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This article is about general features common to all forms of rail transport in India. For the national railway network in
Map showing the Indian rail network and travelling times between major stations
Rail transport is a commonly used mode of long-distance transportationin India. Almost all rail operations in India
are handled by a state-owned organisation, Indian Railways, Ministry of Railways. The rail network traverses the
length and breadth of the country, covering a total length of 63,140 kilometres (39,233 mi).[1] It is said to be the 4th
largest railway network in the world,[2] transporting over 6 billion passengers and over 350 million tonnes
of freight annually.[1] Its operations cover twenty-eight states and three union territories and also provide limited
service to Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Both passenger and freight traffic has seen steady growth, and as per
the 2009 budget presented by the Railway Minister, the Indian Railways carried over 7 billion passengers in 2009
Railways were introduced to India in 1853,[3] and by the time of India's independence in 1947 they had grown to forty-
two rail systems. In 1951 the systems were nationalised as one unit—Indian Railways—to form one of the largest
networks in the world. The broad gauge is the majority and original standard gauge in India; more recent networks
of metre andnarrow gauge are being replaced by broad gauge under Project Unigauge. The steam locomotives have
type of operation. Colour signal lights are used as signals, but in some remote areas of operation, the
older semaphores and disc-based signalling are still in use. Accommodation classes range from general through first
class AC. Trains have been classified according to speed and area of operation. All trains are officially identified by a
four-digit code, though many are commonly known by unique names. The ticketing system has been computerised to
a large extent, and there are reserved as well as unreserved categories of tickets.
Contents
[hide]
1 History
2 Locomotives
3 Signalling
systems
4 Production
units
5 Nomenclature
6 Hierarchy of
trains
7 Suburban rail
8 Ticketing
9 International
links
10 Private
railways
11 See also
12 Notes
13 References
14 External
links
[edit]History
Extent of Great Indian Peninsular Railwaynetwork in 1870. The GIPR was one of the largest rail companies at that time.
A plan for a rail system in India was first put forward in 1832. The first rail line of the Indian sub-continent came up
3.5-mile long rail line was established between Red Hills and stone quarries near St. Thomas Mount.[6] In 1844,
India Company (and later the British Government) encouraged new railway companies backed by private investors
under a scheme that would provide land and guarantee an annual return of up to five percent during the initial years
of operation. The companies were to build and operate the lines under a 99 year lease, with the government having
Two new railway companies, Great Indian Peninsular Railway (GIPR) and East Indian Railway (EIR), were created in
1853-54 to construct and operate two 'experimental' lines near Bombay and Calcutta respectively.[7] The first train in
India had become operational on 22 December 1851 for localised hauling of canal construction material in Roorkee.
[8]
A year and a half later, on 16 April 1853, the first passenger train service was inaugurated between Bori Bunder in
Bombay and Thane. Covering a distance of 34 kilometres (21 mi), it was hauled by three locomotives, Sahib, Sindh,
and Sultan.[9]
In 1854 Lord Dalhousie, the then Governor-General of India, formulated a plan to construct a network of trunk lines
connecting the principal regions of India. Encouraged by the government guarantees, investment flowed in and a
series of new rail companies were established, leading to rapid expansion of the rail system in India.[10] Soon
various native states built their own rail systems and the network spread to the regions that became the modern-day
states of Assam, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. The route mileage of this network increased from 1,349 kilometres
(838 mi) in 1860 to 25,495 kilometres (15,842 mi) in 1880 - mostly radiating inland from the three major port cities of
Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta.[11] Most of the railway construction was done by Indian companies. The railway line
from Lahore to Delhi was done B.S.D. Bedi and Sons (Baba Shib Dayal Bedi), this included the building of the
Jamuna Bridge. By 1895, India had started building its own locomotives, and in 1896 sent engineers and locomotives
management, operating on broad, metre and narrow gauge networks.[12] In 1900 the government took over the GIPR
network, while the company continued to manage it. With the arrival of the First World War, the railways were used to
transport troops and foodgrains to the port city of Bombay and Karachi en route to UK, Mesopotamia, East Africa etc.
By the end of the First World War, the railways had suffered immensely and were in a poor state.[13] In 1923, both
GIPR and EIR were nationalized with the state assuming both ownership and management control.[12]
The Second World War severely crippled the railways as rolling stock was diverted to the Middle East, and the
railway workshops were converted into munitions workshops.[14] After independence in 1947, forty-two separate
railway systems, including thirty-two lines owned by the former Indian princely states, were amalgamated as a single
unit, which was christened as the Indian Railways. The existing rail networks were abandoned in favour of zones in
As the economy of India improved, almost all railway production units were 'indigenised' (produced in India). By 1985,
steam locomotives were phased out in favour of diesel and electric locomotives. The entire railway reservation
In 2003, the Indian Railways celebrated 150 years of its existence. Various zones of the railways celebrated the event
by running heritage trains on routes similar to the ones on which the first trains in the zones ran. The Ministry of
Railways commemorated the event by launching a special logo celebrating the completion of 150 years of service.[15]
[16]
Also launched was a new mascot for the 150th year celebrations, named "Bholu the guard elephant".[17]
[edit]Locomotives
A DMU Train
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, one of the oldest running steam locomotives, in India
The government has spent a lot of money to boost foreign direct investment. Seen here is a multi billion dollar rail link in centralKashmir, 2nd
Indian Railways use a specialised classification code for identifying its locomotives. The code is usually three or four
letters, followed by a digit identifying the model (either assigned chronologically or encoding the power rating of the
locomotive).[18] This could be followed by other codes for minor variations in the base model.
The three (or four) letters are, from left to right, the gauge of tracks on which the locomotive operates, the type of
power source or fuel for the locomotive, and the kind of operation the locomotive can be used for.[18] The gauge is
coded as 'W' for broad gauge, 'Y' for metre gauge, 'Z' for the 762 mm narrow gauge and 'N' for the 610 mm narrow
gauge. The power source code is 'D' for diesel, 'A' for AC traction, 'C' for DC traction and 'CA' for dual traction
(AC/DC). The operation letter is 'G' for freight-only operation, 'P' for passenger trains-only operation, 'M' for mixed
operation (both passenger and freight) and 'S' for shunting operation. A number alongside it indicates the power
rating of the engine.[18] For example '4' would indicate a power rating of above 4,000 hp (2,980 kW) but below
5,000 hp (3,730 kW). A letter following the number is used to give an exact rating. For instance 'A' would be an
additional 100 horsepower (75 kW); 'B' 200 hp (150 kW) and so on. For example, a WDM-3D is a broad-gauge,
diesel-powered, mixed mode (suitable for both freight and passenger duties) and has a power rating of
3400 hp (2.5 MW).
The most common diesel engine used is the WDM-2, which entered production in 1962. This 2,600 hp (1.9 MW)
locomotive was designed by Alco and manufactured by the Diesel Locomotive Works, Varanasi, and is used as a
standard workhorse.[19] It is being replaced by more modern engines, ranging in power up to 4,000 hp (3 MW).
There is a wide variety of electric locomotives used, ranging between 2,800 to 6,350 hp (2.1 to 4.7 MW).[19] They also
accommodate the different track voltages in use. Most electrified sections in the country use 25,000 volt AC, but
railway lines around Mumbaiuse the older 1,500 V DC system.[20] Thus, Mumbai and surrounding areas are the only
places where one can find AC/DC dual locomotives of the WCAM and WCAG series. All other electric locomotives
are pure AC ones from the WAP, WAG and WAM series. Some specialised electric multiple units on the Western
Railway also use dual-power systems. There are also some very rare battery-powered locomotives, primarily used for
The only steam engines still in service in India operate on two heritage lines (Darjeelingand Ooty), and on the tourist
train Palace on Wheels.[21] Plans are afoot to re-convert the Neral-Matheran to steam. The oldest steam engine in the
world in regular service, the Fairy Queen, operates between Delhi and Alwar.
[edit]Signalling systems
The Indian Railways makes use of colour signal lights, but in some remote areas of operation, the older semaphores
and discs-based signalling (depending on the position or colour) are still in use.[22] Except for some high-traffic
sections around large cities and junctions, the network does not use automatic block systems. However, the signals
at stations are almost invariably interlocked with the setting of points (routes) and so safety does not depend on the
skill of the station masters. With the planned introduction of Cab signalling/Anti collision devices the element of risk
Coloured signalling makes use of multi-coloured lighting and in many places is automatically controlled. There are
three modes:[22]
Two aspect signalling, which uses a red (bottom) and green (top) lamp
Three aspect signalling, which uses an additional amber lamp in the centre
Four (multiple) aspect signalling makes use of four lamps, the fourth is amber and is placed above the other
three.
Multiple aspect signals, by providing several intermediate speed stages between 'clear' and 'on', allow high-speed
trains sufficient time to brake safely if required. This becomes very important as train speeds rise. Without multiple-
aspect signals, the stop signals have to be placed very far apart to allow sufficient braking distance and this reduces
track utilisation. At the same time, slower trains can also be run closer together on track with multiple aspect signals.
Semaphores make use of a mechanical arm to indicate the line condition. Several subtypes are used:[22]
Two aspect lower quadrant
Disc-based: These signals are located close to levers used to operate points. They are all two-aspect
signals.
[edit]Production units
These have a monocoque construction, and the floor is an integral unit with the undercarriage. The Rail Coach
Some electric locomotives have been supplied by BHEL, Jhansi, and locomotive components are manufactured in
[edit]Nomenclature
Trains are sorted into various categories that dictate the number of stops along their route, the priority they enjoy on
the network, and the fare structure. Each express train is identified by a four-digit number[23]—the first digit indicates
the zone that operates the train, the second the division within the zone that controls the train and is responsible for
its regular maintenance and cleanliness, and the last two digits are the train's serial number.
For super-fast trains, the first digit is always '2',[23] the second digit is the zone, the third is the division and only the
last digit is the serial number within the division. Trains travelling in opposite directions along the same route are
usually labelled with consecutive numbers.[23] However, there is considerable variation in train numbers and some
zones, such as Central Railway, has a less systematic method for numbering trains.[23] Most express trains also have
a unique name that is usually exotic and taken from landmarks, famous people, rivers and so on.[24][25]
[edit]Hierarchy of trains
Trains are classified by their average speed.[26] A faster train has fewer stops ("halts") than a slower one and usually
1 Duronto Expresses These are the non-stop point to point rail services (except for operational stops) introduced for the first time
in 2009. These trains connects the metros and major state capitals of India and are faster than Rajdhani
Expresses. The Duronto services consists of three classes of accommodation namely first AC, two-tier AC,
three-tier AC.
2 Rajdhani Expresses These are all air-conditioned trains linking major cities to New Delhi. The Rajdhanis have high priority and are
one of the fastest trains in India, travelling at about 140 km/h (87 mph). There are only a few stops on a
Rajdhani route.
3 Shatabdi and Jan The Shatabdi trains are AC intercity seater-type trains. Jan-Shatabdi trains consists of both AC and non-AC
Shatabdi Expresses classes.
4 Super-fast These are trains that have an average speed greater than 55 km/h (34 mph). Tickets for these trains have an
Expressesor Mail trains additional super-fast surcharge.
5 Express These are the most common kind of trains in India. They have more stops than their super-fast counterparts,
but they stop only at relatively important intermediate stations.
6 Passengerand Fast These are slow trains that stop at most stations along the route and are the cheapest trains. The entire train
Passenger consists of the General-type compartments.
7 Suburban trains Trains that operate in urban areas, usually stop at all stations.
[edit]Suburban rail
The Delhi Metro railway
Chennai MRTS
Many cities have their own dedicated suburban networks to cater to commuters. Currently, suburban networks
and Lucknow-Kanpur do not have dedicated suburban tracks but share the tracks with long distance trains. New
Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai have their own metro networks, namely the New Delhi Metro, the Kolkata Metro,and
Suburban trains that handle commuter traffic are mostly electric multiple units. They usually have nine coaches or
sometimes twelve to handle rush hour traffic. One unit of an EMU train consists of one power car and two general
coaches. Thus a nine coach EMU is made up of three units having one power car at each end and one at the middle.
The rakes in Mumbai run on direct current, while those elsewhere usealternating current.[28] A standard coach is
designed to accommodate 96 seated passengers, but the actual number of passengers can easily double or triple
[edit]Ticketing
A ticket reservation office in Guntur Division.
India has some of the lowest train fares in the world, and passenger traffic is heavily subsidised by more expensive
higher class fares.[29] Until the late 1980s, Indian Railway ticket reservations were done manually. In late 1987, the
Railways started using a computerised ticketing system. The entire ticketing system went online in 1995 to provide up
to date information on status and availability. Today the ticketing network is computerised to a large extent, with the
exception of some remote places. Computerized tickets can be booked for any two points in the country. Tickets can
also be booked through the internet and via mobile phones, though this method carries an additional surcharge.
Discounted tickets are available for senior citizens (above sixty years) and some other categories of passengers
including the disabled, students, sportspersons, persons afflicted by serious diseases, or persons appearing for
competitive examinations. One compartment of the lowest class of accommodation is earmarked for ladies in every
passenger carrying train. Some berths or seats in sleeper class and second class are also earmarked for ladies.
[30]
Season tickets permitting unlimited travel on specific sections or specific trains for a specific time period may also
be available. Foreign tourists can buy an Indrail Pass,[31] which is modeled on the Eurail Pass, permitting unlimited
intended travel.[30] Details such as the name, age and concession (if eligible) are required and are recorded on the
ticket. The ticket price usually includes the base fare, which depends on the classification of the train (example:
super-fast surcharge if the train is classified as a super-fast), the class in which one wishes to travel and the
If a seat is not available, then the ticket is given a wait listed number; else the ticket is confirmed, and a berth number
is printed on the ticket. A person receiving a wait listed ticket will have to wait until there are enough cancellations to
enable him to move up the list and obtain a confirmed ticket.[30][31] If his ticket is not confirmed on the day of departure,
he may not board the train. Some of the tickets are assigned to the RAC or Reservation against Cancellation, which
is between the waiting list and the confirmed list.[30][31] These allow the ticket holder to board the train and obtain an
allotted seat decided by a ticket collector, after the ticket collector has ascertained that there is a vacant (absentee)
seat.
Reserved Railway Tickets can be booked through the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation
Limited,[32] and also through mobile Phones and SMS. Tickets booked through this site are categorised in to iTickets
and eTickets. iTickets are those, which are booked by a passenger and then printed and delivered to the passenger
for carrying during journey. eTickets are those, which the passenger can print himself at his end and carry while
travelling. While traveling on an eTicket, one needs to carry one of the authorised valid Photo Identity Cards.
Cancellation of eTickets are also done online, without the requirement for the passenger to go to any counter.
Unreserved tickets are available for purchase on the platform at any time before departure. An unreserved ticket
holder may only board the general compartment class. All suburban networks issue unreserved tickets valid for a
limited time period. For frequent commuters, a season pass (monthly or quarterly) guarantees unlimited travel
[edit]International links
India has rail links with Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.[33] It also plans to install a rail system in southern Bhutan. A
Before the Partition of India there were eight rail links between what are now India and Pakistan. However, currently
there are only two actively maintained rail links between the two countries. The first one is at Wagah in Punjab.
The Samjhauta Express plies this route from Amritsar in India to Lahore in Pakistan.[33] The second one, opened in
2006 runs between Munabao (in Rajasthanin India) and Khokhrapar (in Sindh in Pakistan). Other discused links are
After the creation of East Pakistan (later Bangladesh), many trains that used to run between Assam and Bengal had
to be rerouted through the Chicken's Neck. As of March 2010, there exists one passenger link between India and
Bangladesh, theMaitree Express, which plies between Kolkata and Dhaka twice a week.[35] A metre gauge link exists
between Mahisasan (Mohishashon) and Shahbazpur. Another link is between Radhikapur and Birol. These two links
are used occasionally for freight.[33][34] A rail link between Akhaura in Bangladesh and Agartala in India has also been
proposed.[36][37]
There are two links between India and Nepal: Raxaul Jn., Bihar–Sirsiya, Parsa and Jaynagar, Bihar–
[edit]Private railways
Though the Indian Railways enjoys a near monopoly in India, a few private railways do exist, left over from the days
of the Raj, usually small sections on private estates, etc. There are also some railway lines owned and operated by
companies for their own purposes, by plantations, sugar mills, collieries, mines, dams, harbours and ports, etc.
The Bombay Port Trust runs a BG railway of its own, as does the Madras Port Trust.[38] The Calcutta Port
Commission Railway is a BG railway. The Vishakhapatnam Port Trust has BG and NG, 2 ft 6 in (762 mm), railways.
The Bhilai Steel Plant has a BG railway network.[38] The Tatas (a private concern) operate funicular railways at Bhira
and at Bhivpuri Road (as well as the Kamshet–Shirawta Dam railway line, which is not a public line). These are not
common carriers, so the general public cannot travel using these. The Pipavav Rail Corporation holds a 33-year
concession for building and operating a railway line from Pipavav to Surendranagar.[38] The Kutch Railway Company,
a joint venture of the Gujarat state government and private parties, is involved (along with the Kandla Port Trust and
the Gujarat Adani Port) to build a Gandhidham–Palanpur railway line.[38] These railway lines are principally used to
Although generally IR has decided the freight tariffs on these lines, recently (February 2005) there have been
proposals to allow the operating companies freedom to set freight tariffs and generally run the lines without reference
to IR.