55 Interesting Facts About Indian Railways

Indian Railways is the largest railway network in the world with a total length of over 160,000 kilometres. It’s one of India’s most important transportation systems, and it has a lot to offer businesses. 

From passenger trains to cargo trains, Indian Railways has something for everyone. And with its growing population and ever-changing needs. Indian Railways has generated over $1 trillion in total revenue and is expected to remain a fundamental part of India’s transportation system for years to come.

Interesting Facts About Indian Railways

Facts – #1 Who is known as the father of Indian Railways?

Lord Dalhousie is known as the father of Indian railways. His railway minutes of 1853 stand as the milestone in convincing the British government for introducing the railway in India and how it would help in gaining more profits and better control of the country.

In 1845 Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, along with Hon. Jaganath Shunkerseth (also known as Nana Shankarsheth) formed the Indian railway association. Later this association was incorporated with the great Indian peninsula railways.

Facts – #2 When was the first train operated in India and where?

The first railway line was constructed under the rule of Lord Dalhousie. The first passenger train was operated on 16th April 1853, from Bombay(Bori Bunder) to thane. The 14-carriage train was pulled by three steam locomotives Sindh, Sahib and Sultan.

It operated on a 34 Km line carrying 400 people. the line was built and operated by Great Indian Peninsula railways.

Facts – #3 Which was the first railway station in India?

The first railway station was built in Bori Bunder (Bombay), It was built by  Great Indian Peninsula railways. This railway station was rebuilt as a Victoria terminal later in 1988 and was named after British Queen Victoria.

Facts – #4 Which railway zone is the largest in India?

Northern railways are the largest zone, which is headquartered in Baroda House, New Delhi near India Gate.

It covers a 6807 KM route which has 1142 railway stations under its 5 divisions Delhi, Ambala, Firozpur, Lucknow and Moradabad. Northern Railway Zone was the first zone to introduce a computerized reservation system in India.

Facts – #5 Which is the oldest railway zone in India?

Central Railway Zone is the oldest railway zone which is headquartered in Mumbai at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.

It covers 3905 Km of the route which has 612 railway stations maintained under its 5 divisions located at Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Solapur, and Bhusawal. It also holds a Distinct record for operating the first railway line in India from Bombay to thane.

Facts – #6 Which railway zone is busiest?

Western Railway zone is the busiest zone of Indian railways, it is headquartered in church gate, Mumbai. It covers a 6182 Km route which has 1046 railway stations maintained by 6 divisions Mumbai, Ratlam, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, and Vadodara.

Western railways celebrated its 150th birth anniversary on 28th November 2019.

Facts – #7  How many railway stations are there in India?

There are 7349 railway stations across India in the year 2019-20 as per the data issued by the Ministry of railways in its yearbook. It facilitates the movement of 23 million travellers and 3 million tonnes of freight daily.

Facts – #8 Which is India’s longest railway station?

The Gorakhpur railway station has the longest railway platform in India. It also holds the Limca book of record for the world’s longest railway station with a length of 1366 Metres with a ramp.

Before Gorakhpur, the Kharagpur railway station in West Bengal held the record with a length of 1072 M.

Facts – #9 Which railway station has the highest number of platforms in India?

In terms of the largest or highest number of platforms, the Howrah railway station situated on the west bank of the Hooghly river has 23 platforms and 26 tracks.

Facts – #10 Which is the Highest Railway Station in India?

Ghum (also pronounced as Ghoom) Railway station is situated in Darjeeling at 7407 ft India’s highest railway station. It is maintained and operated by Darjeeling Himalayan Railways.

The Train runs between Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, It is a narrow gauge railway line or Toy train listed as a world heritage site and Ghum railway station is known for being the highest railway station at an altitude of 2258 Mts and covers a distance of 78 Km.

Facts – #11 Which is the cleanest railway station in India?

As per the survey conducted by Indian Railway in 2019 under Swach Rail, Swach Bharat Campaign, Jaipur railway station is awarded as the cleanest railway station in India. However, please note that the rankings and conditions of stations can change over time.

Here is the list of the top 10 cleanest railway stations in India

• Jaipur, Rajasthan
• Jodhpur, Rajasthan
• Durgapura, Rajasthan
• Jammu Tawi, J&K
• Gandhi Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan
• Suratgarh, Rajasthan
• Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
• Udaipur, Rajasthan
• Ajmer, Rajasthan
• Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Facts – #12 Which is the largest marshalling yard in India?

Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction has the largest Marshalling Yard in Asia, It is 12.5 Km long in length. At its peak, it used to handle 5000 wagons per day but due to the discontinuation of piecemeal loading, it has been reduced to 1500 wagons per day.

The name of Mughal Sarai station has officially been changed to Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction in August 2018 by Yogi Adityanath Led the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh.

Facts – #13 Which is the most beautiful railway station in India?

The first railway station in India is also one of the most beautiful Railway stations known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. This victorian masterpiece is an architectural beauty that was designed by Frederick Stevens and Axel Haig.

It is believed to be one of the best architecturally designed railway stations in the world being built on Indo- Saracenic Style Architecture. this railway station is also a UNESCO world heritage site and is also known as victoria terminus.

Facts – #14 Which Station has the largest Junction in India?

Mathura Railway station has 7 routes emerging from its Junction, which makes it the largest junction in India.

7 routes emerging from Mathura Railway station are-

• Mathura – Delhi Chord Line.
• Mathura – Chennai Line.
• Mathura – Vadodara Line.
• Mathura – Kasganj Line.
• Mathura – Acchanera Line.
• Mathura – Alwar Line.
• Mathura – Vrindavan Line

Facts – #15  Where in India there are 2 stations at one location?

Belapur and Srirampur are two different Railway station which shares the same location on the railway route by being on opposite side of the track.

This place is situated in the Ahmednagar district of Maharastra, It is a very interesting place to show around to your loved ones Two Stations at One Place

Facts – #16 What is the name of one station which falls in two states?

Navapur Railway station has unique identification of its own, it is the only railway station in India that lies in two states.

This railway station shares its border with Gujarat and Maharashtra, It is built in such a way that half the station lies in Maharashtra and half lies in Gujarat.

Facts – #17- Which Indian railway station has the longest name?

Puratchi Thalaivar Dr M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station, which was known as Chennai central railway station to most people, is the longest Railway station name.

‘Chennai Central’ was renamed after actor-turned-politician Dr M.G. Ramachandran on April 5, 2019, becoming India’s longest railway station name, by replacing Venkatanarasimharajuvaripeta in 2019.

Facts – #18 Which Indian railway station has the shortest name?

The Indian Railway stations with the shortest names are IB and OD. IB is situated near Jharsuguda in Odisha and OD is Situated near Anand in Gujarat.

Both the IB and OD have the distinction of having the shortest name of all stations in the entire Indian Railways network.

Facts – #19- Which Indian state has no railway lines?

Sikkim is the only state in India that is not connected to the Train network, the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri which is 130 Km from Gangtok.

However, the Sivok-Rangpo rail project has been launched by Indian Railway to connect, Rangpo in Sikkim with Sevoke in West Bengal, and the rest of India within a few years.

The Sivok-Rangpo rail project will be considered is considered one of the most ambitious projects and engineering marvels.  The train route from Sivok to Rangpo will have 14 tunnels, 14 major bridges and eight minor bridges, and five stations – Sivok, Riyang, Teesta Bazar, Melli, and Rango.  Teesta Bazar will be an underground railway station. 

Facts – #20 Which is the Northern railway station of India?

Sopore railway station is the northernmost station in India. It comes before the Baramulla terminus. but if looked at the map carefully, it can be seen that it is further north. 

In case the proposed Baramulla-Kupwara line is extended then Kupwara will be the northernmost point.

Facts – #21 Which is the Easternmost railway station in India?

Ledo is the Easternmost railway station in India which is operational in 2020. However, the Goods train goes further east till Tirap siding for loading Coal.

Though if we consider a non-operational Easternmost station then it will be Lekhapani, surveys are being conducted to revive and extend the line to Kharsang.

Facts – #22 Which is the Westernmost railway station in India?

Naliya is the westernmost railway station and it is a terminus. Nilaya is connected with Bhuj and gauge conversion work is going on this line and is expected to be completed soon. This line is can be further extended to Vayor village 25 Km northwest of Nilaya.

Facts – #23 Which is the Southernmost railway station in India?

It is the easiest of all, Kanyakumari is the southernmost railway station in India only 1 Km away from Kanyakumari Beach. Kanyakumari railway station was earlier known as the Cape Comorin railway station.

Two of the longest Trains Journey also start  from here – Dibrugarh- Kanyakumari Vivek Express (4,283 kilometres) and Himsagar Express (3,789 Kilometres)

Facts – #24 Which Train covers the longest route in India?

Vivek Express– Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari travels from the Southernmost station to Dibrugarh covering 4283 Kilometres in 80 hours and 15 minutes. This makes it the longest travel by distance covered but also total time.

This train was started to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, to be held in 2013.

Facts – #25 Which Train covers the Shortest route in India?

The shortest-running train operates between Nagpur to Ajni situated just 3 Km apart from each other. Primarily this train takes Crew from Nagpur to Ajni loco workshop.

Facts – #26  Which is the most beautiful train route?

Any particular train route cannot justify the beauty of India, It is about the breathtaking views and ensuring an unforgettable experience. It is about admiring the changing scenic beauty as the train traverses through mountains, rivers, and villages.

Here is the list of the 10 most beautiful train routes that you must travel:

• Jammu – Baramulla
• Pathankot – Jogindernagar
• Kalka – Shimla
•  Hubli – Madgaon
• Matheran – Neral
• Tamil Nadu – Rameshwaram
• Mettupalayam – Ooty
• New Jalpaiguri – Darjeeling
• Alipurduar – Jalpaiguri  
• Vasco Da Gama – Londa

Facts – #27  Which is the oldest train running in India?

Kalka Mail is currently the oldest train running, It completed 154 years of its journey in 2020 and still moving forward. 

The Kalka mail was first operated in 1866 as East Indian railway Mail, this train was run by East India Company which used it to carry British officers from Kolkata to its summer capital Shimla.

Facts – #28 Which oldest working locomotive in India?

Fairy Queen is the oldest locomotive in India that is still operational. It was manufactured in 1855 and Fairy Queen holds the record of the world’s oldest Steam locomotive in regular service as certified by the Guinness book of records.

The Indian government honoured Fairy Queen with heritage status in 1972 rendering it a national treasure.

Facts – #29 Which is the first super fast train in India?

The Deccan Queen Express is the first superfast train in India, which started its journey on 1st June 1930 by Great Indian peninsula railways from Kalyan to Pune and has entered its 90th year of service.

Deccan Queen is the 2nd train to have ISO: 9000 Certification. It was the first to have ladies-only cars and among the 1st to introduce dinner. Many other records are held by it which makes it special.

Amazing Facts About Indian Railways

Facts – #30-  When First Electric Train operated in India?

The first electric train ran on 3rd Feb 1925 in India with the inauguration of services between Bombay VT and Kurla Harbour by the Great Indian Peninsula Railway system. The section was electrified on 1500 Volt DC and the line was further extended from Igatpuri district to finally till Pune.

Deccan Queen was the first long-distance electric-hauled train to operate from Kalyan to Pune In 1930.

Facts – #31- Which is the fastest train in India in 2020?

Vande Bharat Express/Train 18 is the fastest train in 2022, Train 18, which was  manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, reached the speed of 180 Km/h in its trial run but the speed is restricted to 130 Km/h

Gatiman Express was the fastest train before Train 18, with a top speed of 160 Km/h running from New Delhi to Agra.

Facts – #32- Which is the slowest train in India in 2020?

Mettupalayam Ooty Nilgiri Passenger (Toy Train) is the slowest train running in India in 2020. it runs at the speed of 10 Km/h, it is roughly 18 times slower than the fastest train operating today.

The train covers 46 Km in approx 5 hours but this is due to the hilly terrain through which the train travels. This train travels through the steepest inclines in Asia, from 1062 ft to 7228 ft above sea level. The scenic beauty of this line compensates for the speed of the train.

Facts – #33- Which is India’s first double Decker train?

Flying Ranee is the first Non-A/C Double-decker train which has a few double-decker coaches attached. It started operating on 1 May 1937 till 1939 and was discontinued due to world war 2.

It again restarted its operations on 1 November 1950 and has been running ever since. On 18 December 1979, 1st double-decker coaches were added to the Flying Ranee’s rake. Presently it is a daily service.

The Howrah – Dhanbad AC Double Decker Express is the First A/C Double Decker Train to be operated in India. It started its service on 1 October 2011.

Facts – #34- When Bullet Train will start operating in India?

India launched its first bullet train project. Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and PM Modi had laid the foundation stone to build India’s first high-speed train between Mumbai and Ahmadabad

​​​​​​​The first bullet train in India will start operating by 2024 and will be maintained by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL). 

Facts – #35- Which is the first international border train operating from India?

Samjhauta Express or Delhi Attari Express is the first train to cross Border.  The train was started on 22 July 1976 and runs between Delhi to Attari in India and Lahore in Pakistan. 

The trains have been discontinued many times due to terrorist attacks on India but recently Pakistan has suspended the service due to the revocation of article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Facts – #36- Which is the highest priority train in India?

During the normal course of operation, Rajdhani Trains Gets the highest priority in the Indian railway network. Rajdhani Express is a fully air-conditioned train that connects New Delhi with other important destinations, especially state capitals.

Though Shatabdi and Duranto are also high-priority trains on the Indian Railway network.

Facts – #37- Which are the most punctual trains in India?

Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duranto express class trains are the best-performing trains, this is also because they are given high priority over other trains to reach destinations on time.

The reasons are also fewer stoppages, longer non-stop running stretches, and most important that two-block sections ahead of the train are kept free for these trains so that they can run at their maximum permissible speed.

And the Western zone is the most Punctual zone with a punctuality rate of 91%.

Facts – #38 Which is the least punctual train in India?

Thiruvananthapuram–Silchar Superfast Express holds the record for the least punctual or the most delayed train on the Indian railway network, on average, it is delayed by 10-12 hours.

It also holds the record for the longest-running superfast train in India, It covers a distance of 3932 Km in 74 hrs 45 mins

Facts – #39- Which is the longest non-stop train in India?

The Thiruvananthapuram Rajdhani Express is the longest Non-stop running train in India between two stops.

It starts from Thiruvananthapuram to Nizamuddin and makes a nonstop run of 528 km from Vadodara to Kota in 6.5 hrs.

Facts – #40- Which express train has the maximum number of stops?

Howrah-Delhi Janta express (13039/13040) has a maximum of 117 halts during its journey from Howrah to Delhi. The train completes the journey in 39 to 40 hours running with an average speed of 55 km /hr

This record was previously held by Howrah-Amritsar Express with 109 halts.

Facts – #41-  Which is the first private train in India?

Delhi- Lucknow Tejas Express is the first private train in India operated by IRCTC. It Started as an experiment and it was able to make 70 Lakh profit in its first month of operation. It will help in enhancing the quality of service and providing world-class facilities.

This Success will open the way for the privatisation of the railways and eventually end the monopoly of Indian Railways.

Facts – #42- Which is the most expensive train in India?

Maharaja Express is the most expensive luxury train in India operated by IRCTC. It operates around October to April, covering the most prominent destinations- Taj Mahal, Ranthambhor, Varanasi, The Khajuraho temples, etc within the span of a week.

This journey provides an amazing opportunity to experience the beauty of nature along with the luxury of Royal Indian heritage by recreating the lifestyle of the royal era. It also comes with world-class facilities including

Facts – #43-  How many trains run per day in India?

Indian Railways runs approx 22500 trains daily including both passenger(13452) and freight(9141)  contributing to the movement of 23 million travellers and 3 million tonnes of freight daily through 7349 railway stations.

Facts – #44- Which is the Most Powerful passenger Locomotive in India?

WAP 7  is the Most Powerful passenger locomotive 2020 operational in India. It is developed by Chitranjan Locomotive works under Made in India initiative.

It is also the fastest passenger locomotive which can haul 24 coaches at the speed of 140-160 Km/hr.

Facts – #45- Which is the Most Powerful Freight Locomotive in India?

WAG 12 is the most powerful Freight Locomotive Developed by Alstom and Indian railways. It is also the first locomotive that produces 12000 HP output and will be used to haul the weight of 6000 tonnes at the speed of 100-120 Km/hr on a dedicated freight corridor.

Facts – #46-  Who is India’s First Railway Minister?

John Mathai, an economist was the first Railway Minister of India and subsequently a finance minister. He served from 15 August 1947 to 22 September 1948. John Mathai was awarded Padam Vibhushan In 1959.

Facts – #47- India’s first female locomotive pilot?

Surekha Yadav became the first female Locomotive pilot (Train Driver) on Indian railways in 1988.  She is also Asia’s first female driver to drive Deccan Queen from Pune to CST.

Facts – #48-  When did Indian Railways start its first computerized reservation?

Indian railway started its first computerized reservation in 1986 at New Delhi station, prior to the computerized era, tickets were booked manually. The computerized system went online in 1995 providing information about ticket availability and status.

Now every station is networked with ticketing systems across India and Indian railways provide various channels to book the ticket online from one station to another.

Facts – #49-   What is the Mascot of Indian railways?

Bholu- The official mascot of Indian railways. Created by the National institute of design, A cartoon of an Elephant holding a signal lamp with green light was unveiled on 16th April 2002 to celebrate the 150 years of Indian railways.

Facts – #50- Which is the longest rail bridge in India?

Bogibeel Railroad bridge is the longest rail bridge made over the Brahmaputra river to connect the Dhemiji district to the Dibrugarh District with a length of 4.94 Km. This entire bridge is welded with steel and concrete support beams, also the first bridge that can withstand 7 or higher Richter scale earthquakes. 

Vembanad rail bridge is the second-longest rail bridge at present in India with a length of 4.62 Km.

Facts – #51 Which is the highest Rail Bridge in India?

Chenab Railway Bridge is the highest railway bridge in India constructed between Bakkal and kauri in J&K at the height of 1178 ft( 359 M) above the Chenab river.

The Arch bridge is 35 M taller than Eiffel Tower in Paris which also makes it the world’s highest railway bridge.

An Engineering marvel and a milestone achieved by IR that can withstand major blasts, wind up to 260 Km/Hr and its serviceable lifespan are 120 years.

Facts – #52 Which is the longest railway tunnel in India?

Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel– the Longest railway tunnel in India, it is 11.215 Km in length, 8.40 m wide, and 7.39 m in height.

This Tunnel is Located in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas in Jammu & Kashmir and was completed in December 2012 it is also part of the Jammu- Baramulla Rail Line. 

Facts – #53 Where is the world’s largest Route Relay Interlocking System?

New Delhi Railway station holds the record of the world’s most extensive route relay interlocking system certified by the Guinness book of records.

New Delhi railway station is equipped with a modern signalling system for enhanced efficiency and safety in operations.

Facts – #54 Which is the most unique railway crossing in India?

The Diamond crossing in Nagpur is the most unique crossing because it is a double diamond crossing formed by two double lines crossing each other. As it is also said that lines from north, east south, and west meet here and are even also called the centre point of India.

It was also considered to be the zero-mile centre of India by Britisher though this was later as per official records the centre point of India is located in the forest near to “Karondi” village in Jabalpur.

Facts – #55 Where is Asia’s largest rail museum located?

The National railway museum is the largest Railway Museum in Asia and is located in Delhi, India. India is home to 8 museums to show the rich heritage of Indian Railways which are located in Delhi, Kanpur, Kolkata, Chennai, Mysore, Ghum, and Tiruchirappalli.

The national rail Museum has 163 years of documented history of railways and showcases the largest collection of trains from miniature models to full-scale models. Fairy queen The oldest working locomotive in the world is the main tourist attraction.  

The Bottom Line

Indian Railways has a long history and is considered one of the world’s most extensive railway networks, covering over 160,000 kilometres across the country. Over the years, it has developed a reputation for being a reliable and efficient transportation system that connects millions of people to their destinations.

With its diverse range of services and unparalleled geographical coverage, Indian Railways has become a significant part of India’s economic and social fabric. The railway’s punctuality and safety record, combined with the comfort and convenience it offers, have made it a preferred mode of transport for both passengers and cargo.

The high level of customer satisfaction and trust that Indian Railways has earned has cemented its place as an essential part of India’s transportation system, and it is expected to continue playing a crucial role in the country’s development and growth for years to come.

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