If you live abroad and desire to tour India then trains could serve you as a cost effective means. Indian Railways has earned international renown of operating world’s largest railway network and extensive train services. Indian railway network operates busiest trains and serves nearly 10.6 million passengers per day. The best part is that trains reach the most remote corner of Indian peninsula while airways and bus services don’t do so. Indian rail tickets are so cost effective, that you can book train tickets online for a 1st class or AC Tier luxury car on Indian trains for your entire family. The rail fare charge is equivalent to the amount of air ticket for one passenger.

Indian Railways began its journey in the year 1853 under British Rule when steam engines where a wonder to the entire world. After independence in 1947 Indian Railway System became fully nationalized under central government with 42 divisions. Today Indian trains run on world’s longest railway network even up to remote villages. Indian Railways has successfully covered rail tracks on an area of 39, 233 miles. It operates more than 15000 trains in all Indian states on daily basis. It is interesting to know that first plan for running trains in India was formulated under the Lord Hardinge in 1944. During this period Indian trains were operated by private rail companies. These companies belonged to business investors from UK.

Most Indian trains till 1853 were luggage trains and were used to carry raw materials and heavy accessories. 1853 was a spectacular year for Indian railway service. The first passenger train was started between Mumbai and Thane during this time. By the year 1880 rail tracks reached to port cities of Chennai and Calcutta. This helped Indian businessmen to enhance their trade within India. By the end of nineteenth century Indian Railways started building rail coaches and locomotives.

Before independence Indian train services were not integrated. Due to the presence of princely rule separate rail system was in existence in states of Rajasthan, Assam and Andhra Pradesh. After 1951 Indian rails were divided into six zones. Electric engines completely replaced steam and diesel locomotives. Today India is operating super fast trains like “Rajdhani Express” and longest distance train like Himsagar Express that runs from Kashmir in the North to KanyaKumari in the south. Indian rail timetable is available at each railway station of India. Passengers can also check an Indian train status at the PNR machines at Indian railway stations.

Alesia Rawat is travel enthusiast, shares travel reviews. Get train reservation for Shatabdi Trains.