Indian Railways ,Pnr status, Railway Reservation Guide

Thanks to the growing commuter traffic, Indian railways has registered an all round increase, with increasing demand for better metro network serving suburbs. Rail route is a preferred mode of traveling for most passengers traveling 500kms or more. Intercity trains are competing effectively with airlines and other modes of transportation and are very popular on some short-halt routes such as Delhi-Chandigarh, Mumbai-Delhi, Delhi-Agra, Chennai-Bangalore to name a few.

Of course the millions of people of all income strata from middle-class backgrounds to the hungry- labour agricultural belt have no alternative other than the Indian railways to organize their annual trips back home.

By far the most luxurious way to travel on the main routes on the regular trains is in the privacy of the 2/4 berth air-conditioned (AC) First class, ordinary first class coaches (non AC), though spacious and comfortable do not keep the dust and noise out.

The second-class two tier sleeper is cheaper and also available on many more trains. It has four berth open cubicles facing a common corridor. So it provides the comforts of AC travel as well as the opportunity of getting to meet many other passengers during a long journey.

The super fast fully air- conditioned Rajdhani Express deluxe trains provide the opportunity of experiencing Indian Railways at their very best. More than 16 such trains connect New Delhi, the capital or the “Rajdhani” to all the major cities in the country.

Another quality efficient and comfortable set of trains is the Shatabdi Express. These superfast inter-cities air- conditioned trains provide region wise connection between major cities which do not involve overnight journeys. So they are ideal for quick and comfortable daytime travel.

Till date Indian railways has been have retained their past heritage. Much improvement has also been brought about by continual efforts through growth of technology and education. Indian railways pioneering growth in enhancing economic and socio-economic strata is undeniable. Indian railway tourism industry is growing leaps and bounds.

Children generation after generations have had a love affair with trains and have always been fascinated with them. Young children mostly tend to have an obsession with trains and this passion always makes them ask for more of traveling in it for which toy trains are much in awe for these young toddlers.

Toy trains are mostly today a part of amusement gardens and places of entertainment for kids. A toy train gives a child the opportunity to enjoy ride in this gigantic wheel on tracks.

Hill stations too provide an excitement of their own. This tiny narrow gauge “Toy Trains” are in service Kalka and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh and Ooty in Tamil Nadu, New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in West Bengal and Neral and Matheran in Maharashtra.. There is nothing compared to quite match this experience not only for kids but even for elders when the trains chugs past terraced fields and tiny hamlets nestling in the hills, going through the tunnels, gazing down step cliffs, going across gorges, getting the first scent of pine as the train rides higher, and feel the cool bracing air lift up your spirits as you leave the hot dusty plains behind.

Trains have a soothing and mesmerizing affect on the child and kids love it when the train is in motion. Children love to be on the go and you as well as the child can gain immense entertainment and pleasure in the joy ride of Toy trains. The realistic sounds of the whistles and movement in these toy trains make a child’s imagination to run free. The kids absolutely love the ride and it is this love affair with trains that sets the love for train travel a continued passion at all age –groups.

Samjhauta Express is a train that runs twice a week and is a proof of mark of understanding between the two counties of the world. Samjahauta whose literal meaning is compromise is a train that runs efficiently between India and Pakistan. The Samjhauta express is also termed as Friendship Express as it stands for growing friendship between India and Pakistan.It cruises generally on two days generally being Fridays or Tuesdays.

Lahore and Delhi serve as the terminus for Samjhauta Express. The train embarks its journey from Delhi on line for Attari, then moves further to Wagah and cruises at Lahore in Pakistan. Originally the train when started its expedition had a daily service but then later it was in the year 19994 that it finally was decided to turn it in to a bi-weekly service.

All the formalities related to the migration happen in Attari in India and Wagah in Pakistan. But later due to some differences in Punjab and for added safety reasons, Indian Railways discontinued its services at Attari of dealing with custom a and migration formalities and clearances.

Indian Railways in its bid to revive the friendship between two neighboring nations has made it possible for passengers to make tickets obtainable fifteen days in advance as against the earlier customary practice of reserving tickets on the date of traveling itself.

Indian railways has selected counters at places such as Allahabad, Kanpur and Amritsar for facilating trade of tickets for the Samjhauta express. The tickets when reserved the traveler gets two tickets for the trip- first being for Attari on the Indian Boundary and the other for the rest of the journey for places in Pakistan, together with Lahore.

Samjahuta express is undoubtedly is a mark of thoughtfulness by the Indian railways. Keep up the good work.

Rajdhani express is India’s super fast air-conditioned deluxe train which provides us the opportunity of experiencing Indian Railway services at their very best. The train was introduced in the year 1969 and it links, the capital of Rajdhani, New Delhi to India’s major cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Patna, Chennai, Ahemdabad and back to Delhi.

Rajdhani express offers very less halts in between stations which facilitates the travel time to minimum. Quality meals and snacks are provided to all the passengers of Rajdhani express and the cost of the same is already included in the train tickets taken in advance. Passengers can avail the facility of morning tea, breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner as per the schedule of the train. In addition to this a bottled drinking water is also provided.

There are power point connections available for connecting laptops and charging mobile phones during the course of journey. The fare though is considerably higher as compared to other equivalent Ac coaches of other premium super fast luxury trains.

People are provided accommodation in either AC first class, Ac second class, AC two-tier and AC three- tier. The facilities too are provided further according to the distinguished class.

The travelers in AC three-tier and two-tier get an additional facility of two white bed sheets, blanket and a hand towel with a neat and clean pillow. Above all there is an increased level of security with no extra passenger’s trying to grab a seat and its completely a no hawker Zone.

The AC class travelers enjoy all the above facilities with additional facilities with an increased level of privacy with lockable cabins housing four passengers. The interiors are spacious with individual reading lights, floor mats, carpets etc.

The choice of food and the menu is of varied choice for the travelers in Ac class of Rajdhani express. Above all, in case of any delays on tracks preference is always given to Rajdhani trains for early clearance.

Majority of the population living in the metro city of Mumbai travels by local trains. Indian railways local train is the lifeline of Mumbai. Local trains in Mumbai are the most important means of transport for the ever-growing population in the city.

Local Trains are the cheapest and most convenient modes of travel within city limits. Mumbai’s Suburban railway system is divided in to Central and Western zones for passenger’s convenience and for smooth running and maintenance and service of the trains in their respected zones.

Nearly millions of passengers travel locally in local trains on a daily basis to reach their places of work which is more than half the capacity of the people in Indian Railways itself.

The suburban Railway system of Mumbai witnessed its first train between Mumbai and Thane in the year 1853.The suburban railway stem is the oldest Railway system in Asia. It is a boon to People in Mumbai. It is considered to be one of the cheapest and quickest mode of transportation by mostly all the people in Mumbai. Local trains have largely helped to reduce the traffic congestion on the roads.

Indian railways are conveniently used by all classes of people and age groups. Students mostly use it to travel to far of colleges in town where as the general public uses it to travel to their places of work.

Local trains are well known for being overcrowded. Only for a few hours during the afternoons the trains do not seem to be crowded. The local trains are the cheapest and the fastest way to get in to the town from the suburbs or voce-versa. You just got to act smart and safe. Enjoy your journey.

In most countries trains are the most important means of transport for people and for goods. Trains help move efficiently large no of people over long distances. They are very useful for moving bulky goods from one place to another.

The first railway train which started in India between Mumbai and Thane about 150years ago today has the largest railway network in Asia. Since then there has been no looking back and the railways in India has developed leaps and bounds to service its passengers.

With same purpose as an agenda Lifeline express was started with a unique concept of hospital on wheels.

Lifeline express is managed by the Impact India Foundation and is also termed as the “Jeevan Rekha Express” because of its unique feature of caring for life of people being on wheels. Lifeline Express have exceptionally designed air-conditioned coaches, operation table, sterilizing room, wards for patients to stay, on-board power generators for emergencies, Lodging for medical staff on board and store room to keep all medical provisions.

Lifeline express comes to be very useful in times of calamities and natural disasters. It also visits remote villages which lack medical facilities. It takes care of routine medications and even handles major surgeries for the natives in remote areas.

With growing popularity and usage of lifeline express India Railways is working towards making a few corrective favorable changes for the smooth functioning of the service train managed by Impact India Foundation.

Impact India foundation is a non-profit organization and is doing a considerate job of running lifeline express to serve people with tangent support from Indian railways as well as from corporate and confidential donors. Cheers… Indian Railways for efficiently running Lifeline express.

Kangra valley is the most fascinating railways territory that travels through the breathtaking Himalayan region. The train travels through the most scenic and enchanting beauty of the Himalayas.

The Kangra valley railway is the proof of the magic spell that it cast upon the people who planned the railway in the Himalayan region and those who built it. The magic of the Himachal Himalayas is the name given not alone to Kangra valley but to the entire region that lays between the Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas to the North and the enchanting enthralling foothills of the South.

The exceptional work done by the engineers while working on The kangra railway line project is worth appreciating as the engineers on work have laid the whole railway rote without disturbing the grandeur of the mountains , while working in harmony with nature. The ride in this train is like an enchanted Fairyland dream visit that’s come true.

The railway route has been formed straight avoiding awkward turnings which often end up in a dizzy feeling faced by the commuters. The engineers have cleverly chosen a unique line of just two tunnels avoiding curves for the traveler to remember its ride of witnessing the snow clad mountains and the gold green fields.

The most picturesque parts of the valley are exposed to be viewed by travelers when the train approaches the White Mountains and gradually begins to fade away. The kangra valley railway offers irresistible attractions for its travelers on the joy ride of being able to spot wildlife, fruit blossoms especially in the month of March and April and peaks for the mountaineers of athletic type.

The trip on the Kangra valley Train is a thrilling unmatched experience of the ecstatic beauty of the Himalyan Kangra valley. Savour the beauty of the Kangra valley …the kangra valley railway awaits you.

Indian Railways has many esteemed trains to its possession. “Heritage on wheels” is one amongst the priced possession which Indian Railways can boast of. “Heritage on wheels” was designed on the lines of “Palace on wheels”. When you board “heritage on wheels” launched by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) in connection with Indian Railways you can surely feel the luxury which is no less than a moving palace.

The train operates and is maintained in such a manner that it creates a royal ambience to make its passengers feel special. Traveling on “Heritage on wheels” is an enchanting and intoxicating journey through the various places of Rajasthan such as Bikaner, Shekhawati etc.

This luxury train was started to captivate the tourists to promote tourism. This train runs twice a week from Jaipur on a royal and pleasant trip of three nights and four days. The train offers services such as fourteen coaches for complete comfort, where in each coach there are four furnished rooms with two washrooms. The walls of the coaches are dawned by the beautiful paintings which speak about the art and culture of our country.

Heritage on wheels is a completely air-conditioned train which has a facility of multicuisine deliciously served food for its customers. The train has also has a facility of a well stocked bar for its travelers who enjoy liquor.

The royalty and richness offered by the “heritage on wheels” itself is like the most enjoyable journey. The personalized attention received from the staff by the passengers on board adds to the pleasant atmosphere on the train.

The combination of all the modern amenities embraced with the rich Indian culture is a combination which makes “Heritage on wheels” a priced possession of Indian railways.

Fairy queen is an oldest train since the year 1855 which was run on steam under the supervision of the East Indian Railway. The star exhibit at the National rail Museum in New Delhi for many years was the Fairy Queen, the oldest working railway engine in the world though not in service. Fairy Queen shares space on the Guinness Book of world as national treasure as records as the world’s oldest working train.

In the year 1997, the old lady was recalled to service from her retirement, her boilers flashed up, steam pressures built up and she was off once gain , proudly hauling a train load of exciting guests, students and families from the Delhi Cantonment Station to Alwar and Sariska in Rajasthan on a two-day pleasant trip.

These heritage tours have now become a regular feature. You too can experience the thrill of journeying 140 yrs back in time, swaying and gently rocking aboard a train drawn by the Fairy Queen. And encouraged by the success and popularity of the Fairy queen the Indian railways is planning to soon introduce similar steam hauled trains on other suitable circuits.

This train is generally operational in the months from October to March on the 2^nd and 4^th Saturdays of the month. The train compromises of one AC coach which can carry on 50 privileged passengers at a time. These privileged customers have a facility of a pantry car on board.

A trip on the fairy queen offers a showcase view depicting the lavish bestowed heritage status of the striking lounge in front of the coach that offers a pleasing panoramic view of the landscape.

Fairy queen certainly offers a pleasant experience to all its travelers to explore nature and heritage in a lavish manner.

The heritage tourist train Palace on wheels is a luxurious train equipped with all the kinds of comforts a traveler can ever imagine. Palace on wheels allows s you to feel the luxury the kings experienced at one time during the historical period.

Palace on wheels is a week alone service tour full of exciting experiences of the royal era and grandeur. Palace on wheels provides you with a rare package tour with all the distinguished amenities such as the air-conditioned compartments, interconnected telephones, soothing music and a separate pantry and lounge in each coach. It even has the facility of attached bathrooms offering a lot of privacy for the couples.

Palace on wheel offers all the comfort anybody can desire. A well stocked bar, two restaurants named Maharaja and Maharani serve exotic Indian, continental and Rajasthan cuisine. The variety of food available offers the comfort of having breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner as per the choice, mood, tastes of the passenger. Moreover it is a feel home experience for all when you get to eat and drink as per varied varieties. of choice.

Smiling attendants or “khidmatgar” is available to take care of all your traveling needs so that the passenger can relax and be comfortable and at ease. The palace on wheel is an iconic beauty in itself and definitely makes way to each one’s heart. A reading and relaxing coach too is the highlight of this palace on wheels wherein you can read the daily newspapers with a simmering hot cup of tea or any other beverage of your choice. Interacting and indulging in discussions with guests and companions totally at ease on these wheels is an added distinguished factor.

The palace on wheels undoubtedly makes you feel like a maharaja during the week long tour. In short, the name itself says it all “Palace on wheels”. Rest is for you to experience in this majestic beauty.