The Indian Railways is not just another mode of transportation. It's a way of life, an experience like no other. It has a rich and fascinating history, with many interesting facts that most people are unaware of. Let's take a look at some of the most surprising facts about the Indian Railways!
Fact 1: The Oldest Railway in India
The oldest railway in India, and the first ever passenger train in the
country ran from Bombay to Thane on April 16th, 1853. It was built by Sir
Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy who saw the potential of railway transportation in India.
From there, the Indian Railways grew to become the fourth largest railway
system in the world.
Fact 2: The Longest Railway Platform
The world's longest railway platform is located at Gorakhpur Railway
Station, Uttar Pradesh. It measures 1.34 km in length and can accommodate 18
coaches at a time. This platform is especially important because of its
location as it serves as a gateway to many important religious and cultural
destinations in India.
Gorakhpur Railway Station is also one of the busiest railway stations in
India. According to recent statistics, the station serves over 25 lakh
passengers annually.
Fact 3: The Fastest Train in India
India's fastest train is the Gatimaan Express. It runs at a top speed of
160 km/h, making it the country's first semi-high speed train. It currently
runs between Delhi and Agra, and takes just 100 minutes to cover the 200 km
distance.
The Gatimaan Express was launched to boost tourism between Delhi and
Agra, two of India's most important cities. It's been especially successful in
terms of drawing tourists to the Taj Mahal, one of India's most iconic
locations.
Fact 4: The Railway Heritage Museum
The National Railway Museum in Delhi houses a vast collection of vintage
locomotives, carriages, and other railway memorabilia. It's a fascinating place
to visit for those interested in the history of the Indian Railways.
One of the key attractions at the National Railway Museum are the
heritage steam trains. These immaculately preserved trains, including the
famous Fairy Queen, take visitors back in time and offer a glimpse into the
golden era of Indian Railways.
Fact 5: The Mountain Railways of India
The Mountain Railways of India are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These
three railway lines - the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Nilgiri Mountain
Railway, and the Kalka-Shimla Railway, are all spectacularly scenic and are
engineering marvels in their own right.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway holds the distinction of running the
shortest scheduled service in the world. It covers a distance of just 2.5 km
and takes only 15 minutes to reach its destination.
Fact 6: The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is one of India's most luxurious trains.
It takes passengers on a journey through Rajasthan, one of India's most
colourful and vibrant states. The train is designed to reflect the culture and
heritage of Rajasthan, and is lavishly decorated and appointed.
The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels boasts a range of amenities including a
spa, a bar, and two restaurants. It also has a lounge and a library, making it
an ideal choice for those who want to relax and unwind while travelling.
Fact 7: The Lifeline Express
The Lifeline Express is a unique hospital on wheels. It travels through
remote areas of India, providing medical care to people who otherwise have no
access to healthcare. The train is equipped with state-of-the-art medical
facilities and staffed by volunteers who are dedicated to providing medical aid
to those in need.
The Lifeline Express has been operating since 1991 and has been hugely
successful in addressing the healthcare needs of people living in remote parts
of India.
Fact 8: The Most Popular Train in India
The Shatabdi Express is the most popular train in India. It's a premium
train that runs between major Indian cities, and offers passengers a
comfortable and convenient mode of travel.
The Shatabdi Express is known for its premium amenities including
comfortable seating, air conditioning, and onboard catering services. It's a
popular choice for business travellers and provides a great way to explore
India in comfort.
Fact 9: The Indian Railways Network
The Indian Railways network is the fourth largest railway system in the
world. It spans over 67,000 km and has more than 7,000 railway stations.
The Indian Railways is one of the largest employers in India, providing
jobs to millions of people across the country. It's a critical lifeline for
many people in India, providing not just transportation, but employment
opportunities as well.
Fact 10: The Future of Indian Railways
The Indian Railways is constantly evolving, with new technologies and
innovations being introduced all the time. Some of the upcoming developments
include the introduction of high-speed trains, the development of new railway
stations, and the expansion of the railway network across India.
The Indian Railways is a vital component of India's transportation
infrastructure, and is central to the country's economic growth and
development. As the railway system expands and evolves, it will play an
increasingly important role in shaping the future of India.
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