Rail transport in India#History

In 1832, the proposal to construct the first railway line in India at Madras was made.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sOILAQAAMAAJ|title=Reports, Correspondence and Original Papers on Various Professional Subjects Connected with the Duties of the Corps of Engineers, Madras Presidency|last1=Smith|first1=John Thomas|year=1839|publisher=University of Virginia}}{{cite report|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/Heritage/2021/PDF/3%20Presentation%20Shradha%20Arora%20IRICEN%202019.pdf|title=Understanding Indian Railway Heritage|publisher=Indian Railways|page=6|access-date=1 December 2023}} In 1835, a railway track was constructed between Red Hills and Chintadripet in Madras and became operational in 1837. It was hauled by a rotary steam engine imported from England and was used for ferrying granite.{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/apr/16/chennai-the-track-record-1801999.html|title=Chennai: The track record|date=16 April 2018|newspaper=New Indian Express|access-date=9 August 2023}}

The Madras Railway was established in 1845. Temporary railway lines were built such as the Godavari Dam Construction Railway at Dowleswaram by Arthur Cotton to supply stone for the construction of a dam over the Godavari River in 1845 and the Solani aqueduct railway, built by Proby Cautley in Roorkee to transport construction materials for an aqueduct over the Solani river in 1851. On 1 August 1849, the Great Indian Peninsular Railway was incorporated with a guarantee system providing free land and guaranteeing five-percent rates of return to private English companies building railways. In 1852, a steam locomotive imported from England was tried at Byculla.{{cite report|url=https://swr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1597914101378-The%20first%20%20running%20of%20%20railway%20locomotive%20%20in%20India.pdf|title=First running of a railway locomotive in India|publisher=Indian Railways|page=6|access-date=1 December 2023}}

File:Tanna Railway Viaduct.jpg

File:IndianRailways1871b.jpg

In 1853, the first passenger train on {{RailGauge|1676mm|lk=on}} broad gauge ran for {{convert|34|km}} between Bombay and Thane which had 14-carriages carrying 400 people, hauled by three steam locomotives: the Sahib, Sindh and Sultan.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/indias-1st-train-when-sahib-sindh-sultan-blew-steam/articleshow/19717248.cms?from=mdr|title=When India's first train blew steam|date=25 April 2013|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=1 December 2023}}{{cite news|url=http://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/164-years-ago-on-this-day-india-s-first-train-ran-from-mumbai-to-thane-275748.html|title=164 Years Ago On This Day, India's First Train Ran From Mumbai To Thane|work=India Times|date=16 April 2017|access-date=24 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729114445/http://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/164-years-ago-on-this-day-india-s-first-train-ran-from-mumbai-to-thane-275748.html|archive-date=29 July 2017|url-status=live}} The Great Southern of India Railway Company was established with its headquarters in England in 1853.{{cite journal|journal=Herepath's Railway and Commercial Journal|page=3|title=Indian Tramway Limited|date=1 January 1870|volume=32|issue=1595}} The Thane viaducts, the first railway bridges, were built over the Thane creek when the Mumbai-Thane line was extended to Kalyan in May 1854. Eastern India's first passenger train ran {{convert|24|mi|km|order=flip|abbr=on}} from Howrah, near Kolkata, to Hoogly on 15 August 1854. The construction of {{convert|60|mi|km|order=flip|abbr=on}} line in the South between Royapuram in Madras and Arcot started in 1853, which became operational on 1 July 1856.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/on-the-forgotten-track/articleshow/99129882.cms?from=mdr|title=On Forgotten Road|date=31 March 2013|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=9 August 2023}} The first workshops were established by GIPR at Byculla in 1854 and Madras Railway at Perambur in 1856. The Bombay, Baroda, and Central India Railway (BB&CI) was incorporated in 1855 and the Eastern Bengal Railway in 1858.{{cite web|url=http://www.wr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,291,477|title=Western Railway, history|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=24 July 2017|archive-date=2 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402033247/https://wr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,291,477|url-status=live}}{{cite report|url=https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/7859c7ff-af20-40df-9e88-8f4ab92a70d7|title=Records of the India Office relating to the Eastern Bengal Railway Company|publisher=Government of UK|access-date=1 December 2023}} The Carnatic Railway was founded in 1869. On 24 February 1873, a horse-drawn {{convert|3.8|km||abbr=on}} tram opened in Calcutta between Sealdah and Armenian Ghat street.{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/150th-anniversary-calcutta-trams-8469537/|title=150th anniversary of Calcutta trams: A brief history of trams in India|date=28 February 2023|newspaper=Indian Express|access-date=1 December 2023}} On 9 May 1874, a horse-drawn tramway began operation in Bombay between Colaba and Parel.{{cite report|url=http://dighist.fas.harvard.edu/courses/2015/HUM54/exhibits/show/mumbai_development/trams|title=The Evolution of Trams in Mumbai|publisher=Harvard University|access-date=18 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011232644/http://dighist.fas.harvard.edu/courses/2015/HUM54/exhibits/show/mumbai_development/trams|archive-date=11 October 2017|url-status=live}} The Great Southern of India Railway and the Carnatic Railway merged in 1874 to form the South Indian Railway.{{cite book|title=Report on the Administration of the Madras Presidency During the Year 1875-76|page=260|publisher=Government Press|year=1877}} In 1879, the Nizam's Guaranteed State Railway was established which built railway lines across the then Hyderabad State.{{cite book|last1=Jaganath|first1=Santosh|title=The History of Nizam's Railways System|publisher=Lulu|isbn=978-1-312-49647-7|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lH0ACAAAQBAJ&q=Jankampet-Bodhan%20Railway&pg=PA98|page=98}} In 1877, an Ajmer built F-1/734 Steam Locomotive became the first indigenously built locomotive in India.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/oldest-locomotive-built-in-ajmer-pride-of-delhi/articleshow/59888386.cms|title=Oldest locomotive: Built in Ajmer, pride of Delhi|date=3 August 2017|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=1 December 2023}} East Coast State Railway was established in 1890.{{cite web|url=https://eastcoastrail.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?fontColor=black&backgroundColor=LIGHTSTEELBLUE&lang=0&id=0,1,261|title=History of East Coast Railway|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} In 1897, lighting in passenger coaches was introduced with the Jodhpur Railway, the first to introduce electric lighting as standard fixtures. In 1908, Madras Railway merged with Southern Mahratta Railway to form the Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d-4sgbfdutMC&q=Madras+Railway+merger&pg=PA755|title=The Cambridge Economic History of India|volume=2|page=755|year =2005|publisher=Orient Longmans Private Limited|isbn=978-8-1250-2731-7}} Pamban bridge, the first sea bridge was opened on 24 February 1914.{{cite news|last1=Datta|first1=Rangan|title=Rameswaram: A holy island town along India's southern borderland|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/places/travel-to-the-edge-of-india-on-a-trip-to-pamban-islands-rameswaram/cid/1913631|access-date=9 February 2023|work=The Telegraph|date=1 February 2023}}

In 1920, electric lighting of signals was introduced between Dadar and Currey Road in Bombay.{{cite report|url=https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/5107/dot_5107_DS1.pdf|title=Railway signals, signs and markers|publisher=US transportation library|access-date=1 December 2023}}

File:India railways1909a.jpg

The first railway budget was presented in 1924. The Oudh and Rohilkhand Railway was merged with the East Indian Railway Company (EIR) in the same year.{{cite web|url=http://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news/history-of-indian-railway-budget-5963201398_1.html|title=History of Indian Railway Budget|access-date=24 July 2017|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225095548/https://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news/history-of-indian-railway-budget-5963201398_1.html|url-status=live}} On 3 February 1925, the first electric train ran between Victoria Terminus (VT) and Kurla, hauled by a SLM electric locomotive on 1500 V DC traction.{{cite report|url=https://secr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1596785062728-Locomotive_comp.pdf|title=Evolution of Electric Locomotives|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} Later, the VT–Bandra section was electrified and the first Electric Multiple Units (EMU) were introduced in with 1.5KV DC units imported were from Cammell Laird and Uerdingenwagonfabrik.{{cite report|url=https://elocos.railnet.gov.in/Analysis/Elect_Tr_history.htm|title=Electrification history|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} On 1 April 1929, Grand Trunk Express commenced operations between Peshawar in the North Western Railway and Mangalore with two coaches detached and connected to Madras further.{{cite book|url=https://dspace.gipe.ac.in/xmlui/handle/10973/18188|title=Report by the Railway board on Indian Railways for 1929-30:Volume I|author=Railway Department, Government of India|publisher=Central Publication Branch, Government of India|year=1930|location=Calcutta|page=38|chapter=Chapter IV-Transportation and Working}}{{cite book|title=The Railway Magazine:Volume 64|year=1929|publisher=IPC Business Press|page=490}} The Frontier Mail made its inaugural run between Bombay and Peshawar in 1928.{{cite news|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/golden-temple-mail-completes-92-yrs-of-historic-run-135130|title=Golden Temple Mail completes 92 years|work=Tribune India|date=2 September 2020|access-date=24 July 2023}} Technical advancements led to automatic colour light signals that become operational between Bombay and Byculla in 1928.{{cite web|url=https://signalbox.org/overseas/india/india.htm|title=Signalling in India – Past and Present|work=Signalbox|access-date=24 July 2017|archive-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330111351/https://signalbox.org/overseas/india/india.htm|url-status=dead}} In the subsequent years, the route from Bombay to Poona was electrified and in June 1930, the first deluxe train, Deccan Queen began running, hauled by a WCP-1 locomotives with seven coaches along the route.{{cite news|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/story/indias-first-deluxe-train-mumbai-pune-deccan-queen-completes-93-years-of-service-all-you-need-to-know-383826-2023-06-01|title=India's first deluxe train: Mumbai-Pune Deccan Queen completes 93 years of service|date=1 June 2023|access-date=1 January 2023|newspaper=Business Today}} The Grand Trunk express commenced operating as a dedicated daily train between Madras and Delhi from 1 September 1930.{{cite book|title=Report by the Railway board on Indian Railways for 1930-31:Volume I|year=1932|publisher=Central Publication Branch, Government of India|location=Calcutta|page=36|chapter=IV}} Chennai suburban railway started operating in 1931 with a single metre gauge line from Chennai Beach to Tambaram.{{cite report|url=https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1325745996774-about.pdf|title=Chennai Division, SR|publisher=Southern Railway|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=15 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215180509/https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1325745996774-about.pdf|url-status=live}} In 1944, all the railway companies were taken over by the Government.{{cite report|url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/financecode/ADMIN_FINANCE/AdminFinanceCh1_Data.htm|title=Evolution of Indian Railways-Historical Background|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}}

Beginning in 1926 and for statistical purposes, the Government of British Raj classified Indian railway systems according to three classes. It was a similar system to the Railroad classes in North America.{{cite web|url=https://wiki.fibis.org/w/Indian_Railway_Classification |title=Indian Railway Classification |publisher=fibis |access-date=21 March 2023}}{{Cite book|title=Directory of Railway Officials & Yearbook |year=1947| publisher=Tothill Press |language=English |pages=495}}

Trams, industrial and port railways were recorded separately and independently of turnover.

In terms of net revenue, East Indian Railway was the largest company in 1927 with 86,881,000 rupees. Followed by the North Western State Railway with 57,343,000 rupees and the Great Indian Peninsula Railway with 56,215,000 rupees.{{Cite book|title=Commerce Reports, Vol. 2, Nr. 25 |publisher=United States Department of Commerce |date=4 June 1929 |pages=792 |language=en |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KfzWpgNQNMsC&pg=PA792}} No further reclassification was carried out after 1942, but the rankings remained in use until the mid-1950s.{{Cite book|title=Indian Railways One Hundred Years |publisher=Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) |date=1953 |pages=162 |url=https://archive.org/details/ncd.indianrailwayson0000jnsa/page/162/}}

The first locomotive manufacturing unit at Chittaranjan was commissioned in 1950.{{cite report|url=https://clw.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,294|title=Chittaranjan Locomotive works|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} In December 1950, the Central Advisory Committee for Railways approved the plan for re-organising Indian Railways into six regional zones with the Southern (14 April 1951), Central (5 November 1951), and Western (5 November 1951) zones being the first to be created.{{cite report|url=https://nair.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1430369298618-general%20overview.pdf|title=Overview of Indian Railways|publisher=National Academy of Indian Railways|access-date=1 January 2024}} On 14 April 1952, the Northern Railway, the Eastern Railway and the North Eastern Railway were created. In 1952, fans and lights were mandated for all compartments in passenger trains, and sleeping accommodations were introduced in coaches. In 1953, the Indian Railways completed a hundred years of operation, which was commemorated by multiple events and a commemorative postage stamp.{{cite report|title=Railway Budget for 1953-54|date=18 February 1953|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/finance_budget/Previous%20Budget%20Speeches/1953-54.pdf|publisher=Government of India|access-date=1 December 2023}}{{cite news|last=Singh|first=J.L.|title=Indian Railways' Centenary Celebrations|url=https://artsandculture.google.com/story/indian-railways-centenary-celebrations-rail-enthusiasts-society/EwXhN3mS0qZkIg?hl=en|work=Google Arts & Culture|access-date=1 December 2023}} The first diesel locomotive used in India was fabricated by North British Locomotive Company in 1954.{{cite report|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/mec_engg/downloads/DLS/WR/Gandhidham.pdf|title=Gandhidham shed details|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} On 1 August 1955 the South-Eastern Railway was split from the Eastern Railway, and, the following year, divisional systems of administration were set up for the various regional zones. The first rail coaches were manufactured in India from 1956 when the Integral Coach Factory was established at Madras.{{cite report|url=https://icf.indianrailways.gov.in/works/uploads/File/ICF%20-%20Tracing%20The%20%20Roots.pdf|title=Tracing the roots|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} In 1956, the first air-conditioned train plied between Howrah and New Delhi.{{cite news|url=http://daily.bhaskar.com/news/NAT-TOP-160-years-of-indian-railways-watch-how-ac-trains-were-kept-cool-4224130-PHO.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227224211/http://daily.bhaskar.com/news/NAT-TOP-160-years-of-indian-railways-watch-how-ac-trains-were-kept-cool-4224130-PHO.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 February 2015|title=160 years of Indian Railways: Here's how AC trains were kept cool|date=2 April 2013|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=Dainik Bhaskar}} In 1958, the North-Eastern Railway split to form a new Northeast Frontier Railway.

File:WAP1_^22076_Aastha_of_GZB_waiting_for_its_scheduled_departure_with_Agra_bound_ICE_at_LJN_-_Flickr_-_Dr._Santulan_Mahanta.jpg electric locomotives reached a speed of {{cvt|130|kph|abbr=on}} in 1980]]

In 1957, Indian Railways adopted 25 kV AC traction with the first trial runs operating with the WAM-1 locomotives in 1959 and commercial services beginning in August 1960. In 1960, the Railway Board of India commissioned a study to increase the speed of passenger trains to {{cvt|160|kph}} with an intermediate stage of {{cvt|120|kph}}. Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) started work on the same in 1962 with field trials commencing in 1967 with coaches manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory at Madras and hauled by diesel locomotives.{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/railways-golden-girl-50-years-of-the-rajdhani/story-YycT0iir0GObqjuCUqrhKL.html|title=Railways golden girl: 50 years of the Rajdhani story|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=9 March 2019|access-date=1 December 2023}} The first containerized freight rail transport began between Bombay and Ahmedabad in 1966. In 1966, the electrification of several suburban tracks around Delhi, Madras, and Calcutta were completed with the 25 kV AC system. In 1969, the Government of India announced the introduction of a new express train capable of reaching speeds of up to {{cvt|120|kph}} in the railway budget and the first Rajdhani Express was flagged off from New Delhi to Howrah in March 1969.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/kolkata-loses-last-connect-to-first-rajdhani/articleshow/52386071.cms|title=Kolkata loses last connect to first Rajdhani|date=22 May 2016|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=1 December 2023}}{{cite report|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/finance_budget/Previous%20Budget%20Speeches/1969-70.pdf|title=Railway Budget of 1969–70|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} In 1974, Indian Railways endured a 20-day strike.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/05/08/archives/strike-of-indian-rail-workers-begins-tension-high-with-food.html|title=Strike of Indian Rail Workers Begins|date=8 May 1974|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=29 March 2020|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/better-jail-than-rail-fernandes-slogan-that-led-to-asias-biggest-railway-strike/articleshow/67742843.cms|title=Better jail than rail: George Fernandes' slogan that led to Asia's biggest railway strike in 1974|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=29 January 2019|access-date=29 March 2020}} In 1979, the Main Line Electrification Project was reconstituted into the Central Organisation for Railway Electrification (CORE).{{cite web|url=https://www.core.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,294,302|title=About us, History|publisher=Central Organisation for Railway Electrification, Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} In 1980, the WAP-1 electric locomotives reached a speed of {{cvt|130|kph|abbr=on}}.{{cite press release|url=https://secr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1596785062728-Locomotive_comp.pdf|title=WAP-1 locomotive|publisher=Government of India|date=9 October 1989|access-date=1 December 2023}}

File:Red-icf-coach-indian-railways.jpg used by the Indian Railways till the late 1990s]]

The first metro rail was introduced in Calcutta on 24 October 1984 with the line between Esplanade and Bhowanipore.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/kolkata-metro-maps-evolution-of-its-ticketing-system/articleshow/98976615.cms|title=Kolkata Metro maps evolution of its ticketing system|date=24 March 2023|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=1 December 2023}} In 1986, computerized ticketing and reservations were introduced by Indian Railways.{{cite report|title=IT Audit of Indian Railways Passenger reservation System (2007)|url=http://icisa.cag.gov.in/audit_report/2/15db5cf8539e7f66e05214564e6b5d01.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712231120/http://icisa.cag.gov.in/audit_report/2/15db5cf8539e7f66e05214564e6b5d01.pdf|archive-date=12 July 2017|access-date=24 July 2017}} In 1988, the first Shatabdi Express was introduced between New Delhi and Jhansi. Two years later, the first self-printing ticket machine (SPTM) was introduced in Delhi.{{cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/happy-birthday-indian-railways-first-passenger-train-started-165-years-ago-unknown-facts-about-the-network/1134650/|title=Happy Birthday Indian Railways! First passenger train started 165 years ago; unknown facts about the network|date=16 April 2018|access-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528051814/https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/happy-birthday-indian-railways-first-passenger-train-started-165-years-ago-unknown-facts-about-the-network/1134650/|archive-date=28 May 2018|url-status=live}} In 1993, air-conditioned three-tier and sleeper were introduced. In 1995, Chennai MRTS became the first operational elevated railway line in India. In 1995, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, a joint venture between Government of India and Government of Delhi was established.{{cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/infrastructure/25-years-of-dmrc-how-delhi-metro-has-become-a-lifeline-for-the-national-capital-from-1995-to-2019/1569685/|title=25 years of DMRC! How Delhi Metro has become a lifeline for the national capital|date=7 May 2019|newspaper=Financial Express|access-date=1 December 2023}} Centralized computer reservation system was deployed in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai in September 1996, coupon validating machines (CVMs) were introduced at Mumbai CSMT in 1998 and the nationwide concierge system began operation on 18 April 1999. In 1999, the South East Central Railway zone was established and on 6 July 2002, the East Coast, South Western, South East Central, North Central, and West Central zones were created.{{cite web|url=http://www.ncr.indianrailways.gov.in/|title=North Central Railways|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=24 July 2017|archive-date=21 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121180251/http://www.ncr.indianrailways.gov.in/|url-status=live}}

The Indian Railways website went online in February 2000. Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) was incorporated in 1999, and online ticketing was introduced on 3 August 2002 through IRCTC.{{cite web|url=https://irctc.com/about.html|title=About IRCTC|publisher=IRCTC|access-date=1 December 2023}} The first line of the Delhi Metro was inaugurated on 24 December 2002.{{cite news|title=Indian PM launches Delhi metro|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2602907.stm|work=BBC News|date=24 December 2002|access-date=22 April 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422001958/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2602907.stm|archive-date=22 April 2012}} In 2012, Western Railway switched completely to AC traction with Central Railway following it in 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/mumbai-switches-from-dc-to-ac.html|title=Mumbai switches from DC to AC|access-date=24 July 2017|archive-date=11 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711030114/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/mumbai-switches-from-dc-to-ac.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/end-of-an-era-mumbai-bids-goodbye-to-last-dc-local/|title=End of an era: Mumbai bids goodbye to last DC local|date=11 April 2016|access-date=24 July 2017|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108114548/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/end-of-an-era-mumbai-bids-goodbye-to-last-dc-local/|url-status=live}} On 1 February 2014, Mumbai Monorail became the first operational monorail system in India.{{cite news|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/others/First-mono-runs-crowded-like-the-good-old-local/articleshow/29729191.cms|title=First mono runs crowded like the good old local|newspaper=Mumbai Mirror|date=1 February 2014|access-date=2 February 2014}} In 2015, the first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered trains were rolled out.{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/infrastructure/indias-first-cng-train-for-the-rewari-rohtak-section/indias-first-cng-train/slideshow/45895170.cms|title=India's first CNG train for the Rewari-Rohtak section|date=15 January 2015|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=1 December 2023}} On 5 April 2016, Gatimaan Express, then India's fastest train with a maximum speed of {{convert|160|km/h|abbr=on}}, made its first run from New Delhi to Agra Cantonment.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/gatimaan-express-reaches-agra-within-targeted-100-minutes-316423-2016-04-05|title=Gatimaan Express reaches Agra within targeted 100 minutes|date=5 April 2016|magazine=India Today|access-date=20 June 2020|archive-date=31 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200531224926/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/gatimaan-express-reaches-agra-within-targeted-100-minutes-316423-2016-04-05|url-status=live}}

The central government approved the merger of the Rail and General budgets from 2017.{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/business/union-budget/why-was-railway-budget-merged-with-the-union-budget-1183565.html|title=

Why was Railway Budget merged with the Union Budget?|date=22 January 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=Deccan Herald}} On 31 March 2017, Indian Railways announced a target of electrifying the entire rail network would be electrified by 2023.{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/48-per-cent-rail-tracks-electrified-aim-to-double-it-in-5-years-govt-4594389/|title=48 per cent rail tracks electrified, aim to double it in 5 years: Govt|date=31 March 2017|newspaper=Indian Express|access-date=24 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170718224354/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/48-per-cent-rail-tracks-electrified-aim-to-double-it-in-5-years-govt-4594389/|archive-date=18 July 2017|url-status=live}} In March 2020, Indian Railways announced a nationwide shutdown of passenger service to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in India with the freight operations continuing to transport essential goods.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/26/coronavirus-puts-over-1-billion-people-in-india-on-21-day-lockdown-to-combat-spread.html|title=Coronavirus puts over 1 billion people in India on 21-day lockdown to combat spread|author1=Adam Jeffery|author2=Hannah Miller|date=26 March 2020|work=CNBC|access-date=29 March 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/03/23/coronavirus-indian-railways-cancels-passenger-train-services/|title=Indian Railways cancels passenger train services|newspaper=Business Traveller|access-date=1 December 2023|date=29 March 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indian-railways-continuing-its-freight-operations-post-22-march-lockdown-11585314775866.html|title=How Indian Railways continuing its freight operations post lockdown|last=Nandi|first=Tamal|date=27 March 2020|work=Livemint|access-date=30 March 2020}} The railways resumed passenger services in a phased manner in May 2020.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-lockdown-railways-to-resume-select-passenger-train-services-from-may-12/article31551514.ece|title=Coronavirus lockdown: Railways to restart passenger services in phased manner|date=10 May 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=The Hindu}}

File:Vande_Bharat_Express_around_Mumbai.jpg operating on a train-set built by ICF, is the fastest train in India]]

Starting in the 2010s, various infrastructure modernization projects have been undertaken including high-speed rail,{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/diamond-quadrilateral-of-high-speed-trains/|title=Diamond quadrilateral of high-speed trains|date=10 June 2014|access-date=22 June 2017|newspaper=Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813222712/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/diamond-quadrilateral-of-high-speed-trains/|archive-date=13 August 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-to-sign-deal-with-japan-to-get-first-bullet-train/article7961724.ece|title=India to sign deal with Japan to get first bullet train|newspaper=The Hindu|date=8 December 2015|access-date=22 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802071232/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-to-sign-deal-with-japan-to-get-first-bullet-train/article7961724.ece|archive-date=2 August 2017|url-status=live }} redevelopment of 400 stations,{{cite news|url=http://www.livemint.com/Companies/NV9ujsKfuh92SnrxtiC86H/Railways-appoints-IRSDC-as-nodal-agency-for-station-redevelo.htm|title=Railways appoints IRSDC as nodal agency for station redevelopment|date=23 December 2017|work=Livemint|access-date=5 December 2017}} doubling tracks to reduce congestion,{{cite news|url=http://railengdigest.com/project-news/asia/indian-railways-converts-broad-gauge/|title=Indian Railways orders conversion to Broad Gauge|date=12 April 2017|work=Rail Digest|access-date=12 April 2017}} refurbishing of coaches,{{cite news|title=Indian Railways gets first model rake of luxury 'Make in India' coaches|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/slideshows/infrastructure/indian-railways-gets-first-model-rake-of-luxury-make-in-india-coaches/led-reading-lights/slideshow/50527595.cms|access-date=13 January 2016|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=11 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114215143/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/slideshows/infrastructure/indian-railways-gets-first-model-rake-of-luxury-make-in-india-coaches/led-reading-lights/slideshow/50527595.cms|archive-date=14 January 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Indian Railways unveils 'Make in India' train coaches with new look|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/photos/business-gallery/192582/indian-railways-unveils-make-in-india-train-coaches-with-new-look-check-irctc-co-in/2/|access-date=13 January 2016|newspaper=The Financial Express|date=13 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115052117/http://www.financialexpress.com/photos/business-gallery/192582/indian-railways-unveils-make-in-india-train-coaches-with-new-look-check-irctc-co-in/2/|archive-date=15 January 2016|url-status=live}} Global Positioning System (GPS)-enabled tracking of trains{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/business/report-just-like-your-cabs-you-can-soon-track-trains-in-real-time-via-gps-2563623|title=Just like your cabs, you can soon track trains in real time via GPS|date=30 November 2017|work=DNA India|access-date=30 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202071947/http://www.dnaindia.com/business/report-just-like-your-cabs-you-can-soon-track-trains-in-real-time-via-gps-2563623|archive-date=2 December 2017|url-status=live}} and modernization of locomotives.{{cite news|title=Locomotive Factories in Bihar: In cold storage for years, two Railway projects to start soon|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/locomotive-factories-in-bihar-in-cold-storage-for-years-two-railway-projects-to-start-soon/|work=The Indian Express|date=30 October 2015|access-date=31 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031004858/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/locomotive-factories-in-bihar-in-cold-storage-for-years-two-railway-projects-to-start-soon/|archive-date=31 October 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=GE Gets $2.6 Billion Indian Railways Contract|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ge-to-help-modernize-indias-rail-system-1447080903|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=9 November 2015|access-date=9 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109183451/http://www.wsj.com/articles/ge-to-help-modernize-indias-rail-system-1447080903|archive-date=9 November 2015|url-status=live}} In 2018, a semi-high speed self-propelled train-set capable of reaching speeds of over {{cvt|160|kph}} was rolled out from ICF and the Vande Bharat Express was launched in 2019.{{cite news|date=20 February 2017|title=Indian Railways to roll out 'Make in India' 160 kmph self-propelled 'world-class' train sets at half the cost of import!|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/indian-railways-to-roll-out-make-in-india-160-kmph-self-propelled-world-class-train-sets-at-half-the-cost-of-imports/558791/|access-date=20 May 2023|newspaper=The Financial Express}}{{cite news|date=29 October 2018|title=Train 18: Country's first engine-less train rolled out; Train 20 next|newspaper=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/train-18-countrys-first-engine-less-train-rolled-out-train-20-next/articleshow/66419774.cms|access-date=20 May 2023|issn=0013-0389}} Indian Railways announced plans to become a net-zero carbon emission railway by 2030 and has implemented rainwater harvesting at stations,{{cite press release|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155020|title=Rain Water Harvesting System In Indian Railway|date=7 December 2016|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=Indian Railways}} reforestation along the tracks,{{cite news|url=https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/07/india-plants-50-million-trees-uttar-pradesh-reforestation/|title=India Plants 50 Million Trees in One Day|work=National Geographic|date=July 2016|access-date=1 December 2023}} introduction of solar-powered trains,{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/indias-first-solar-powered-demu-train-launched/article19281625.ece|title=India's first solar-powered DEMU train launched|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=23 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726225212/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/indias-first-solar-powered-demu-train-launched/article19281625.ece|archive-date=26 July 2018|url-status=live}} installation of solar and wind power generation facilities,{{cite news|title=Northern Railways to Install 5 MW Rooftop Solar in Four of Its Stations|url=http://mercomcapital.com/northern-railways-to-install-5-mw-rooftop-solar-in-four-of-its-stations#sthash.5S8zaJPl.dpuf|access-date=3 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303201130/http://mercomcapital.com/northern-railways-to-install-5-mw-rooftop-solar-in-four-of-its-stations#sthash.5S8zaJPl.dpuf|archive-date=3 March 2017|url-status=dead}} and sustainable LED lighting at all the stations.{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/target-of-installing-led-lights-at-all-stations-achieved-says-railways-118033100391_1.html|title=Target of installing LED lights at all stations achieved, says Railways|agency=Press Trust of India|date=31 March 2018|work=Business Standard|access-date=1 December 2023}} Indian railways removed all unstaffed level crossings by 2019 with staffed level crossings being replaced by bridges.{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1575836|title=All unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) on Broad Gauge (BG) have been eliminated on 31st Jan 2019|date=12 May 2016|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=Indian Railways}} Other safety projects include the extension of an automated fire alarm system to all air-conditioned coaches and GPS-enabled Fog Pilot Assistance System railway signalling devices.{{cite news|title=Indian Railways develops Automatic Fire and Smoke Detection System|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2013/09/indian-railways-develops-automatic-fire-and-smoke-detection-system/|access-date=5 September 2013|work=Bihar Prabha|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130908145221/http://news.biharprabha.com/2013/09/indian-railways-develops-automatic-fire-and-smoke-detection-system/|archive-date=8 September 2013|url-status=live}} In 2020, Indian Railways allowed the operation of private passenger trains for the first time with the first train flagged off from Coimbatore in June 2022.{{cite news|date=3 July 2020|first=Dipak K.|last=Dash|title=Private companies to run trains by April 2023|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/private-companies-to-run-trains-by-april-2023/articleshow/76758683.cms|access-date=3 July 2020|newspaper=The Times of India}}{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/first-private-train-in-india-flagged-off-from-coimbatore-check-details-here-1963877-2022-06-18|title=First private train in India flagged off from Coimbatore, check details here|date=18 June 2022|work=India Today|access-date=1 December 2023}}

File:Growth of indian railways.svg

{{multiple image

| total_width=300

| align=right

| image1=Goods (Wagon) Train.JPG

| image2=WAG-11.jpg

| footer=A covered wagon (left) and a WAG-11 electric locomotive used to haul freight

}}

Indian Railways hauls a variety of cargo to cater to various requirements and has specialized rolling stock corresponding to the cargo hauled. There are 243 types of rolling stock used for cargo operations.{{cite web|url=https://www.fois.indianrail.gov.in/RailSAHAY/Home.jsp|title=Cargo wagons|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} These include covered wagons, boxcars, flat wagons, flatbeds, open wagons, hoppers, containers, automobile carriers, defense vehicle carriers and tankers.{{cite report|url=https://secr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1596631341023-Freight.pdf|title=Types of freight cars|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} The freight cars can often carry loads from 10 to 80 tonnes per car depending on the configuration. A new wagon numbering system was adopted in Indian Railways in 2003.{{cite press release|url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/mec_engg/downloads/freight/New_Wagon_Numb_Sys.pdf|title=New Wagon Numbering System|publisher=Indian Railways|date=4 July 2003|access-date=1 December 2023}}

The requirement of wagons was previously met by Bharat wagon and engineering with the procurement and manufacturing now done by both in the public and private sector. The earliest goods trains in the 1800s were hauled by imported steam locomotives. Locomotives are classified by various parameters including function (passenger/goods/mixed).{{cite report|url=https://digitalscr.in/bzadiv/circulars/misc_circulars/uploads/Classification%20of%20Locomotives.pdf|title=Locomotive classification|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 January 2024}} Indian Railways uses dedicated electric locomotives such as WAG series (Wide AC Goods), dedicated diesel locomotives such as WDG series and diesel locomotives of mixed usage such as WDM series to haul freight trains.{{cite report|url=https://elocos.railnet.gov.in/Holding/holding_12_23.pdf|title=Electric locomotive holding|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 January 2024}}{{cite report|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/mec_engg/2023/Diesel%20loco%20availability%20targets%20for%20Dec_2023.pdf|title=Diesel locomotive holding|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 January 2024}}

File:WAP-7 & WAG-5 pulling an Indian freight train at DDJ.webm & WAG-5 electric locomotive pulling a freight train at Dum Dum Junction. ]]

Indian railways operates a {{convert|68,584|km|abbr=on}} {{RailGauge|1676mm|lk=on}} broad gauge network which is equipped with long-welded, high-tensile 52kg/60kg 90 UTS rails with pre-stressed concrete (PSC) sleepers and elastic fastenings. These tracks are shared by both freight and passenger trains, with passenger trains often prioritized on the network. The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCI) was established in 2006 to construct dedicated freight corridors to reduce congestion, increase speed and reliability and proposed upgradation of existing goods sheds, attracting private capital to build dedicated logistics terminals.{{cite report|url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/Railways%20Presentation.pdf|title=Vision and Plans: Indian Railways|date=25 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171118230400/http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/Railways%20Presentation.pdf|archive-date=18 November 2017|url-status=live}}

File:Main-qimg-2eab05e182278bf019c97862578a3706.jpg

The first rail operational in Madras in 1837 was used for ferrying granite.{{cite news |date=16 April 2018 |title=Chennai: The track record |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/apr/16/chennai-the-track-record-1801999.html |access-date=9 August 2023 |newspaper=New Indian Express}} The first dedicated commercial freight rail was operated between Bombay and Ahmedabad in 1966. Indian Railways ferries various commodities and cargo to cater to various industrial, consumer, and agricultural segments. Apart from dedicated freight trains, parcels, mail and small cargo are carried on specialized carriages attached to passenger trains.{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indian-railways-launches-the-first-ever-high-capacity-lhb-parcel-van-can-run-at-130-kmph-11580472862846.html|title=Indian Railways launched the first ever high capacity parcel van|work=Mint|date=31 January 2020|access-date=1 December 2023}} In 2022–23, Indian Railways operated 8,479 trains on average daily and transported 1418.1 million tonnes of freight. Indian Railways has historically subsidized the passenger segment with income from the freight business, and hence, freight services were unable to compete owith ther modes of transport on both cost and speed of delivery, leading to continuous erosion of market share till the early 2000s.{{cite report|url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/stat_econ/IRSP_2016-17/Annual_Report_Accounts_Eng/2.pdf|title=Indian Railways White Paper 2016|date=25 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226032211/http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/stat_econ/IRSP_2016-17/Annual_Report_Accounts_Eng/2.pdf|archive-date=26 February 2018|url-status=live}} To counter this, Indian Railways aimed to increase speed and reliability through various means including operating time-tabled freight trains and tweaking with the freight pricing/product mix.{{cite report|url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/Railways%20Presentation.pdf|title=Vision and Plans: Indian Railways|date=25 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171118230400/http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/Railways%20Presentation.pdf|archive-date=18 November 2017|url-status=live}} End-to-end integrated transport solutions such as roll-on, roll-off (RORO) service, a road-rail system pioneered by Konkan Railway in 1999 to carry trucks on flatbed trailers has been extended to other routes.{{cite press release|url=http://pib.nic.in/release/rel_print_page1.asp?relid=949|title=Road-Rail Synergy System|access-date=22 December 2008|publisher=Indian Railways|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605172834/http://pib.nic.in/release/rel_print_page1.asp?relid=949|archive-date=5 June 2011|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Indian Railways coaching stock}}

{{Multiple images

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| image1 = 11019_Konark_Express_-_Sleeper_Class_coach.jpg

| caption1 = ICF coach

| image2 = Shram Shakti Express LHBfied Sleeper Class Rakes.jpg

| caption2 = LHB coach

}}

The early rail coaches were based on a prototype by a Swiss company and were termed as ICF coaches after Integral Coach Factory (ICF), the first coach manufacturing unit in India.

These coaches, manufactured from 1955 to 2018, were largely in use till the early 2010s.{{cite news|last=Ayyappan|first=V.|date=4 January 2021|title=Leakage Found in ICF Coaches|newspaper=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/leakage-found-in-icf-coaches/articleshow/80095746.cms|access-date=6 June 2023}} From the late 1990s, the ICF coaches were replaced by safer and newer LHB coaches designed by Linke-Hofmann-Busch of Germany.{{Cite journal|date=April 2017|title=Indian Railways Passenger Coaches: Safety Features and Technologies Adopted|url=http://www.ijetsr.com/images/short_pdf/1492945632_nitttr232_Ijetsr_skype.pdf|journal=International Journal of Engineering Technology Science and Research|access-date=27 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228041703/http://www.ijetsr.com/images/short_pdf/1492945632_nitttr232_Ijetsr_skype.pdf|archive-date=28 February 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Debroy|first=Bibek|date=9 February 2018|title=A 70-Year-Old Vs a 30-Year-Old: LHB Coaches Perform Better than ICF Ones|newspaper=Business Standard|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/a-70-year-old-vs-a-30-year-old-lhb-coaches-perform-better-than-icf-ones-118020801725_1.html|url-access=subscription|access-date=6 June 2023}} In the late 2010s, Indian railways started upgrading the coaches of select trains from LHB to new Tejas coaches with enhanced features.{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/rajdhani-runs-with-new-tejas-rakes-1010439.html|title=Rajdhani runs with new Tejas rakes|newspaper=Deccan Herald|date=19 July 2021|access-date=1 December 2023}}{{cite news|last1=Tyagi|first1=Harshita|title=Western Railway runs Mumbai–New Delhi Rajdhani Express with new Tejas-like smart sleeper coaches|work=Times Now|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/industry/article/western-railway-runs-mumbai-new-delhi-rajdhani-express-with-new-tejas-like-smart-sleeper-coaches/787342|access-date=1 December 2023|date=19 July 2021}} As of March 2023, Indian Railways' had 84,863 passenger coaches. Coaches are manufactured by five manufacturing units of the Indian Railways and public sector companies BEML and BHEL. The coaching stock has unique five or six-digit identifiers. Till 2018, the first two digits indicated the year of manufacture and the last three digits indicated the class.{{cite report|url=https://digitalscr.in/bzadiv/circulars/misc_circulars/uploads/Classification%20of%20Locomotives.pdf|title=Coach classification|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 January 2024}} In 2018, the numbering system was changed with the first two digits indicating the year of manufacture and the last four digits indicating the sequence number.{{cite press release|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/mec_engg/downloads/Coaching/2018/20_Numbering%20of%20coaching%20stock.pdf|title=Coach numbering|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 January 2024}}

File:Project_Unigauge_(India).svg

;Track

{{See also|List of railway lines in India}}

As of 31 March 2023, the Indian railway network spanned {{convert|68584|km||abbr=on}} in route length. Track sections are rated for speeds ranging from {{convert|80|to|200|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, though the maximum speed attained by passenger trains is {{cvt|160|kph|abbr=on}}. Spanning {{convert|65,093|km||abbr=on}} {{RailGauge|1676mm|lk=on}} broad gauge is the most used gauge with {{RailGauge|1000mm|allk=on}} and {{RailGauge|762mm|lk=on}} narrow gauge and {{RailGauge|610mm|lk=on}} narrower gauge tracks limited to certain routes. Indian Railways uses a range of signalling technologies and methods to manage its train operations based on traffic density and safety requirements. It primarily uses coloured signal lights, which replaced the earlier semaphores and disc-based signalling.{{cite web|url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-signal2.html|title=Indian Railways FAQ: Signal Aspects and Indications – Principal Running Signals|publisher=IRFCA|access-date=28 February 2018}}{{cite web|title=Signalling System|url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-signal.html|access-date=4 June 2007|publisher=IRFCA}}

;Stations

{{See also|Categorization of Indian Railway stations by commercial importance}}

As of March 2023, Indian Railways manages and operates 7,308 stations. Prior to 2017, the stations were classified into seven categories based on their earnings.{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/railways-revise-station-categories-to-improve-services/articleshow/62280609.cms|title=Railways revise station categories to improve services|access-date=17 March 2018|newspaper=Economic Times|date=28 December 2017}} Since 2017, Indian Railways categorizes the stations by commercial importance into three different categories namely Non Suburban Group (NSG), Suburban Group (SG) and Halt Group (HG). These are further subdivided into subcategories based on their commercial importance (NSG 1–6, SG 1-3 and from HG 1–3).{{cite press release|title=Minister of Railways directs to re-categorize railway stations taking into account earnings, passenger footfall, strategic importance|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1514446|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=18 October 2021}} The commercial importance of a station is determined by taking into account its passenger footfall, earnings and strategic importance and these categories are used to determine the minimum essential amenities required by each station.{{cite report|date=18 Jul 2018|title=Question and Answer regarding Grading of Railway Stations in Lok Sabha of India|url=http://164.100.24.220/loksabhaquestions/annex/15/AU116.pdf|access-date=26 Sep 2020|publisher=Government of India}}

;Travel classes

{{Further|Indian Railways coaching stock}}

Indian Railways offers various travel classes on its coaches.{{cite web|url=http://www.indianrail.gov.in/class_Code.html|title=Accommodation Classes in Indian Railways|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=26 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426000003/http://www.indianrail.gov.in/class_Code.html|archive-date=26 April 2017}} For the purpose of identification in passenger trains, coaches in a train-set are assigned an alpha-numeric code. The first letter identifies the coach class and the second letter identifies the coach number.{{cite press release|url=https://digitalscr.in/bzadiv/circulars/misc_circulars/uploads/Abbrevations%20for%20different%20types%20of%20coaches.pdf|title=Abbreviations for Coaches|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 January 2024}} The berths and seats are numbered by an alphanumeric code with the letter(s) identifying the berth/seat type and numbers identifying the position. In standard coaches, the berths and seats are classified as follows:{{cite report|url=https://st2.indiarailinfo.com/kjfdsuiemjvcya0/0/2/3/6/837236/0/railseatlayout.pdf|title=Rail seat layout|publisher=Indiarailinfo|access-date=1 December 2023}}

Saloon coaches are also available for chartering which are equipped with a bedroom and kitchen and can be attached to normal trains.{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/ready-to-shell-out-more-now-you-can-travel-in-railways-luxury-saloons/jammu-mail/slideshow/63554248.cms|title=Saloon attached to Jammu Mail|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=29 March 2018|access-date=1 December 2023}}

;Trains

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| image1=12302_Howrah_Rajdhani_Express_-_AC_First_Class.jpg

| caption1=Rajdhani Express

| image2=Mumbai_Central_Ahmedabad_Shatabdi_Express_-_Anubhuti_coach_-_K1.jpg

| caption2=Shatabdi Express

}}

{{Further|Express trains in India|Slow and fast passenger trains in India}}

Indian Railways operates various classes of passenger and express trains. The trains are classified basis average speed and facilities with express trains having fewer halts, priority on rail network and faster average speed. The trains are identified by five digit numbers with train-pairs traveling in opposite directions usually labelled with consecutive numbers.{{cite report|title=Train Numbering|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/coaching/Circulars/2%20five%20Digit%20Train%20no%20scheme%209_9_10.pdf|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} Express trains often have specific unique names for easy identification.{{cite report|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/coaching/pdf/Train_No-Index.pdf|title=Train Index|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} In 2018–19, Indian Railways operated 13,523 passenger trains on average daily and carried 8.44 billion passengers.{{cite report|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/stat_econ/Annual-Reports-2019-2020/Year-Book-2019-20-English_Final_Web.pdf|title=Indian Railways Year Book 2019–20|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} India Railways operates various categories of express trains including Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express, Garib Rath Express, Double Decker Express, Tejas Express, Gatimaan Express, Humsafar Express, Duronto Express, Yuva Express, Uday Express, Jan Shatabdi Express, Sampark Kranti Express, Vivek Express, Rajya Rani Express, Mahamana Express, Antyodaya Express, Jan Sadharan Express, Suvidha Express and Intercity Express.

File:Railway ticket from Bangalore City junction to Pune junction.jpg

In 1986, computerized ticketing and reservations were introduced before which ticketing was done manually. Self-printing ticket machines (SPTM) were introduced in 1988. Centralized computer reservation system was deployed in September 1996. The ticketing network at stations is computerized with the exception of few stations. The Indian Railways website went online in February 2000 and online ticketing was introduced on 3 August 2002 through IRCTC. Indian Railways now provides multiple channels for passengers to book tickets through website, smartphone apps, SMS, rail reservation counters at train stations, or through private ticket booking counters. Reserved tickets may be booked up to 120 days in advance and confirmed reservation tickets will show the passenger and fare details along with berth or seat number(s) allocated to them on the ticket.

In case of no confirmed reservation, a wait-list number is assigned and wait-listed tickets get confirmed if there are cancellations of already reserved tickets. Reservation against cancellation tickets is an intermediate category between the waiting and confirmed lists in sleeper classes which allows a ticket holder to board the train and share a berth.{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtvprofit.com/business/irctc-indian-railways-ticket-reservation-5-online-rules-to-know-about-waitlisted-tickets-1955796|title=Indian Railways Reservation Rules: 5 Things To Know About Waitlisted Tickets|date=30 May 2018|work=NDTV|access-date=1 December 2023}} Reserved tickets can be booked by passengers who want to travel at short notice at higher fares through the Tatkal train ticket, where no refund is applicable on cancellation.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/tatkal-ticket-booking-charges-timings-cancellation-and-more/articleshow/63095041.cms|title=Tatkal Ticket Booking: Charges, timings, cancellation and more|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=1 December 2023|date=2 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612105406/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/tatkal-ticket-booking-charges-timings-cancellation-and-more/articleshow/63095041.cms|archive-date=12 June 2018|url-status=live}} A valid proof for the purchase of ticket along with photo identification is required to board the train.{{cite report|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/traffic_comm/Comm-Cir2K12/ID_Proof_AC_Class_CC_4_2012.pdf|title=Provision for carrying proof|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} Unreserved tickets for short distance or unplanned travels may be purchased at stations or through UTS mobile app at any time before departure.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/buy-suburban-train-tickets-via-app/article33712431.ece|title=Buy suburban train tickets via app|date=1 February 2021|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=The Hindu}} Holders of such tickets may only board the general or unreserved coaches. India has some of the lowest train fares in the world, and lower class passenger fares are subsidised.{{cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r31MYIrISFMC&q=indian+rail&pg=PA184|title=India's Economic Reforms, 1991–2001|last=Joshi|first=V|author2=I. M. D. Little|date=17 October 1996|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-1982-9078-0|location=US|page=184|chapter=Industrial Policy and Factor Markets|access-date=25 June 2007}} Discounted fares are applicable for railway employees, senior citizens (over age 60), the differently-abled, students, athletes, patients and those taking competitive examinations. Seats of lower class of accommodation are reserved for women or senior citizens in some trains.{{cite web|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?id=0,2,281,877|title=Concession Rules|access-date=25 June 2023|publisher=Indian Railways}}

{{main|High speed rail in India}}

File:Ghaziabad WAP 5.jpg electric locomotive reached a speed of {{cvt|184|kph|abbr=on}} and is the fastest operational locomotive]]

In 1980, the WAP-1 electric locomotives reached a speed of {{cvt|130|kph|abbr=on}}.{{cite press release|url=https://secr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1596785062728-Locomotive_comp.pdf|title=WAP-1 locomotive|publisher=Government of India|date=9 October 1989|access-date=1 December 2023}} WAP-5 class locomotives, initially imported from ABB in 1995 and later manufactured at Chittaranjan Locomotive Works in India, reached {{cvt|184|kph|abbr=on}} in trials. The locomotive later set an Indian speed record by hauling a train between Delhi and Agra at a speed of {{cvt|160|kph|abbr=on}} in 2014.{{cite news|title=200 km in 90 mins: Delhi-Agra high speed train sets new speed record|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-07-03/news/51057656_1_speed-record-fastest-train-passenger-train|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707064334/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-07-03/news/51057656_1_speed-record-fastest-train-passenger-train|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 July 2014|access-date=10 July 2014|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=3 July 2014}} In 2018, a modified WAP-5A locomotive reached speeds of {{cvt|200|kph|mph|0|abbr=on}} in trials.{{cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/make-in-india-speed-boost-for-indian-railways-gets-first-200-kmph-capable-aerodynamic-electric-locomotive/1374602/|title= 'Make in India' speed boost for Indian Railways! Gets first 200 kmph capable aerodynamic electric locomotive|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=Financial Express|date=6 November 2018}} In 2018, Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, rolled out a semi-high-speed EMU train-set, capable of reaching {{cvt|180|kph|abbr=on}}. These trains have eight or sixteen coaches with driver cabins on both ends, which eliminates the time needed for turnaround at the terminal station with faster acceleration and deceleration, enabling the train to travel at a top speed for longer distance.{{cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/budget/railway-budget-2018-indian-railways-new-trains-train-18-train-20-features-semi-high-speed/1026896/|title=Ahead of Railway Budget 2018, Modi's Make in India gets boost with plans for 'world-class' Indian Railways trains|date=23 January 2018|newspaper=Financial Express|access-date=1 December 2023}}{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/2-new-world-class-trains-to-cut-travel-time-by-20/articleshow/62611180.cms|title=Train 18: 2 new 'world class' trains to cut travel time by 20%|newspaper=The Times of India|date=23 January 2018|access-date=1 December 2023}} For high-speed rail, the Indian railways will construct bullet train assembly facilities on a public-private participation (PPP) model with Japanese companies setting up manufacturing facilities in India to build the parts for bullet train sets.{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/make-in-india-railways-to-pitch-for-building-bullet-train-coaches/story-cUnqHEk3sy0h2l7xgLXfsN.html|title=Make in India: Railways to pitch for building bullet train coaches locally|work=Hindustan Times|date=4 October 2018}}

File:Map_of_India_high-speed_rail_corridors_according_to_National_Rail_Plan.JPG

In 2009, Indian Railways envisioned a plan to increase the speed of passenger trains to {{cvt|160-200|kph|abbr=on}} on dedicated conventional tracks and improve the existing conventional lines on {{Track gauge|1676mm|lk=on}} Broad gauge to handle speeds of up to {{cvt|160|kph|abbr=on}}.{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=100308|title=Railway Minister Launches High Speed Rail Corporation of India Limited (HSRC)|date=29 October 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=Government of India}} On 25 July 2013, Government of India established the High Speed Rail Corporation under Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) for the implementation of high-speed rail corridor projects.{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-01-27/news/36564456_1_high-speed-rail-high-speed-trains-first-bullet-train|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801140940/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-01-27/news/36564456_1_high-speed-rail-high-speed-trains-first-bullet-train|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 August 2013|title=Indian Railways finally moving on its dream project – high-speed trains|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=27 January 2013|access-date=1 December 2023}} In 2014, the Diamond Quadrilateral high-speed rail network project was launched by Government of India and is envisioned to connect the four major metro cities of India namely: Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/focus-on-diamond-quadrilateral/article6105076.ece|title=Focus on diamond quadrilateral|newspaper=The Hindu|date=12 June 2014|access-date=1 December 2023}}{{cite report|title=Address by The President of India to the Joint sitting of Parliament 2014|url=http://www.pmindia.gov.in/President_Address.pdf|access-date=9 June 2014|publisher=Government of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714225448/http://www.pmindia.gov.in/President_Address.pdf|archive-date=14 July 2014 }} {{As of| 2023}}, India does not have any operational high-speed tracks with the {{cvt|174|km|abbr=on}} segment of track in the Tughlakabad{{ndash}} Agra Cantonment section supporting semi-high speeds of up to {{cvt|160|kph|abbr=on}}.{{cite news|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/vande-bharat-express-trains-running-at-average-speed-of-83-kmph-against-permissible-limit-of-130-kmph-reveals-rti-reply-filed-in-mp|title=Vande Bharat Express trains running at average speed of 83 kph against permissible limit of 130 kph, reveals RTI reply filed in MP|work=Free Press Journal|date=17 April 2023|access-date=1 December 2023}} By 2026, Ministry of Railways envisaged to have top speeds of {{cvt|300–350|kph|abbr=on}} with trains running on elevated corridors to isolate high-speed train tracks to prevent trespassing.{{cite news|date=21 September 2020|title=Wow! Indian Railways eyes 7 more bullet train corridors; all will be open to PPP investments|work=The Financial Express|url= https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/wow-indian-railways-eyes-7-more-bullet-train-corridors-all-will-be-open-to-ppp-investments/2086517/|access-date=21 September 2020}} Multiple feasibility studies have been done and probable routes have been identified.{{cite web|url=https://www.nationalturk.com/en/india-japan-sign-mou-for-feasibility-study-of-high-speed-railway-system-in-india-43654/|title=India, Japan sign MoU for feasibility study of high speed railway system in India|date=9 October 2013|access-date=1 December 2023|work=Nationalturk}}{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/mumbai-ahmedabad-bullet-train-chinese-team-visits-cst/|title=Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train? Chinese team visits CST|newspaper=Indian Express|date=16 September 2014|access-date=1 December 2023}} In 2017, a {{cvt|508|km|abbr=on}} standard gauge line between Mumbai and Ahmedabad was approved for construction and is expected to be operational by 2028.{{cite report|url=https://nhsrcl.in/sites/default/files/2021-12/Journey.pdf|title=Journey of High speed rail|publisher=National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited|access-date=1 December 2023}}{{cite news|date=13 September 2017|title=Japan Is Selling Bullet Trains to India|work=Bloomberg News|url= https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-13/japan-s-bullet-train-gives-164-year-old-indian-railway-a-jolt|access-date=15 December 2017}} RapidX system operating on {{Track gauge|1435mm|lk=on}} Standard gauge tracks with Namo Bharat train-sets capable of supporting speeds of up to {{cvt|180|kph|abbr=on}}, became operational with the partial opening of Delhi–Meerut line in 2023.{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1969356|title=PM launches India's first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh|date=20 October 2023|publisher=Government of India|access-date=1 December 2023}}

File:Thiruvananthapuram_Kasaragod_Vande_Bharat_Express_(via_Alappuzha)_-_1st_Rake.jpg built by ICF, is the fastest in operation]]

Rajdhani Express, introduced in 1969 with a maximum speed of {{cvt|120|kph|abbr=on}} was the fastest train service in the country in the 1970s. Shatabdi Express introduced in 1988, were capable of running at a maximum speed of {{cvt|130|kph}}.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/shatabdi-is-the-heart-of-indian-railways/articleshow/20505432.cms?from=mdr|newspaper=The Times of India|title='Shatabdi is the heart of Indian railways'|access-date=1 December 2023|date=30 May 2014}}{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/trains-faster-than-rajdhani-shatabdi-on-the-cards/next-gen-trains/slideshow/62615006.cms|title=Trains faster than Rajdhani, Shatabdi on the cards|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=23 January 2018|access-date=5 November 2022}} In April 2016, WAP-5 hauled Gatimaan Express became the fastest commercial train in India, with a maximum operational speed of {{cvt|160|kph|abbr=on}}.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhiagra-semihigh-speed-train-to-be-named-gatimaan-express/article6493500.ece|title=Train to be named Gatimaan Express|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=1 December 2023|date=5 April 2016}} In 2019, the first Vande Bharat Express entered commercial service with a maximum operational speed of {{cvt|160|kph|abbr=on}}. The actual operating speed was much lower due to track restrictions and congestion with top speeds restricted to {{cvt|130|kph|abbr=on}} for most trains.{{cite news|agency=Press Trust of India|date=7 February 2019|title=Train 18: PM Modi to flag off Vande Bharat Express on February 15 from New Delhi|newspaper=Business Today|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/train-18-pm-modi-to-flag-off-vande-bharat-express-on-february-15-from-new-delhi/story/317978.html|access-date=15 February 2019}} In October 2023, Namo Bharat, built for RapidX by Alstom was launched and is capable of reaching speeds of up to {{cvt|180|kph|abbr=on}}.{{cite news|date=20 October 2023|title=PM Modi flags off 'RapidX', India's first regional rapid rail service; all you need to know|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/story/pm-modi-flags-off-namo-bharat-indias-first-regional-rapid-train-service-402728-2023-10-20|access-date=23 October 2023|work=Business Today}} In December 2023, two modified WAP-5 locomotives were used to haul the Amrit Bharat Express in a push-pull configuration, capable of reaching speeds of up to {{cvt|160|kph|abbr=on}}.{{cite news|last=Nigam|first=Saumya|date=27 December 2023|title=Amrit Bharat Express to launch with Push-Pull technology and other exciting features|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/explainers/amrit-bharat-express-to-launch-with-push-pull-technology-and-other-exciting-features-details-2023-12-27-909203|access-date=28 December 2023|work=India TV|language=en}}{{cite news|date=30 October 2023|title=Vande Sadharan train: All you need to know; How it is different from Vande Bharat train?|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/in-focus/story/vande-sadharan-train-all-you-need-to-know-how-it-is-different-from-vande-bharat-train-403792-2023-10-30|access-date=30 December 2023|work=Business Today}}

{{main|Mountain Railways of India}}

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| caption2=Kalka-Shimla

| image3=NMR train at Ketti 05-02-26 75.jpeg

| caption3=Nilgiri

}}

Mountain Railways of India refer to three rail lines operated by Indian Railways in hilly terrain. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a {{RailGauge|610mm|lk=on}} narrow-gauge railway in the Lesser Himalayas of West Bengal was opened in 1881.

{{cite web|title=Mountain Railways of India|work=World Heritage List|publisher=World Heritage Committee|year=1999|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/944/|access-date=5 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219024051/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/944/|archive-date=19 December 2008|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} The mountain railways were designated as World Heritage Sites in 1999. The Kalka-Shimla Railway, a {{RailGauge|762mm|lk=on}} narrow-gauge railway in the Siwalik Hills of Himachal Pradesh started operating in 1903. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a {{RailGauge|1000mm|allk=on}} rack railway in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu was opened in 1908 and is the only operational rack railway in India.{{cite web|title=Nilgiri Mountain railway|url=https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?fontColor=black&backgroundColor=LIGHTSTEELBLUE&lang=0&id=0,1,304,374,492,552|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=21 August 2019}} These railways operate with its own dedicated fleet of locomotives and coaches.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/in-pictures-nilgiri-mountain-railway-as-old-as-the-hills/article28732489.ece|title=he Nilgiri Mountain Railway as old as the hills|date=27 July 2019|access-date=1 March 2023|newspaper=The Hindu}}

File:Maharaja Express.jpg

Indian Railways operates tourist trains and coach services on popular tourist circuits in different regions of the country. It operates luxury tourist trains such as Maharajas' Express, Palace on Wheels, Golden Chariot and Deccan Odyssey, deluxe tourist trains such as Mahaparinirvan Express.{{cite web|url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,2,320,378,1066|title=Ministry of Railways (Railway Board)|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=27 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410173012/http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,2,320,378,1066|archive-date=10 April 2014|url-status=live}} It also operates heritage and exhibition trains on special circumstances.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/pm-flags-off-gujarats-first-heritage-train-which-will-bring-tourists-to-statue-of-unity/article67479662.ece|title=PM flags off Gujarat's first heritage train, which will bring tourists to Statue of Unity|date=31 October 2023|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=1 December 2023}}

{{Main|Cross-border railway lines in India}}

India shares land border with multiple countries and have rail-links with some of them. Bangladesh is connected to West Bengal with a construction of new rail link connecting Tripura with Akhaura.{{cite news|date=24 November 2019|title=Bandhan Express makes its first commercial run between Kolkata and Khulna today|newspaper=The Indian Express|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/bandhan-express-makes-its-first-run-between-kolkata-khulna-india-bangladesh-on-thursday-4939545/|url-status=live|access-date=16 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116063408/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/bandhan-express-makes-its-first-run-between-kolkata-khulna-india-bangladesh-on-thursday-4939545/|archive-date=16 November 2017}}{{cite news|date=18 June 2014|title=Work on new India-Bangladesh railway link from 2015|url=http://m.ibnlive.com/news/work-on-new-indiabangladesh-railway-link-from-2015/480099-61.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006081939/http://m.ibnlive.com/news/work-on-new-indiabangladesh-railway-link-from-2015/480099-61.html|archive-date=6 October 2014|work=IBNlive|access-date=1 December 2023}} Two rail links to Nepal exist as of 2021, with a third under construction.{{cite web|title=Nepalese Railway and Economic Development: What Has Gone Wrong?|date=11 June 2020|url=https://www.theindiareview.com/india-and-nepal/nepal-railways-and-economic-development-what-has-gone-wrong-110620-01/|work=India Review|access-date=19 November 2021}} There is an existing railink with Pakistan through Attari–Wagah border.{{cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/business/do-you-know-this-indian-railway-station-requires-passengers-to-carry-a-pakistani-visa-8364073.html|title=Do You Know This Indian Railway Station Requires Passengers To Carry A Pakistani Visa?|date=18 July 2023|work=News18|access-date=1 December 2023}}

The state-owned Indian Railways has an almost monopoly over rail operations. There are a few private railway lines used exclusively for transporting freight and to connect with the wider network. Private railways are operated by various ports such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Pipavav and the Bhilai Steel Plant. The Tata Group operates a few funicular railways.{{cite web|title=Railways other than IR in India|url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-nonir.html|access-date=18 June 2007|work=IRFCA|publisher=Indian Railways Fan Club|archive-date=24 May 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070524083200/http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-nonir.html|url-status=live}} In 2020, Indian Railways allowed the operation of private passenger trains for the first time with the first train flagged off from Coimbatore in June 2022.

In the 1960s, Electric multiple units (EMU) were developed for short-haul and suburban rail transit.{{cite report|date=15 October 1999|title=Electrical Multiple Units|url=https://st2.indiarailinfo.com/kjfdsuiemjvcya1/0/8/0/2/4684802/1/multipleunits1091923.pdf|work=Indian Rail Info|access-date=1 December 2023}}{{cite web|title=Historical Background of Railway Electrification|url=https://core.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,294,302,530#:~:text=The%20first%20electric%20train%20ran,electrified%20on%201500%20Volt%20DC.|access-date=19 May 2023|publisher=Indian Railways}} On short-distance routes, Mainline electrical multiple unit (MEMU) and Diesel electrical multiple unit (DEMU) trains are also run. These train sets run in formation of 6, 9, 12 or 15 coaches and a three-car set is typified by a motor coaches and two passenger coaches.{{cite report|url=https://eparlib.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/65704/1/16_Public_Accounts_69.pdf|title=Operation of MUs|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=15 October 2023}}{{cite report|url=https://scr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris//uploads/files/1574744335252-JE%20LDCE2.pdf|title=Three phase EMU|page=5|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=15 October 2023}} These train-sets are self-propelled with capability for faster acceleration or deceleration.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Loco-hauled-commuter-trains-to-be-replaced-with-DEMU/MEMU/articleshow/54680592.cms|title=Loco hauled commuter trains to be replaced with DEMU/MEMU|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=1 December 2023|date=25 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226042551/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Loco-hauled-commuter-trains-to-be-replaced-with-DEMU/MEMU/articleshow/54680592.cms|archive-date=26 February 2018|url-status=live}}

Suburban lines were built starting with Bombay in 1853, followed by Calcutta and Madras in the later years. The first 1.5kV DC electrified tracks became operational in the late 1920s and early 1930s. In 1957, 25 kV AC traction was adopted for suburban lines.

The first suburban electric trains were introduced in Bombay in 1925. Chennai suburban started operating in 1931 and Kolkata in 1957.{{cite web|date=5 May 2012|title=Historical perspective – the first journey|url=https://er.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?fontColor=black&backgroundColor=LIGHTSTEELBLUE&lang=0&id=0,1,291,354|access-date=18 June 2020|publisher=Indian Railways}}{{cite news|title=83 years of electric suburban rail|newspaper=The Hindu|date=18 April 2014|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/83-years-of-electric-suburban-rail/article5923173.ece|access-date = 18 Apr 2014}} Opened in November 1995, Chennai MRTS became the first operational elevated railway line in India. Indian Railways operates suburban railway systems across the cities of Mumbai (suburban), Chennai (suburban and MRTS), Kolkata (suburban) and Secunderabad (MMTS) covering six railway zones. Suburban networks issue unreserved tickets valid for a limited time or season passes with unlimited travel between two stops for a period of time.{{cite news|last=Vivek Narayanan|title=Wait for ticket gets painful|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3394846.ece|access-date=21 August 2012|newspaper=The Hindu|date=8 May 2012|archive-date=11 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511203206/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3394846.ece|url-status=live}}{{cite press release|url=https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_detail.jsp?lang=0&id=0,4,268&dcd=8532&did=15771820428170372B05269DDBB2851DEA3EB8F9D77E2|title=Tourist Tickets introduced in Chennai Suburban|date=24 December 2019|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=Southern Railway zone, Indian Railways}}

{{main|Urban rail transit in India}}

Metro trains use electric multiple unit train-sets manufactured by various state-owned and private companies. The trains operate on 25 KV AC through an overhead catenary system with a maximum speed of {{convert|120|km/h}}.{{Cite press release|url=http://www.alstom.com/press-centre/2010/9/alstom-to-provide-168-cars-for-chennais-metro-for-1-billion-approx-inr-12000-crore/|title=Alstom to provide 168 cars for Chennai's metro for €1 billion (approx. INR 10000 crore)|publisher=Alstom|date=1 September 2010|access-date=6 June 2016}}

The urban rail transit in India consists of systems such as rapid transit (Metro), suburban rail (operated by Indian railways), light rail (Metrolite), tram, regional rail and monorail. As of 2023, India has the fourth longest length of metro lines with {{Convert|895|km|mi|lk=on|abbr=off}}.{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/at-810-km-india-overtakes-japan-in-length-of-metro-rail-projects-union-minister-puri-8182940/|title=India overtakes Japan in length of metrorail projects: Union minister|date=30 September 2022|newspaper=Indian Express|access-date=1 December 2023}} Urban rail transit systems in India mostly use standard gauge tracks except a single line of Kolkata Metro and three lines of Delhi Metro which use the same broad gauge tracks as main-line railways. These systems are operated by rail corporations independent of Indian Railways.{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-railways-opts-for-standard-gauge-first-time-in-160-yrs-1843000|title=Railways opts for standard gauge first time in 160 yr|newspaper=Daily News & Analysis|date=3 June 2013|access-date=14 June 2017|archive-date=14 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214031545/https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-railways-opts-for-standard-gauge-first-time-in-160-yrs-1843000|url-status=live}} All metro routes are electrified with DC or 25 kV AC traction with many metro routes employing the third rail method for electric traction.{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/infrastructure/kochi-metro-coaches-arrive-at-muttom-yard/temporary-arrangement-made/slideshow/50541974.cms|title=Kochi Metro coaches arrive at Muttom Yard|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=1 December 2023}}

Metro trains operate in Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Nagpur, Ahmedabad and Lucknow. Gurgaon has a Metro system operated by a private organisation. Metro tracks are being constructed or planned in all million-plus cities in the country.{{cite web|url=https://themetrorailguy.com/metro-rail-projects-in-india/|title=Metro rail projects in India|access-date=1 December 2023|work=Metrorailguy}}

Apart from standard passenger and freight services, the Indian Railways operates other specialized coaches with various functions.{{cite report|url=http://www.aitd.net.in/pdf/8/2.%20TYPES%20OF%20PASSENGER%20COACHES%20FOR%20DIFFERENT%20SERVICES.pdf|title=Types of passenger coaches|publisher=Asian Institute of Transport Development|access-date=1 December 2023}} These include accident relief medical vans,{{cite news|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/other/advertorial/article30216668.ece|title=ICF on a roll|date=25 April 2003|work=Frontline|access-date=1 December 2023}}{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1598271|title=Self Propelled Accident Relief Medical Vans to improve disaster response of Railways|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} military cars, inspection carriages,{{cite report|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/rb/tender/1549969239106_TM-1903_1_Document_RIV_3.pdf|title=Specifications of Railway Inspection Car|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} and parcel vans. Various coaches such as pantry car,{{cite report|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/eff_res/camtech/ElectricalEngineering/SubjectWise/Revision%20of%20Chapter%2014%20-%20Pantry%20Car%20and%20Mini%20Pantry%20Equipment%20of%20LHB%20Manual%20(Electrical).pdf|title=Pantry car equipment|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} generator cars,{{cite report|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/eff_res/camtech/ElectricalEngineering/SubjectWise/Revision%20of%20Chapter%2013%20-%20LHB%20Power%20Car%20of%20LHB%20Manual%20(Electrical).pdf|title=Power generator car|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} and brake vans are attached to train-sets.{{cite report|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/tele_comm/downloads/TELE/TelephoneCNL/TC-11.pdf|title=Brake van specification|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.zeebiz.com/india/photo-gallery-amazing-indian-railways-has-transformed-this-special-coach-how-you-benefit-check-photos-66845|title=Indian Railways has transformed this special coach|work=Zee news|date=11 October 2018|access-date=1 December 2023}}

Indian Railways operates various manufacturing units. Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW), commissioned in 1950, was the first locomotive manufacturing unit in India. The first rail coache manufacturing unit, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) was established at Madras in 1956. Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), commissioned in 1961, is the second locomotive manufacturing unit operated by Indian Railways.{{cite report|url=https://blw.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,294,702|title=Banaras Locomotive works|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Patiala Locomotive Works, Diesel Locomotive Factory, Marhowrah and Electric Locomotive Factory, Madhepura also manufacture locomotives in India.{{cite web|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,304,366,552,694|title=Indian railway facilities|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 April 2023}} Railway coaches are also manufactured at coach factories at Karputhala, Raebareli, Sonipat and Latur. Indian Railways also operates two rail wheel manufacturing factories at Bangalore and Chhpra. The locomotives are operated and maintained by 44 locomotive sheds. Indian Railways also maintains 37 sheds for the maintenance of multiple unit train-sets. The repair and maintenance of the fleet of other rolling stock is carried out at 212 carriage & wagon repair units and 45 periodic overhaul workshops across various zones of IR. Metro coaches are manufactured by various companies including state-owned ICF, BEML and private companies like Alstom, Mitsubishi, Hyundai Rotem, Bombardier, Siemens, CRRC, Titagarh Firema and CAF with the respective metro systems maintaining their own maintenance depots.{{cite news|url=https://cablecommunity.com/india-an-emerging-hub-for-metro-coach-industry/|title=India, an Emerging Hub for Metro Coach Industry|date=15 July 2019|access-date=1 December 2023|work=Cable community}}{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/90-per-cent-of-delhi-metro-coaches-are-manufactured-in-india/articleshow/46719323.cms|title=India, an emerging hub for metro coach|date=27 March 2015|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=The Times of India}}

{{main|List of railway accidents and incidents in India}}

According to the India's National Crime Records Bureau, in 2021, more than 16,000 people were killed in almost 18,000 railway accidents across India. Almost 68 percent of the railway accidents were due to falls from trains and collisions between trains and people on the track. In the same year, almost 2000 people were killed in around 1500 rail-road crossing accidents across India.{{cite report|url=https://ncrb.gov.in/sites/default/files/ADSI-2021/adsi2021_Snapshots.pdf|title=Snapshot, 2021|publisher=National Crime Records Bureau|access-date=1 December 2023}}

{{Portal|India|Transport|Roads|Railways}}

; Rail transport

• List of railway lines in India
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• Dedicated freight corridors in India
• Urban rail transit in India
• High-speed rail in India
• Future of rail transport in India
• List of countries by rail transport network size

; Other

• Transport in India
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• Bharatmala
• Expressways of India
• Water transport in India

{{Reflist|3}}

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• Aguiar, Marian. Tracking Modernity: India's Railway and the Culture of Mobility (University of Minnesota Press; 2011) 226 pages; draws on literature, film, and other realms to explore the role of the railway in the Indian imagination. [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0816665613/ excerpt and text search]
• Bear, Linda. Lines of the Nation: Indian Railway Workers, Bureaucracy, and the Intimate Historical Self (2007) [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0231140029/ excerpt and text search]
• Donaldson, Dave. "Railroads of the Raj: Estimating the impact of transportation infrastructure." American Economic Review 108.4–5 (2018): 899–934. [https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w16487/w16487.pdf online], econometric study
• Kerr, Ian J. Railways in Modern India (2001) [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0195648285 excerpt and text search]
• Kerr, Ian J. Engines of Change: The Railroads That Made India (2006)
• Kerr, Ian J. Building the Railways of the Raj, 1850–1900. (New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 1995).
• Kumar, Sudhir, and Shagun Mehrotra. Bankruptcy to Billions: How the Indian Railways Transformed Itself (2009)
• {{cite web|title=IRFCA : FAQ – Table of Contents|publisher=Indian Railways Fan Club|url=https://www.irfca.org/faq/index.html|access-date=19 June 2005}}
• {{cite web|title=IRCTC|url=https://www.irctc.co.in|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=19 June 2005}}
• {{cite web|title=New IRCTC Ticket Booking Guidelines|url=https://www.ixigo.com/trains|publisher=ixigo|access-date=15 June 2020}}
• Pradhan, Rudra P., and Tapan P. Bagchi. "Effect of transportation infrastructure on economic growth in India: The VECM approach." Research in Transportation economics 38.1 (2013): 139–148.
• Singh, Sanjay K. "Review of urban transportation in India." Journal of public transportation 8.1 (2005): 5+. [https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1313&context=jpt online]

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{{Wikivoyage|Rail travel in India}}

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• [http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/ Indian Railways] – official website
• [http://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/stat_econ/Annualreport10-11/Glossary.pdf Glossary]

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