Railways in India – Types of Trains

A tour to India is considered complete only if a tourist takes up a journey via train. This is said because of the fact that railways cover up almost the entire country, barring the few of the regions. Only the rugged landscape of north-east India, Ladakh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and most of Himachal Pradesh are untouched with the railways connectivity. This sums up the daunting presence of railways in the country.

We are talking about the second largest railway network in the world that boasts over 62,300 km of tracks placed between 7,000 stations. Now that’s really a big feat. It has just completed 100 years of operation and still is the most preferable mode of transportation in the country. Its convenience and connectivity offered by trains in India inspire travellers to begin a rail tour to India.

And for such train aficionados, Indian railways have loads of offerings. The most exclusive amongst them are the luxury trains in India. These special trains take tourists into the world of gracious hospitality of the gentler royal times. At present, there are five luxury train brands in India crisscrossing into different directions and taking the travellers into the world of different royal dynasties in the country.

Next comes the superfast trains in India, namely Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi Express. Often addressed as Express Trains, these trains are meant for long distance travelling at a fast pace. Less stops facilitate the continuous speed of these trains in the country. Rajdhani trains connect the capitals of the states at longer distances. Shatabdi trains are day-trains bridging the cities and return the same day. Duronto are also long distance trains, running non-stop from source to destination, barring technical halts. Next comes the hundreds of other trains that venture into different directions of the country and strengthen the rail connectivity.

Of all the types of trains in India, the mountain railways of India stand out because of the enigmatic and surreal experience it offers to the travellers. Recognized as world heritage site by UNESCO, these narrow gauge hill trains are the most endearing symbol of British Raj. A passenger can enjoy such an exclusive experience aboard the hill train tour.