Indian Railways is one of the largest and busiest rail networks in the world, covering a route length of over 62,000 km and transporting about millions of passengers and freight daily. The Indian railways meandering through the tunnels, the deserts, and mountain ranges traverse through the length and breadth of the country, unfolding the landscapes and history of each state.
Indian Railways History and Present Railways System in India - Railway Zones in India
History of Indian Railways
The history of Indian Railways dates back to the British rule in India. The British authority needed a fast and reliable mode of transport for troop movement in this huge country and then they inaugurated the first train in the sub continent on 16th April, 1853. This was the first passenger train that ran over as stretch of 21 miles from Bori Bunder to Thane. This historic first train of India consisted of 14 carriages carrying about 400 passengers reached the destinations in india.
Indian Railways at present
Today the Indian rail system uses three different gauges depending on the rail traffic and area of the tracks. The first one is the Broad Gauge that is used in areas with high traffic and in areas with less traffic meter gauge is used. Mountain ranges like Nilgiri Mountain Railway and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway resort to narrow gauge. This rail system is further divided into sixteen zones.
The zones are as follows:
- North
- North East
- North East Frontier
- Eastern
- South Eastern
- South Central
- Southern
- Central
- Western
- South Western
- North Western
- West Cental
- North Central
- South East Central
- East Coast
- East Central
There are various special trains to cover the rail network of India. The most popular trains are Palace on Wheels, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Samjhauta Express, Lifeline Express and many others. Railways also have some holiday specials exclusively running during summer holidays and other long Indian holidays. East India Travel, North India Travel, South India Travel
Indian Railways – Details about history and present railway systems in india, famous railway zones in india northern, southern, eastern, western railway zones in india
