Sat
2A
3A
SL
938
653
243
 Order Food
Shaheed Exp
14674
 08:15 PM 06:10 AM 9h

55m

 Sun

,Tue, Thu, Fri
2A
3A
SL
938
653
243
 Order Food

DLI-

BSB-DLI SPL

04204
 01:20 PM 11:15 PM 9h

55m

 Sun

,Tue, Thu
SL
243
 Order Food

Kashi

V Express

14258
 11:40 AM 09:35 PM 9h

55m

 Sun

,Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
1A
2A
3A
SL
1609
952
663
247
 Order Food

Anvt-

Apdj Spl

04028
 07:30 PM 05:35 AM 10h

5m

 Fri
3A
SL
644
239
 Order Food

Garib

Nawaj Exp

15716
 07:05 PM 05:15 AM 10h

10m

 Mon,

Tue, Thu
1A
3A
SL
1609
663
247
 Order Food

Pbr

Motihari Exp

19269
 07:05 PM 05:15 AM 10h

10m

 Fri,

Sat
2A
3A
SL
952
663
247
 Order Food
Poorabiya Exp
15280
 03:40 PM 02:00 AM 10h

20m

 Mon,

Fri
3A
SL
663
247
 Order Food
Sultanpur Exp
19403
 11:01 PM 09:45 AM 10h

44m

 Tue
2A
3A
SL
952
663
247
 Order Food

Aii

Sln Exp

19603
 11:01 PM 10:00 AM 10h

59m

 Tue
2A
3A
SL
952
663
247
 Order Food
Sadhbhawna Exp
14008
 04:20 PM 03:25 AM 11h

5m

 Tue,

Thu
3A
SL
704
260
 Order Food
Sultanpur Exp
14014
 04:20 PM 03:25 AM 11h

5m

 Mon,

Sat
2A
3A
SL
1008
704
260
 Order Food
Trains Between Cities

New Delhi to CHENNAI Trains

Leave a comment
Train Name Depart Arrival Duration Running Days Class Price
Mas Garib Rath 12612 04:00 PM 08:15 PM 28h

15m

 Mon
3A
1151
 Order Food
Chennai Rajdhni
12434
 04:00 PM 08:15 PM 28h

15m

 Wed, Fri
1A
2A
3A
4993
2893
1966
 Order Food
Mas Duronto Exp
12270
 03:50 PM 08:10 PM 28h

20m

 Tue, Sat
1A
2A
3A
SL
4786
2871
1928
728
 Order Food
Tamil Nadu Exp
12622
 10:30 PM 07:15 AM 32h

45m

 Sun ,Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
1A
2A
3A
SL
4410
2552
1725
652
 Order Food
Thirukkural Exp
12642
 07:20 AM 06:05 PM 34h

45m

 Mon, Sat
2A
3A
SL
2539
1718
649
 Order Food
T N Smprk Krnti
12652
 07:20 AM 06:05 PM 34h

45m

 Tue, Thu
1A
2A
3A
SL
4410
2552
1725
652
 Order Food
Ddn Mas Exp
12688
 02:47 PM 02:15 AM 35h

28m

 Mon, Fri
2A
3A
SL
2539
1718
649
 Order Food
Cdg Mas Sf Exp
22688
 02:47 PM 02:15 AM 35h

28m

 Mon, Fri
3A
SL
1765
679
 Order Food
G T Express
12616
 06:40 PM 06:15 AM 35h

35m

 Sun ,Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
1A
2A
3A
SL
4388
2539
1718
649
 Order Food
Ndls Pdy Exp
22404
 11:50 PM 02:25 PM 38h

35m

 Sun ,
2A
3A
SL
2598
1772
682
 Order Food
Andaman Express
16032
 12:26 PM 10:10 AM 45h

44m

 Sun ,Wed, Sat
3A
SL
1735
656
 Order Food
Indian Railway News

Indian Railway News

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India has one of the largest rail networks around the globe.  There are millions of miles of track and thousands of trains of every type that criss-cross the length and breadth of this vibrant and huge nation on a daily basis. With the type of size of the railway network that India possesses, it is no wonder that there is a huge demand for Indian railway news on a daily basis. It also happens that the Railways in India is quite a dynamic organization even as the railways constantly upgrade and revise service offerings to meet the ever-changing demands of the vast Indian populace.

People have an inherent need to know of the happenings and developments that pertain to the Indian railways. There are quite a few reasons for this and not quite difficult to fathom. For one, there are quite a few changes in train schedules that take place from time to time.  This information is quite important because it determines your ability to make informed decisions on train reservations and have a comfortable journey.  News pertaining to Indian Railways is also significant because there are new trains and routes that keep getting launched every now and then, which you would be able to access through the latest news of Indian railway.

 Manual sources:

There are many catalogues, as well as media reports that give you access to information on Indian Railways. For instance, if one were to look for the latest central railway news, it would make sense to look at the numerous news publications that regularly carry such news. Indian Railways guides are available on all major railway stations and Trains at a Glance provide news and updates on various train schedule, routes as well as news and happenings concerning the railways. It is a fact that news may be good or bad, depending on the kind of happening or occurrence that may have taken place, but you can easily refer to these news sources to keep updated on the latest news.

Railway information counters are also a source of accessing railway news. This could range from regularly accessed information on train schedules to serious happenings relating to route changes during natural calamities or in the unfortunate event of railway mishaps. You can call up the railway station at any time of night or day and get news related to specific trains that pass through the station. This is one of the most traditional and time-tested means of getting info and there are scores of people who use this mode to get the news that they seek.

Television and radio:

TV has long been a source of info on railway news. There are many news channels in addition to the national broadcaster that transmit railway related news on a regular basis. This is also true of radio stations that broadcast such news in the news bulletins that are topical and relevant at a given point in time.

Online sources:

The rapid proliferation of the internet has made it possible for one to access information on the latest news from Indian railways that are available on myriad websites and online portals that you may access. Sites like indianrailways.gov.in, as well as, travelkhana.com provide a wealth of information on railways related news that you can easily access at the click of a button. There are various tabs and micro-sites that lead to a variety of information and news items that keep you updated on what is happening in the Indian railways.  In addition, if you want to avail of extra services like booking food delivery or online reservation, you can also use appropriate websites that are designed for these specific purposes.

The advantage of online sources of information is that you get Railway news of today since these sites are updated on a daily basis. Whether it is a new train launch, extension of services, or news of any mishap that might have occurred, these sites provide all the news in real-time basis ensuring that you need not wonder about the freshness and the relevance of the news. There are specific reporters that gather this information and update it on the sites as news occurs so that you get information in real-time.

There are also a lot of media publications that have online websites that you can refer to for the latest news on Indian railways. These are easy to access, and you also have the option of searching for relevant news by using search engines that will throw up relevant sites like travelkhana.com that are useful for accessing correct and updated info.

News apps

Mobile apps are an important source of information nowadays as mobile technology has grown by leaps and bounds. Almost everyone now has smart phones that are all the rage in this day and age. There are mobile apps that provide railway related news, which you can easily download and get the news that you seek. Ticker tapes as well as headline news apart, you can also get detailed info on railways, developments, occurrences, as well as happenings right when they happen.

The proliferation of news sources means that you need not worry about accessing railway news. You just need to choose the mode that suits you the best and get access to all the info that you need without having to wait. This seems all so magical, but with the spread of technology, getting railway news is seamless and quite effortless.

Running Train Status

How to Track Train Online

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Travelling by train happens to be one of the most enjoyable travel options not only in India, but around the globe. Trains have been around for over more than a century and a half now, but the magic and the joy that train travel unfolds are all so inimitable. That is one of the many reasons why you will find that trains are as popular as a mode of transport worldwide. Even in India, millions of people prefer to travel by train since this is a cheap, as well as safe mode of travel across the very length and breadth of the country. From Kashmir in the north to Kanyakumari in the south and from Assam in the east to Rajasthan in the west, it is the Indian Railways that serve to tie the country in bonds of oneness amidst spectacular diversity.

Need to track train online:

Travelling by train means that you have to keep in mind the travel schedules and timings so that your journey may be actually enjoyable and comfortable. This is one of the prime reasons as to why there are many people who are on the lookout for information on how to track train running status because this is simply the single most important info that defines timeliness. In this day and age, people value their time and hence would want to keep updated on the running of trains so that they can plan to arrive at the station just in time for their train, without having to waste too much time in waiting.

Online tracking:

There are a variety of websites that provide you answers on how to check running train status. If you look at sites like indianrail.gov.in or travelkhana.com, you will be able to get correct and updated info on real-time basis. All you need to do is insert the PNR number of your ticket and the website returns info on the exact running status and position of the train. This is especially helpful to check out train schedules and exact time of arrival or departure station-wise. Those who want to board trains just in time can benefit from this online service. The ease of checking details is indicated by the fact that you can also type in a few characters of the train name and train number to get a minute by minute update of the coordinates of the train.

Manual Tracking:

One of the most time-tested ways of knowing where a train is the age old practice of calling up the railway station and then checking with the railway clerk or station information counter on the exact status of the train in question. This may be an age-old procedure, but it is quite accurate and you do get info from the station as to when the train is likely to arrive or depart as the case may be. This is quite adequate for those who many not really have access to more modern and contemporary information sources like internet connectivity.

Visual tracking:

With the advances of technology, it is now possible to have a visual or map-based tracking of trains. This is a brand new service called Rail Radar, which shows the real-time position of trains in India on a map. The map depicts each and every train in the country and its direction. You can click and zoom on specific trains and get information on where the train is at any given point in time. This is an amazing online service that makes accessing information not only easy, but also visually appealing and attractive. In addition to this, if you are still wondering as to how to track the train running status, all you need to do is access TrainEnquiry on Rail Radar and you would find out how easy the whole train tracking system actually is. This is made possible by the initiative of Indian Railways Centre for Railway Information System (CRIS) and the site railyatri.in. Advanced GPS technologies have made tracking of trains quite simple and this is a function of modern satellites and ground stations that help in up-linking and down-linking of data in real time.

These days people have no time to stand and stare due to the excessively fast pace of modern lifestyles. People want to know the exact location of the train they are to travel by, and with good reason.  There is no point in waiting for ages and this is where it becomes handy if you have the means of how to track a train in India. It always makes sense to make use of the latest technological devices, as well as online info to ensure that you are right on track when it comes to tracking trains. One need not be a connoisseur of trains or railway aficionado to want such timely information on trains.

 

Railway Reservation Rules

Railway Reservation Rules

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Getting a railway ticket is something that is well sought for among travellers in India. This is not surprising given that railway travel continues to be the preferred mode of travel for millions of travellers round through the year. Choose any destination and any train and you would do well to plan out your travel because more often than not, there is a huge demand for railway tickets. This is one of the prime reasons that it is vital to have some idea of Indian railway reservation rules which could well determine the difference between having a pleasure trip or a veritable nightmare.

 Period of advance reservation:

Railway reservation rules change from time to time. Some of the current reservation rules in Indian railways include the stipulation that tickets can be booked in advance 60 days ahead of the date of travel. This rule is uniformly applicable to all trains and classes of travel, as well.

In the case of stations that are intermediate (not from starting destination), the period of advance reservation could be a day more than that is applicable for the starting destination. This is generally applicable for express and long distance trains, however, in the case of inter-city trains, the period for advance booking could be marginally less, as well. There are a few new rules of Indian railway reservation that one has to keep in mind. For one, the advance reservation period which used to be 90 days now stands at 60 days.

Tatkal:

Tatkal reservation rules stipulate that Tatkal tickets would be available a day in advance of the day of travel. The change as compared to earlier is that the Tatkal tickets can be booked from point to point and one does not have to buy paying full fare of tickets from the source to destination. Tatkal charges are fixed as per class of travel and the Indian railways website provides exact information of the applicable charges. Passengers can travel on Tatkal tickets as long as they have any of 10 identification proofs that are prescribed by the railways. PAN cards, drivers licence, voters ID card are some of the proofs that are admissible. As per railway ticket reservation rules, 10% of the tickets on the high demand and high speed Shatabdi trains are also available under the Tatkal scheme.

Reservation at stations:

Reservation of tickets at railways stations at pre-designated reservation counters commences 60 days prior to the date of travel. Computerization of ticket reservation allows real-time ticket booking so that the status of reservations is available at any given point in time. Railway tickets can also be booked till one hour of departure of the train from the current booking counter at the station.

Online reservation:

Reserving tickets online is quite a convenient mode of reservation. Indian railway online reservation rules stipulate that prospective travellers should register themselves on the Indian railways website. Irctc.co.in is the official site, which provides information, as well as online reservation menu for booking tickets. You can book tickets using credit or debit cards, as well as net-banking and print your tickets in just a jiffy. Online reservation makes it possible for you to book tickets without having to wait for hours in queues on the reservation counter. The computerization of reservation employs accurate logic for allotment of seats in a transparent and glitch free manner. You can opt for special berths, as well as food options in certain premium trains, which offer food on board like Rajdhani Express and Shatabdi or Duronto trains. Passengers are required to carry photo identification proofs while undertaking travel on tickets that are booked online. 

Reservation confirmation:

As per rail reservation rules, travellers are allowed to travel on reserved seats in trains only if they have a confirmation of the reservation. Those who have waitlisted tickets are not allowed to occupy reserved seats and are advised not to board trains on waitlisted tickets. There are a few tickets that are under ‘reservation under cancellation’ status and such passengers are allotted partial berths and are allowed to travel on running trains. As and when seats are available, travellers with tickets that are on ‘reservation under cancellation’ status could get confirmed seats.

 Rules while travelling

Passengers with tickets for reserved berths can sleep on the berths between 9 pm and 6 am during travel. At other times, passengers are expected to allow co-passengers to sit on the berths. It is advised that passengers provide cooperation for smooth and seamless travel.

Cancellation rules

Passengers are allowed to cancel their tickets prior to departure of the train and get a refund of the fare depending on how much time prior to the departure the cancellation has been made. If a passenger does not arrive 10 minutes before the departure of the train, authorities are within their rights to allot the ticket to passengers whose tickets are booked under ‘reservation against cancellation’ status. Passengers attempting to cancel tickets post departure of the train will not be eligible for any refund in fare; hence, time is essence when it comes to ticket cancellations. 

Impersonation:

 Railway rules are quite clear that only passengers who have reserved tickets should travel themselves on berths or seats that have been booked for them. Impersonation of any kind wherein a ticket is booked on someone’s name and someone else attempts to travel on the same ticket is prohibited and specifically liable to punishment as per applicable rules and laws.

Indian Railway Map

Indian Railway Map

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Indian Railways (IR) is called the lifeline of the country. It transports passengers and freight to all corners of India. Thus, it plays an important role in the economic development of the country, especially by supporting industry and agriculture.

IR is one of the busiest and largest rail networks in the world. Only USA, China and Russia do better. It ferries around 23 million passengers every day on around 9000 passenger trains. It is also the world’s largest utility employer with strength of 1.4 million employees. It carts 2 million tons of freight daily and covers a route of over 63,000 km and 7000 stations.

The IR dates back two centuries. The first railway line was set up in 1851 to transfer material for construction to Roorkee. But the first passenger train was chugged off from Bombay to Thane in 1854. It covered a route of 21 miles and heralded the IR network in India.

The IR network is crucial in binding together persons from all classes, castes, ethnicity, religion and regions of the country. It holds together the social and economic fabric of the country. Connecting all four corners- North, South, East and West, it is instrumental in ensuring the political unity of the country.

The IR system is managed directly by the Government of India with a separate department of the Ministry of Railways.  Because of the gargantuan size of the country, Indian Railways is divided into 16 zones that make its administration simpler.

The following are the main railways zones along with their headquarters:

  • East Central Zone: Hajipur
  • Central Zone: Mumbai
  • East Coast Zone: Bhubaneswar
  • North Central Zone: Allahabad
  • Eastern Zone: Kolkata
  • North Eastern Zone: Gorakhpur
  • Northeast Frontier Zone: Guwahati
  • North Western Zone: Jaipur
  • Northern Zone: Delhi
  • South East Central Zone: Bilaspur
  • South Central Zone: Secunderabad
  • South Eastern Zone: Kolkata
  • Southern Zone: Chennai
  • South Western Zone: Hubli
  • Western Zone: Mumbai
  • West Central Zone: Jabalpur
  • Konkan zone: Belapur Mumbai

 Each zone is divided into divisions and there are 68 divisions in total. Each of the zones is helmed by a General Manager, who reports to the Railway board. The divisions are controlled by division managers. Below them are the station masters who lord over stations and train movement.

To get an idea of the IR network, one requires a railway map of India. Several websites offer the service of providing map of Indian railway. One of the best sites is Mapsofindia.com. It provides an Indian railways train map which reveals the IR network across the country indicating different zones like Eastern Railway, Central Railway, etc.

Another website http://indiatrain.atlas-map.com also provides a comprehensive map of the Indian railways network. It indicates details like trunk routes, routes undergoing gauge conversion, international routes, etc. It highlights especially major trains, capitals of states, divisional headquarters and railway zone headquarters. Indian railway map of India provided by this site is useful for one and all.

Indian Railways uses four gauges: The 1,435 mm standard gauge; the 1,676 mm broad gauge, two narrow gauges, 762 mm and 610 mm and the 1,000 mm meter gauge. Track sections are counted for speeds that range from 75 to 160 km/h. The main gauge of the IR is the Broad gauge.

The types of trains of the IR are Duronto Express, Rajdhani Express, AC express, Shatabdi express, Garib Rath, Jan Shatabdi express, Intercity super fast mail, Fast passenger, Suburban trains and Metro.

Indian Railways has many classes of travel with the basic distinction between air-conditioned (AC) and non AC types. The following are the list of classes (but all trains may not have all classes);

  • First class AC: The most expensive class where fares may be equal to that of flights. It has attendants to help passengers. Sleeper berths are very spacious. Coaches are carpeted and have personal coupes. This coach is available on the meter gauge and broad gauge trains.

  • 2 tier AC: These AC coaches have sleeping berths featuring 8 bays. Curtains for privacy are provided.

  • First Class: It is top class but without AC. Berths are spacious, but no bedding will be provided. This class is rare to find except on hills station railways.

  • AC 3 TIER: AC coaches with 64 berths in each. Berths are arranged in 3 tiers. There are no curtains or reading lights and this coach is available only in broad gauge.

  • AC 3 tier (economy): AC coaches having sleeping berths found in Garib Rath trains. They are less well appointed than AC 3-tier with no curtains, reading lights or bedding.

  • AC chair car: An AC seater coach with five seats in a row used for commuting between cities.

  • Executive class chair car: Found only in Shatabdi express, it features 4 seats in a row with AC and spacious legroom.

  • Sleeper coach: Most common on IR trains. Regular sleeping coaches with 3-tier facility and carries 72 passengers in broad gauge.

  • Seater class: Seats without AC and have reserved/ unreserved facility.

  • Unreserved: The least expensive, it features wooden berths in most or cushioned berths in new trains. These overcrowded trains do not have any guarantee of seat availability.

Indian railways map of India is useful for getting information about types and routes of trains. Information on trains must include what kind of classes are available. This is useful for the tourism sector.

The government provides a map of IR network at the site http://www.indianrail.gov.in/.  It also provides the IR Atlas, which gives information on rail routes, train schedules, station index and other figures and facts about IR in 48 pages with Maps.

The maps of Indian Railways help to plan your journey, minimizing time and effort.