The Indian Railway, which is owned by the Government of India’s Railway Ministry and operates our railway system, is an integral part of India. It is one of the largest railway networks.
The railway is the most comfortable mode of transport for long distances because it offers the most incredible comfort to passengers. Railways have a vast network with 7,216 stations and a total route length of 66,687 km. They also have a fleet of 11122 locomotives, 70,241 passenger coaches, and 2,54,000 wagons. Indian Railways is a popular mode of transport for many people. Indian Railways is India’s largest public sector enterprise. Railways are a major contributor to India’s growth and development. They introduce high-tech and superfast trains each year.
History of Indian Railways
The Indian Railway was founded during the British Empire. Indian Railways began 160 years ago, on April 16, 1853. What was the name of the first train? How far did it travel? The first passenger train was launched on April 16, 1853. It ran from Bori Bunder, Bombay, to Thane, covering a 34-kilometre distance. Three locomotives, Sahib Sultan and Sindh, operated the train.
Lord Dalhousie, who was the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856, conceived the idea of a railway network in India in 1843. He is considered the Father of Indian Railways. Many Indians depend on Indian Railways to travel, but they are unaware of the fascinating facts about Indian Railways.
Incredible Indian Railways Facts You Must Know
Here are some more fascinating and amazing facts about Indian railways. Have you read them before?
Bihar was the first state to establish a railway workshop
Bihar’s incredible history, from the medieval to the modern period, is well-known. Indian Railways is also part of Bihar’s history, as the first Railway workshop was established by the British government at Jamalpur near Munger district in Bihar on February 8, 1862. Before Indian Independence, Jamalpur was not an industrially developed area. The workshop built its own iron and metal foundry to become self-sustaining.
Bholu, the Mascot for the Indian Railways
Bholu, do you know him? Bholu is the Indian Railways’ “Shubhankar,” or mascot. It is a cartoon of a well-dressed railway guard in a uniform holding a lamp. The mascot was created for the 150th-anniversary commemorative event and was accepted as the official mascot in 2003. Bholu, the cartoon elephant, conveys the message that we should be responsible and sincere.
Indian Railways Runs Five Luxury Trains
Indian Railways runs five luxury trains, and with digital advancements, passengers can easily Track Train Status for these exclusive journeys to ensure a great travel experience. The super luxury trains have top-notch amenities like bars, restaurants and cafes. They also offer laundry services, spas, and other services. These trains will give you a royal experience while you travel. Below is the name of these luxurious trains.
- The Maharaja’s Express
- Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
- Palace on Wheels
- Golden Chariot
- The Deccan Odyssey
Railway Junction with Most Platforms
Did you know that Howrah Junction in Kolkata is one of the busiest stations in India? Howrah Junction is one of the largest railway stations in India, with 23 platforms. Compared to other stations, the station has a large number of platforms. More than one million passengers use the station each day, and more than 600 passenger train services use the 23 platforms.
The 4th Most Extensive Rail Network in the world
Did you know the Indian Railway is one of the largest railway networks in the world because it covers 68,525 kilometres? With such a vast system, it’s essential to Check PNR Status before your journey to ensure you have a confirmed ticket. It has an electrified network of over 45,000 kilometres.
Diamond Crossing on Indian Railways
In Indian Railways, a Diamond Crossing is where trains can go East, West, North, or South by crossing over on the same rail line. A diamond crossing is basically a place where two railway tracks cross each other, cutting them into a diamond shape. However, it’s not at an angle. Two tracks run east-west, and the other two run North-South. It is one of the rarest railway crossings in Nagpur.
Listed on 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Did you know Indian Railways is proud to own four UNESCO World Heritage Sites? We can be proud of India Railways’ popularity around the globe. Kalka Shimla Railway (2008, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, 2005, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, 1999), and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai (2004) are popular world heritage sites.
The Longest Train Rides in India
Vivek Express now offers a 4286 Km journey from Dibrugarh. This is the most extended train trip.
The Slowest and Fastest Trains in India
Indian Railways introduces a variety of trains each year. One of the slowest is the Mettupalayam—Ooty Nilgiri Passenger Train, which runs at 10 km per hour. Vande Bharata Express, which travels at 180 km/hr, is one of Indian Railways’ fastest trains.
The Most Extended Platform in the World
Have you heard of the most extended platform on earth? I’ll tell you that Hubballi Railway Station in Karnataka is the most extended station in the entire world. It is now listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as having the world’s longest platform, measuring 1,507 metres.
Here are some interesting facts about Indian Railways that every regular train passenger should know. The Indian Railways is a large statutory organization that contains countless facts and rules. Everyone should be aware of these before they travel. Many people are unaware of some exciting rules, but they are helpful for regular train travellers. In this blog, I will mention some interesting rules about Indian Railways.
Indian Railways: Interesting Rules
TTE will not release a woman travelling alone with a child, either a boy or a girl, without a ticket at night. The Indian Railways has a rule for the protection of women and children. You can catch your train from the following two stops if you are late for any reason. Indian Railways has a luggage limit. One of its rules states that no more than 70 kg of luggage can be carried per person.
Are you familiar with the Indian Railways middle berth rules? Let me tell you about the Indian Railways middle berth sleeping rule. This rule states that the sleeping period is from 10 PM until 6 AM. You must remove your seat after 6 AM.
Many of us travel by train. For everyone’s safety, the Indian Railways rules state that loudspeakers cannot be listened to from your phone. Audio or video may disturb other passengers after 10 PM.
This information is useful if you frequent train travel. According to Indian Railway rules, no local vendor may charge more than the MRP stated on the product.
