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{{Short description|State railway company of India}}
{{Infobox Company
{{About|the government agency|general information on railways in India|Rail transport in India}}
| company_name = Indian Railways
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2023}}
| company_logo = [[Image:Indian Railways logo.png]]
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
| company_type = [[public]]
{{Infobox company
| foundation = [[April 16]], [[1853]], Amalgamation on [[1947]]
| name = Indian Railways
| ___location = [[New Delhi]]
| logo = Indian Railways.svg
| key_people = Union Railway Minister [[Laloo Prasad Yadav]]<br />Minister of State for Railways(V) [[R Velu]]<br />Minister of State for Railways(R) [[Naranbhai J Rathwa]]<br />Managing Director [[J P Batra]]
| logo_size = 250px
| area_served = [[India]]
| industrylogo_caption = Logo of Indian = [[Railways]] and [[Locomotives]]
| image = Rail Bhavan in New Delhi 05.jpg
| products = [[Broad Gauge]], [[Metre gauge]] & [[Narrow Gauge]] trains on a 63,140 [[km]] network
| image_size = 500px
| revenue =
| image_caption = [[Rail Bhawan]], the headquarters of Indian Railways at New Delhi
| operating_income =
| native_name = Indian Railways
| net_income =
| type = [[Statute|Statutory Body]]<br>[[State-owned enterprise]]
| num_employees =
| parent industry = [[Government ofRail Indiatransport]]
| founded = {{start date and age|df=yes|p=y|1853|04|16}}
| subsid =
| hq_location = [[Rail Bhawan]]
| homepage = [http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/ http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/]
| hq_location_city = [[New Delhi]]
| footnotes =
| hq_location_country = [[India]]
| area_served = India
| key_people = {{bulleted list|[[Ashwini Vaishnaw]] ([[Ministry of Railways (India)|Minister for Railways]])|Satish Kumar, [[Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers|IRSME]] ([[Chairperson of the Railway Board|Chairperson and CEO]])<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/suneet-sharma-appointed-new-chairman-and-ceo-of-railway-board-3234803.html|title=Suneet Sharma Appointed New Chairman and CEO of Railway Board|date=31 December 2020|work=News18|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=13 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713020813/https://www.news18.com/news/india/suneet-sharma-appointed-new-chairman-and-ceo-of-railway-board-3234803.html|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| services = [[Passenger railway]] <br/> [[Rail freight transport]] <br/> [[Parcel carrier]] <br/> [[Catering]] <br/> [[Tourism]] <br/> [[Parking lot]] operations <br/> Other related services
| revenue = {{Increase}} {{INRConvert|256000|c}}<ref name="Fin">{{cite press release|url=https://www.business-standard.com/markets/capital-market-news/indian-railways-revenue-jumps-6-66-on-year-to-rs-2-56-lakh-crore-in-fy24-124040200579_1.html|title=Indian Railways registers record Revenue|publisher=[[Business Standard]]|access-date=7 June 2024|archive-date=7 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607103054/https://www.business-standard.com/markets/capital-market-news/indian-railways-revenue-jumps-6-66-on-year-to-rs-2-56-lakh-crore-in-fy24-124040200579_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| revenue_year = 2023–24
| profit = ~{{Increase}} {{INRConvert|4761|c}}<ref name="Fin"/>
| profit_year = 2023–24
| owner = [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]], [[Government of India]] (100%)
| num_employees = 1,252,200<ref name="IRYB">{{cite web |title=Indian Railways Year Book 2023-24 |url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/stat_econ/2025/IR%20Year%20Book%202023-24-English.pdf |access-date=14 February 2024 |website=Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) |publisher=Indian Railways Statistical Publications |___location=New Delhi }}</ref>
| num_employees_year = 31 March 2024
| divisions = {{collapsible list
| title = [[Zones and divisions of Indian Railways|17 operational and 1 non-operational zones]]
| bullets = true
| 1 = [[Southern Railway zone|Southern Railway]]
| 2 = [[Central Railway zone|Central Railway]]
| 3 = [[Western Railway zone|Western Railway]]
| 4 = [[Eastern Railway zone|Eastern Railway]]
| 5 = [[Northern Railway zone|Northern Railway]]
| 6 = [[North Eastern Railway zone|North Eastern Railway]]
| 7 = [[South Eastern Railway zone|South Eastern Railway]]
| 8 = [[Northeast Frontier Railway zone|Northeast Frontier Railway]]
| 9 = [[South Central Railway zone|South Central Railway]]
| 10 = [[Metro Railway, Kolkata]]
| 11 = [[East Central Railway zone|East Central Railway]]
| 12 = [[South East Central Railway zone|South East Central Railway]]
| 13 = [[North Western Railway zone|North Western Railway]]
| 14 = [[East Coast Railway zone|East Coast Railway]]
| 15 = [[North Central Railway zone|North Central Railway]]
| 16 = [[South Western Railway zone|South Western Railway]]
| 17 = [[West Central Railway zone|West Central Railway]]
| 18 = [[South Coast Railway zone|South Coast Railway]] <small>[Yet to be operational]</small>
}}
| subsid = {{collapsible list
| bullets = true
| [[Braithwaite & Co.|Braithwaite and Company]]
| [[Container Corporation of India]]
| [[Centre for Railway Information Systems]]
| [[Central Organisation for Railway Electrification]]
| [[Bhartiya Rail Bijlee Company Limited]]
| [[Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation]]
| [[Indian Railway Finance Corporation]]
| [[Ircon International]]
| [[Konkan Railway Corporation]]
| [[Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation]]
| [[National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited]]
| Pipavav Railway Corporation Limited
| [[Rail India Technical and Economic Service]]
| [[Rail Vikas Nigam]]
| [[RailTel]]
}}
| module = {{Infobox rail line
|embed = yes
|system_map =
|map_caption =
|locale =
|gauge = {{RailGauge|1676mm|lk=on}}<br/>{{RailGauge|1000mm|lk=on}}<br/>{{RailGauge|762mm|lk=on}}<br/>{{RailGauge|610mm|lk=on}}
|linelength_km = 69181<ref name="IRYB"/>
|tracklength_km = 135207<ref name="IRYB"/>
|electrification = {{cvt|64589|km|abbr=on}}<ref name="RE">{{Cite report |title=Status of Railway Electrification (as on 01.02.2025) |url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/ele_engg/2025/Status%20of%20Railway%20Electrification%20as%20on%2001_02_2025.pdf |publisher=Indian Railways |access-date=17 February 2025 }}</ref>
}}
| homepage = {{official URL}}
}}
 
'''Indian Railways''' is a [[state-owned enterprise]] that is organised as a departmental undertaking of the [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]] of the [[Government of India]] and operates India's national railway system.{{efn|name=SOE}} {{As of|2024}}, it manages the fourth [[List of countries by rail transport network size|largest national railway system]] by size with a track length of {{cvt|135207|km}}, running track length of {{cvt|109748|km}} and route length of {{cvt|69181|km}}. {{As of|2024|8}}, 96.59% of the broad-gauge network is [[Railway electric traction|electrified]]. With more than 1.2 million employees, it is the world's [[List of companies by employees|ninth-largest employer]] and [[List of largest employers in India|India's second largest employer]].
'''Indian Railways''' (IR) is the [[Government of India|state-owned]] [[railway]] company of [[India]]. Indian Railways has a [[monopoly]] on the country's rail transport. It is also one of the largest and busiest rail networks in the world, transporting just under five&nbsp;[[Billion#10.5E9|billion]] passengers and almost 650 million [[tonne]]s of [[cargo|freight]] annually. IR is the world's largest commercial or utility [[employer]], with more than 1.6&nbsp;million employees<ref>[[Guinness Book of World Records]]-2005, pg 93</ref>.
 
In 1951, the Indian Railways was established by the amalgamation of 42 different railway companies operating in the country, spanning a total of {{cvt|55000|km|adj=on|abbr=on}}. The railway network across the country was reorganized into six regional zones in 1951–52 for administrative purposes, which was gradually expanded to 18 zones over the years.
The railways traverse through the length and width of the country; the routes cover a total length of 63,940&nbsp;[[kilometre|km]] (39,230&nbsp;[[mile]]s). [[As of 2005]] IR owns a total of 216,717 wagons, 39,936 coaches and 7,339 [[locomotive]]s and runs a total of 14,244 trains daily, including about 8,002 passenger trains <ref>[http://www.indianrail.gov.in/abir.html Salient Features of Indian Railways]. Figures as of 2002.</ref>.
 
The first [[steam locomotive|steam]] operated railway operated in 1837 in [[Madras]] with the first passenger operating in 1853 between [[Bombay]] and [[Thane]]. In 1925, the first [[Electric locomotive|electric train]] ran in Bombay on [[Direct current|DC]] traction. The first locomotive manufacturing unit was commissioned in 1950 at [[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works|Chittaranjan]] with the first coach manufacturing unit set-up at [[Integral Coach Factory|Madras]] in 1955. The first [[Hydrogen train]] will run between the Jind-Sonipat section of India’s Northern Railway Zone, and will have a maximum speed of 110 km per hour. It is likely to start operating in late 2025. The fuel cell systems are provided by Tata Advanced Systems.
Railways were first introduced to India in 1853. By 1947, the year of [[Independence of India|India's independence]], there were forty-two rail systems. In 1951 the systems were [[nationalisation|nationalised]] as one unit, becoming one of the largest networks in the world. Indian Railways operates both long distance and suburban rail systems.
 
Indian Railways runs various classes of [[Express trains in India|express]], [[regional rail|passenger]], and [[Suburban rail in India|suburban]] trains. In 2023–4, it operated 13,198 trains on average daily covering 7,325 stations and carried 6.905 billion passengers.<ref name="IRYB"/> Indian Railways also operates different classes of [[rail freight transport]]. In 2023–4, it operated 11,724 freight trains on average daily and transported 1588.06 million tonnes of [[freight]].<ref name="IRYB"/> Indian Railways operates multiple classes of [[rolling stock]], manufactured by self-owned [[coach (rail)|coach-production]] facilities. {{As of|2024|3|31}}, Indian Railways' [[rolling stock]] consisted of 327,991 [[Freight rail transport|freight wagons]], 91,948 [[Passenger car (rail)|passenger coaches]] (including multiple unit coaches) and 10,675 [[electric locomotive|electric]], 4,397 [[diesel locomotive|diesel]] ,38 [[steam locomotives]] and 1 [[Hydrogen train]].<ref name="IRYB"/>
[[Image:Railway network schematic map.png|right|thumb|250px||A schematic map of the Indian Railway network]]
 
== History ==
{{Main|Rail transport in India#History}}
[[Image:Bombay-Thana-train-1853.png|frame|One of the earliest pictures of railways in India]]
[[Image:India-rail-1870.png|thumb|Extent of [[Great Indian Peninsular Railway]] network in 1870. The GIPR was one of the largest rail companies at that time.]]
<!-- Image with questionable fair-use claim removed: [[image:Indianrailways-stamp.jpg|thumb|A commemorative [[postage stamp]] issued by the [[Indian Postal Service]] celebrated 100 years of the Indian Railway in 1953.]] -->
{{main|History of rail transport in India}}
A plan for a rail system in India was first put forward in 1832, but no further steps were taken for more than a decade. In 1844, the [[Governor-General of India]] [[Viscount Hardinge|Lord Hardinge]] allowed private [[entrepreneur]]s to set up a rail system in India. Two new railway companies were created and the [[British East India Company|East India Company]] was asked to assist them. Interest from investors in the [[United Kingdom|UK]] led to the rapid creation of a rail system over the next few years. The first train in India became operational on [[1851-12-22]], and was used for the hauling of construction material in [[Roorkee]]. A year and a half later, on [[1853-04-16]], the first passenger train service was inaugurated between [[Bori Bunder]], [[Bombay]] and [[Thana]]. Covering a distance of 34&nbsp;km (21&nbsp;miles), it was hauled by three locomotives, Sahib, Sindh and Sultan. This was the formal birth of railways in India.
 
=== 1832–1899 ===
The British government encouraged new railway companies backed by private investors under a scheme that would guarantee an annual return of five percent during the initial years of operation. Once established, the company would be transferred to the government, with the original company retaining operational control. The route mileage of this network was about 14,500&nbsp;km (9,000&nbsp;miles) by 1880, mostly radiating inward from the three major port cities of Bombay, [[Madras]] and Calcutta. By 1895, India had started building its own locomotives, and in 1896 sent engineers and locomotives to help build the [[Uganda Railway]].
In 1832 the proposal to construct the first railway line in India at [[Madras]] was made.<ref>{{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=R. W. Thorpe|access-date=17 March 2023|archive-date=13 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713020727/https://books.google.com/books?id=sOILAQAAMAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Hist">{{cite report|url=https://www.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|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226101121/https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/Heritage/2021/PDF/3%20Presentation%20Shradha%20Arora%20IRICEN%202019.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1835, a [[railway track]] was constructed between [[Red Hills, Chennai|Red Hills]] and [[Chintadripet]] in [[Chennai|Madras]] and became operational in 1837. It was hauled by a [[Rotary engine|rotary steam engine]] imported from [[England]] and was used for ferrying [[granite]].<ref name="FR">{{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|archive-date=12 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812065026/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/apr/16/chennai-the-track-record-1801999.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Tanna Railway Viaduct.jpg|thumb|The railway bridge near Thane in 1855]]
[[File:Railway map india ILN 1865.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.8|Railway map of India in 1865]]
The [[Madras Railway]] was established in 1845 and the [[Great Indian Peninsular Railway]] was incorporated in 1849.<ref name="Hist"/> Temporary railway lines were built such as the railway line at [[Dowleswaram]] built 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 (bridge)|aqueduct]] over the Solani river in 1851.<ref name="Hist"/> In 1852, a [[steam locomotive]] imported from England was tried at [[Byculla]].<ref name="Locoh">{{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 |archive-date=4 December 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231204222555/https://swr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1597914101378-The%20first%20%20running%20of%20%20railway%20locomotive%20%20in%20India.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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 |archive-date=8 January 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240108072256/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/indias-1st-train-when-sahib-sindh-sultan-blew-steam/articleshow/19717248.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> This day is considered to be the formation date of the Indian Railways and is marked annually as Indian Railways Day.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.thestatesman.com/supplements/evolve/celebrating-indian-railways-day-in-april-1503296757.html |title=Celebrating Indian Railways Day in April |date=3 May 2024 |access-date=1 June 2024 |newspaper=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/celebrating-171-years-of-indian-railways-but-no-real-photos-available-today-13764348.html |title=Celebrating 171 years of Indian Railways, but no real-photos available today |date=27 April 2024 |access-date=1 June 2024 |newspaper=[[Firstpost]]}}</ref>
 
The Thane viaducts, the first [[railway bridge]]s, 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 [[Hugli-Chinsura|Hoogly]] on 15 August 1854.<ref name="Hist"/> The construction of the first main line in [[South India]] between [[Royapuram]] in Madras and [[Arcot]] started in 1853, which became operational on 1 July 1856.<ref>{{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 |archive-date=12 August 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230812065104/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/on-the-forgotten-track/articleshow/99129882.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live}}</ref> On 24 February 1873, a [[Horsecar|horse-drawn]] {{convert|3.8|km||abbr=on}} [[tram]] opened in [[Calcutta]] between [[Sealdah]] and Armenian Ghat street.<ref>{{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|archive-date=8 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108181137/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/150th-anniversary-calcutta-trams-8469537/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 May 1874, a horse-drawn tramway began operation in Bombay between [[Colaba]] and [[Parel]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> In 1879, the [[Nizam's Guaranteed State Railway]] was established which built railway lines across the then [[Hyderabad State]] from [[Kachiguda Railway Station|Kachiguda]].<ref>{{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|access-date=26 October 2020|archive-date=31 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331165646/https://books.google.com/books?id=lH0ACAAAQBAJ&q=Jankampet-Bodhan%20Railway&pg=PA98#v=snippet&q=Jankampet-Bodhan%20Railway&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1877, [[Ajmer]] built "F1" class metre-gauge steam locomotive no. 734 became the first indigenously built locomotive in India.<ref>{{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|archive-date=8 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108072256/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/oldest-locomotive-built-in-ajmer-pride-of-delhi/articleshow/59888386.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1897, lighting in passenger coaches was introduced with Jodhpur Railway, the first to introduce electric lighting as a standard fixture.<ref name="Hist"/>
Soon various independent kingdoms built their own rail systems and the network spread to the regions that became the [[States of India|modern-day states]] of [[Assam]], [[Rajasthan]] and [[Andhra Pradesh]]. A Railway Board was constituted in 1901, but decision-making power was retained by the [[Viceroy of India|Viceroy]], [[Lord Curzon]]. The Railway Board operated under aegis of the Department of Commerce and Industry and had three members: a government railway official serving as chairman, a railway manager from England and an agent of one of the company railways. For the first time in its history, the Railways began to make a tidy profit. In 1907, almost all the rail companies were taken over by the government.
 
=== 1900–1999 ===
The following year, the first [[electric locomotive]] appeared. With the arrival of the [[World War I|First World War]], the railways were used to meet the needs of the British outside India. By the end of the First World War, the railways had suffered immensely and were in a poor state. The government took over the management of the Railways and removed the link between the financing of the Railways and other governmental revenues in 1920, a practice that continues to date with a separate railway budget.
[[File:India showing railways open and under construction en 30-6-14. 1-4.055.040 Published under the direction of Colonel S. G. Burrard,.. . surveyor general of India - btv1b53209779f.jpg|thumb|Railway map of India in 1914]]
The first [[Railway budget of India|railway budget]] was presented in 1924.<ref name="Hist"/> On 3 February 1925, the first [[Electric locomotive|electric train]] ran between Bombay and [[Kurla]], hauled by a [[Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works|SLM]] [[electric locomotive]] on [[Direct current|DC]] traction.<ref name="EL">{{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|archive-date=15 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315030913/https://secr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1596785062728-Locomotive_comp.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1925, the first [[Electric Multiple Units]] (EMU) were introduced in Bombay with [[1500&nbsp;V DC]] units imported from [[Cammell Laird]] and [[Duewag|Uerdingenwagonfabrik]].<ref name="EL1">{{cite report |url= https://elocos.railnet.gov.in/Analysis/Elect_Tr_history.htm |title=Electrification history |publisher= Indian Railways |access-date=1 December 2023 |archive-date=9 June 2017 |archive-url=
https://web.archive.org/web/20170609072045/http://elocos.railnet.gov.in/Analysis/Elect_Tr_history.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Chennai Suburban Railway|Chennai suburban railway]] started operating in 1931 with a single [[Metre gauge railway|metre-gauge]] line from [[Chennai Beach railway station|Chennai Beach]] to [[Tambaram railway station|Tambaram]].<ref name="SR"/> In the period between 1925 and 1944, the management of the railway companies in the British presidencies and provinces was taken over by the Government.<ref name="Zone">{{cite report |url= https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/codesmanual/ADMIN_FINANCE/AdminFinanceCh1_Data.htm|title=Evolution of Indian Railways-Historical Background |publisher=Indian Railways |access-date=1 December 2023 |archive-date=10 March 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240310112529/https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/codesmanual/ADMIN_FINANCE/AdminFinanceCh1_Data.htm |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
In 1950, there were about 42 different railway companies operating about {{cvt|55000|km|abbr=on}} tracks across the country.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/Indian%20Railways%20Whistling%20Ahead-%20%20Story%20of%20Growth%20and%20Modernisation-Booklet.pdf|title=Modernisation booklet|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=9 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309113736/https://indianrailways.gov.in/Indian%20Railways%20Whistling%20Ahead-%20%20Story%20of%20Growth%20and%20Modernisation-Booklet.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NAIR"/> These railway companies were amalgamated in steps to form a single entity named as Indian Railways.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://loksabhadocs.nic.in/lsscommittee/Railways/16_Railways_13.pdf|title=Indian Railways|publisher=[[Parliament of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403053145/https://loksabhadocs.nic.in/lsscommittee/Railways/16_Railways_13.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 1950, the Central Advisory Committee for Railways approved the plan for re-organizing Indian Railways into six [[Zones and divisions of Indian Railways|regional zones]] with the [[Southern Railway zone|Southern]] (14 April 1951), [[Central Railway zone|Central]] (5 November 1951), and [[Western Railway zone|Western]] (5 November 1951) zones being the first to be created.<ref name="NAIR">{{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|archive-date=8 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108180850/https://nair.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1430369298618-general%20overview.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/eff_res/downloads/2021/List%20of%20Zones%20%26%20Divisions.pdf|title=Zones and divisions of Indian Railways|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=29 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329003421/https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/eff_res/downloads/2021/List%20of%20Zones%20%26%20Divisions.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Zone"/> In 1952, fans and lights were mandated for all compartments in passenger trains and sleeping accommodations were introduced in coaches.<ref name="Hist"/> The first [[diesel locomotive]] used in India was fabricated by [[North British Locomotive Company]] in 1954.<ref name="Gandhi">{{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|archive-date=8 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108072256/https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/mec_engg/downloads/DLS/WR/Gandhidham.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
The [[World War II|Second World War]] severely crippled the railways as trains were diverted to the [[Middle East]], and the railway workshops were converted into munitions workshops. At the time of independence in 1947, a large portion of the railways went to the then newly formed [[Pakistan]]. A total of forty-two separate railway systems, including thirty-two lines owned by the former Indian princely states, were amalgamated as a single unit which was christened as the ''Indian Railways''.
 
[[File:Red-icf-coach-indian-railways.jpg|thumb|left|A typical red-colored [[ICF coach]] used by the Indian Railways till the late 1990s]]
The existing rail networks were abandoned in favour of zones in 1951 and a total of six zones came into being in 1952. As the [[economy of India]] improved, almost all railway production units were indigenised. By 1985, steam locomotives were phased out in favour of diesel and electric locomotives. The entire railway reservation system was streamlined with [[computer|computerisation]] in 1995.
 
The first locomotive manufacturing unit at [[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works|Chittaranjan]] was commissioned in 1950.<ref name="Chit">{{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|archive-date=1 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201102037/https://clw.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,294|url-status=live}}</ref> The first rail coaches were manufactured in India from 1956 when the [[Integral Coach Factory]] was established at Madras.<ref name="ICF">{{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|archive-date=1 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101123227/https://icf.indianrailways.gov.in/works/uploads/File/ICF%20-%20Tracing%20The%20%20Roots.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1956, the first [[air-conditioned]] train plied between [[Howrah Junction railway station|Howrah]] and [[New Delhi railway station|New Delhi]].<ref>{{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|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|archive-date=8 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808205412/https://daily.bhaskar.com/news/NAT-TOP-160-years-of-indian-railways-watch-how-ac-trains-were-kept-cool-4224130-PHO.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1957, Indian Railways adopted [[25 kV AC railway electrification|25 kV AC]] traction with the first runs beginning in December 1959 with the [[Indian locomotive class WAM-1|WAM-1]] locomotives.<ref name="EL1"/> The first [[shipping container|containerized]] [[freight rail transport]] began between Bombay and [[Ahmedabad]] in 1966.<ref name="Hist"/> 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 of India|railway budget]] and the first Rajdhani Express was flagged off from New Delhi to Howrah in March 1969.<ref>{{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|archive-date=6 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106172924/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/kolkata-loses-last-connect-to-first-rajdhani/articleshow/52386071.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{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|archive-date=15 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415063519/http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/finance_budget/Previous%20Budget%20Speeches/1969-70.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1974, Indian Railways endured a 20-day [[1974 railway strike in India|strike]].<ref>{{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|archive-date=29 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329044541/https://www.nytimes.com/1974/05/08/archives/strike-of-indian-rail-workers-begins-tension-high-with-food.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{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|archive-date=22 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522075207/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/better-jail-than-rail-fernandes-slogan-that-led-to-asias-biggest-railway-strike/articleshow/67742843.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The first [[Rapid transit|metro rail]] was introduced in Calcutta on 24 October 1984.<ref>{{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|archive-date=8 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108180849/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/kolkata-metro-maps-evolution-of-its-ticketing-system/articleshow/98976615.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Railway zones ==
[[Image:Indianrailwayzones-numbered.png|thumb|210px|right|IR Zones. See the numbering alongside. The red dots are the zonal headquarters.]]
For administrative purposes, Indian Railways is divided into sixteen zones.
{|class="toccolours" cellspacing="1" style="border:0px solid black;text-align:left"
|----
!No.
!Name
!Abbr.
!Headquarters
!Date established
|----
| 1.
| '''[[Northern Railway (India)|Northern Railway]]'''
|NR
|[[Delhi]]
|[[April 14]], 1952
|----
|2.
|'''[[North Eastern Railway (India)|North Eastern Railway]]'''
|NER
|[[Gorakhpur]]
|1952
|----
|3.
|'''[[Northeast Frontier Railway]]'''
|NFR
|[[Guwahati|Maligaon(Guwahati)]]
|1958
|----
|4.
|'''[[Eastern Railway (India)|Eastern Railway]]'''
|ER
|[[Kolkata]]
|[[April]], 1952
|----
|5.
|'''[[South Eastern Railway (India)|South Eastern Railway]]'''
|SER
| [[Kolkata]]
|[[1955]],
|----
|6.
|'''[[South Central Railway]]'''
|SCR
|[[Secunderabad]]
|[[October 2]], 1966
|----
|7.
|'''[[Southern Railway (India)|Southern Railway]]'''
|SR
|[[Chennai]]
|[[April 14]], 1951
|----
|8.
|'''[[Central Railway]]'''
|CR
|[[Mumbai]]
|[[November 5]], 1951
|----
|9.
|'''[[Western Railway (India)|Western Railway]]'''
|WR
| [[Mumbai]]
|[[November 5]], 1951
|----
|10.
|'''[[South Western Railway]]'''
|SWR
|[[Hubli]]
|[[April 1]], 2003
|----
|11.
|'''[[North Western Railway]]'''
|NWR
|[[Jaipur]]
|[[Oct 1]], 2002
 
In 1986, computerized ticketing and reservations were introduced.<ref name="IT">{{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}}</ref> In 1988, the first [[Shatabdi Express]] was introduced between New Delhi and [[Jhansi Junction railway station|Jhansi]].<ref name="Hist"/> Two years later, the first self-printing ticket machine (SPTM) was introduced in Delhi.<ref name="SF">{{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}}</ref> In 1993, air-conditioned three-tier and [[sleeping car|sleeper]] were introduced.<ref name="Hist"/> In 1995, [[Chennai MRTS]] became the first operational elevated railway line in India.<ref name="SR">{{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}}</ref> Centralized computer reservation system was deployed in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai in September 1996, coupon validating machines (CVMs) were introduced at [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus|Mumbai CSMT]] in 1998 and the nationwide [[concierge]] system began operation on 18 April 1999.<ref name="Hist"/>
|----
|12.
|'''[[West Central Railway]]'''
|WCR
|[[Jabalpur]]
|[[April 1]], 2003
|----
|13.
|'''[[North Central Railway]]'''
|NCR
|[[Allahabad]]
|[[April 1]], 2003
|----
|14.
|'''[[South East Central Railway]]'''
|SECR
|[[Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh|Bilaspur, CG]]
|[[April 1]], 2003
 
=== 2000–present ===
|----
The Indian Railways website went online in February 2000. [[Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation|Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation]] (IRCTC) was incorporated in 1999 and online ticketing was introduced on 3 August 2002 through IRCTC.<ref name="IRCTC">{{cite web|url=https://irctc.com/about.html|title=About IRCTC|publisher=IRCTC|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108180852/https://irctc.com/about.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015, the first [[Compressed Natural Gas]] (CNG) powered trains were rolled out.<ref name="CNG">{{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|archive-date=8 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108072256/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/infrastructure/indias-first-cng-train-for-the-rewari-rohtak-section/indias-first-cng-train/slideshow/45895170.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Since 1925, the Railway budget was presented before the [[Union budget of India|Union budget]] till 2016. The [[Government of India|central government]] approved the [[Railway budget of India|merger of the Rail and General budgets]] from 2017.<ref>{{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]]|archive-date=8 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108180849/https://www.deccanherald.com/business/union-budget/why-was-railway-budget-merged-with-the-union-budget-1183565.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 31 March 2017, Indian Railways announced a target of electrifying the entire rail network would be electrified by 2023.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In March 2020, Indian Railways announced a [[2020 India coronavirus lockdown|nationwide shutdown]] of passenger service to combat the [[COVID-19 pandemic in India]] with the freight operations continuing to transport essential goods.<ref>{{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|archive-date=28 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328205016/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/26/coronavirus-puts-over-1-billion-people-in-india-on-21-day-lockdown-to-combat-spread.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{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|archive-date=30 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130104134/https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/03/23/coronavirus-indian-railways-cancels-passenger-train-services/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{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|archive-date=30 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330041832/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indian-railways-continuing-its-freight-operations-post-22-march-lockdown-11585314775866.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The railways resumed passenger services in a phased manner in May 2020.<ref>{{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]]|archive-date=22 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222232333/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-lockdown-railways-to-resume-select-passenger-train-services-from-may-12/article31551514.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
|15.
|'''[[East Coast Railway]]'''
|ECoR
|[[Bhubaneswar]]
|[[April 1]], 2003
 
[[File:Vande_Bharat_Express_around_Mumbai.jpg|thumb|Introduced in 2019, [[Vande Bharat Express]] operating on a [[Vande Bharat (trainset)|train-set]] built by [[Integral Coach Factory|ICF]], is the fastest train in India]]
|----
Starting in the 2010s, various infrastructure modernization projects have been undertaken including [[High-speed rail in India|high-speed rail]],<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref> redevelopment of 400 stations,<ref>{{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}}{{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> [[Double-track railway|doubling tracks]] to reduce congestion,<ref>{{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|archive-date=23 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223102927/http://railengdigest.com/project-news/asia/indian-railways-converts-broad-gauge/|url-status=live}}</ref> refurbishing of coaches,<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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 (India)|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}}</ref> [[Global Positioning System]] (GPS)-enabled tracking of trains<ref>{{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}}</ref> and modernization of locomotives.<ref>{{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=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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> In 2018, a semi-high speed self-propelled [[Vande Bharat (trainset)|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.<ref name="VB">{{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|archive-date=20 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520143845/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/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{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|archive-date=5 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105160418/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/train-18-countrys-first-engine-less-train-rolled-out-train-20-next/articleshow/66419774.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Indian Railways announced plans to become a net-zero carbon emission railway by 2030 and has implemented [[Rainwater harvesting#India|rainwater harvesting]] at stations,<ref>{{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|archive-date=23 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223102329/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155020|url-status=live}}</ref> [[reforestation]] along the tracks,<ref>{{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|archive-date=19 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719005809/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/07/india-plants-50-million-trees-uttar-pradesh-reforestation/|url-status=live}}</ref> introduction of solar-powered trains,<ref>{{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}}</ref> installation of [[Solar power|solar]] and [[wind power]] generation facilities,<ref>{{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}}</ref> and [[Sustainable lighting|sustainable]] [[Light-emitting diode|LED]] lighting at all the stations.<ref>{{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|archive-date=22 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622084301/https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/target-of-installing-led-lights-at-all-stations-achieved-says-railways-118033100391_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Indian railways removed all unstaffed level crossings by 2019 with staffed level crossings being replaced by bridges.<ref>{{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|archive-date=11 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611154206/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=145324|url-status=live}}</ref> Other safety projects include the extension of an automated [[fire alarm system]] to all air-conditioned coaches and GPS-enabled [[Inertial navigation system|Fog Pilot Assistance System]] [[railway signalling]] devices.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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]]|archive-date=11 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711142627/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/private-companies-to-run-trains-by-april-2023/articleshow/76758683.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{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|archive-date=8 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108180849/https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/first-private-train-in-india-flagged-off-from-coimbatore-check-details-here-1963877-2022-06-18|url-status=live}}</ref>
|16.
 
|'''[[East Central Railway]]'''
== Organisation ==
|ECR
{{Main|Indian Railways organisational structure}}
|[[Hajipur]]
 
|[[Oct 1]], 2002
=== Structure ===
|----
{{Main|Zones and divisions of Indian Railways}}
|17.
 
|'''[[Konkan Railway]]'''&dagger;
Indian Railways is a [[state-owned enterprise]] that is organised as a departmental undertaking of the [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]] of the [[Government of India]].{{efn|name=SOE|In India, [[State-owned enterprise]]s can be organised into three forms: Departmental undertakings, statutory corporations, or public companies. A departmental undertaking functions under the respective ministry or department of government, and is fully financed by the ministry.<ref>{{cite book|title=Committees And Commissions In India Vol. 7 : 1966|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bQ91j9FoHnEC&pg=PA128|author=Virendra Kumar|year=1976|isbn=978-8-17022-216-3|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|page=128}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Je6hDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA270|title=Indian Administration|author1=Vishnoo Bhagwan|author2=Vidya Bhushan|isbn=978-8-12190-402-5|publisher=S. Chand Limited}}</ref>}}<ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/Statistical_year_book_india_chapters/INDIAN%20RAILWAYS-WRITEUP_0.pdf|title=Statistical Year Book|chapter=Indian Railways|publisher=[[Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation]], [[Government of India]]|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref><ref name="PSU">{{cite news|last=Roy|first=Debasish|title=Why isn't the Railways a PSU?|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/why-isnt-the-railways-a-psu/articleshow/7584262.cms?from=mdr|date=27 February 2019|access-date=23 August 2020|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415015846/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/why-isnt-the-railways-a-psu/articleshow/7584262.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref> It is governed by a [[Railway Board]], which acts on behalf of the Ministry of Railways.<ref name="PSU"/><ref>{{cite book|last=Rao|first=M.A.|year=1988|title=Indian Railways|___location=New Delhi|publisher=National Book Trust|isbn=978-8-1237-2589-5|pages=49–54}}</ref> The five member Railway board is headed by a [[Chairperson of the Railway Board|chairman]] cum chief executive officer, and consists of members responsible for [[infrastructure]], [[Railway electric traction|traction]] & [[rolling stock]], [[Operations management|operations]] & [[business development]], and [[finance]].<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://railministry.com/revised-organizational-structure-of-railway-board/|title=Organizational structure of Railway board|publisher=Indian Railways|date=24 December 2019|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> Additionally, officers on special duty include those overseeing [[human resources]], [[Railway Protection Force]], [[health]] and [[safety]].<ref name="ZR">{{cite report|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/stat_econ/Year_Book/Org_Chart_1.pdf|title=Organization Chart|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=18 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718060555/https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/stat_econ/Year_Book/Org_Chart_1.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,304,365|title=Railway board|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2024}}</ref>
|KR
 
|[[Navi Mumbai]]
Indian Railways is divided into 18 administrative zones (17 operational), headed by general managers which are further subdivided into 68 operating [[Zones and divisions of Indian Railways|divisions]], headed by divisional railway managers (DRM).<ref name="ZR"/> The divisional officers of the respective operating verticals report to the DRMs and divisional heads and are tasked with the operation and maintenance of assets. Station masters control individual stations and train movements through their stations' territory.<ref name="IRYB"/> In addition, there are a number of [[factory|manufacturing units]], [[training|training establishments]], [[Public Sector Enterprises|PSUs]] and other undertakings under the purview of the Indian Railways.<ref name="ZR"/>
|[[jan ,26 ]], 1998
 
{{col-begin}}
{{col-3}}
{| class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align:left; font-size: 80%"
|+ Indian Railway Zones
! No.
! Zone
! Code
! {{tooltip|HQ|Headquarters}}
! {{tooltip|Estd.|Established}}
|-
| 1
| [[Southern Railway zone|Southern]]
| style="text-align:center;" | SR
| [[Chennai]]
| 1951
|-
| 2
| [[Central Railway zone|Central]]
| style="text-align:center;" | CR
| [[Mumbai CSMT]]
| 1951
|-
| 3
| [[Western Railway zone|Western]]
| style="text-align:center;" | WR
| [[Mumbai]] ([[Churchgate railway station|Churchgate]])
| 1951
|-
| 4
| [[Eastern Railway zone|Eastern]]
| style="text-align:center;" | ER
| [[Kolkata]]
| 1952
|-
| 5
| [[Northern Railway zone|Northern]]
| style="text-align:center;" | NR
| [[Delhi]]
| 1952
|-
| 6
| [[North Eastern Railway zone|North Eastern]]
| style="text-align:center;" | NER
| [[Gorakhpur]]
| 1952
|}
{{col-3}}
&dagger;<small>Konkan Railway (KR) is constituted as a separately incorporated railway, with its headquarters at [[Belapur]] CBD (Navi Mumbai). It comes under the control of the Railway Ministry and the Railway Board.</small>
{| class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align:left; font-size: 80%"
|+ Indian Railway Zones
! No.
! Zone
! Code
! {{tooltip|HQ|Headquarters}}
! {{tooltip|Estd.|Established}}
|-
| 7
| [[South Eastern Railway zone|South Eastern]]
| style="text-align:center;" | SER
| [[Kolkata]]
| 1955
|-
| 8
| [[Northeast Frontier Railway zone|Northeast Frontier]]
| style="text-align:center;" | NFR
| [[Guwahati]]
| 1958
|-
| 9
| [[South Central Railway zone|South Central]]
| style="text-align:center;" | SCR
| [[Secunderabad]]
| 1966
|-
| 10
| [[East Central Railway zone|East Central]]
| style="text-align:center;" | ECR
| [[Hajipur]]
| 2002
|-
| 11
| [[South East Central Railway zone|South East Central]]
| style="text-align:center;" | SECR
| [[Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh|Bilaspur]]
| 2003
|-
| 12
| [[North Western Railway zone|North Western]]
| style="text-align:center;" | NWR
| [[Jaipur]]
| 2002
|}
{{col-3}}
{| class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align:left; font-size: 80%"
|+ Indian Railway Zones
! No.
! Zone
! Code
! {{tooltip|HQ|Headquarters}}
! {{tooltip|Estd.|Established}}
|-
| 13
| [[East Coast Railway zone|East Coast]]
| style="text-align:center;" | ECoR
| [[Bhubaneswar]]
| 2003
|-
| 14
| [[North Central Railway zone|North Central]]
| style="text-align:center;" | NCR
| [[Prayagraj]]
| 2003
|-
| 15
| [[South Western Railway zone|South Western]]
| style="text-align:center;" | SWR
| [[Hubballi]]
| 2003
|-
| 16
| [[West Central Railway zone|West Central]]
| style="text-align:center;" | WCR
| [[Jabalpur]]
| 2003
|-
| 17
| [[South Coast Railway zone|South Coast]]
| style="text-align:center;" | SCoR
| [[Visakhapatnam]]
| 2019
|-
| 18
| [[Konkan Railway]]
| style="text-align:center;" | KR
| [[Navi Mumbai]]
| 1998
|}
{{col-end}}
 
=== Human resources ===
The [[Calcutta Metro]] is owned and operated by Indian Railways, but is not a part of any of the zones. It is administratively considered to have the status of a zonal railway.
{{see also|Indian Railways Management Service|Railway Recruitment Control Board}}
[[Image:Railway_network_map.png|center|thumb|300px||Map showing the Indian rail network and headquarters of each zone]]
[[image:Bholu.png|thumb|Bholu is the mascot of the IR, adopted in 2003]]
Each zonal railway is made up of a certain number of divisions, each having a divisional headquarters. There are a total of sixty-seven divisions.
 
Staff are classified into gazetted (Groups A and B) and non-gazetted (Groups C and D) employees with gazetted employees carrying out executive/managerial level tasks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Railway Board Directorates |url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,388|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530064841/http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,388|archive-date=30 May 2012|publisher=Indian Railways}}</ref> {{As of|2024|3|31}}, Groups A & B constitute 1.4% of the total workforce, while Group C (into which Group D merged before 2020) accounts for 98.6%.<ref name="IRYB"/> 80% of Group-A employees are recruited through [[Indian Railways Management Service]] with remaining through promotions.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Recruitment to Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS) to be done through a specially designed examination (IRMS Examination)|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1880524|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=11 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211163835/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1880524|url-status=live}}</ref>
{|class="toccolours" cellspacing="1" style="border:0px solid black;text-align:left"
 
|----
Group B employees are recruited by departmental promotional exams of Group C employees. Recruitment of Group C employees are through exams conducted by the [[Railway Recruitment Control Board]] (RRCB) and Group D staffs are recruited by zonal Railway Recruitment Cells (RRC).<ref>{{cite report|title=Indian Railways Establishment Manual|url=http://rrcb.gov.in/rrbs.html |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525103317/http://rrcb.gov.in/RRBS.HTML|archive-date=25 May 2012 |publisher=RRCB|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> Indian Railways operates [[Centralised Training Institutes of the Indian Railways|seven centralized training institutes]] and 295 training centers. It also provides [[housing]], [[healthcare]] and [[education]] facilities for staff.<ref name="IRYB"/>
! Zonal Railway
 
! Divisions
As of 2024, Indian railways employed 1.25 million people.<ref name="IRYB"/> In March 2025, there were 0.13 million women employees including 2,162 loco pilots, 794 train managers, and 1,699 station masters.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://cfo.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/women-staff-in-indian-railways-crosses-1-13-lakh-mark/118837941|title=Women staff in Indian Railways crosses 1.13 lakh mark|date=10 March 2025|access-date=1 April 2025|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=8 March 2025 |title=Railways mark Women's Day with first-ever all-women Vande Bharat crew |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/railways-mark-womens-day-with-first-ever-all-women-vande-bharat-crew/articleshow/118797950.cms |access-date=3 March 2025 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
|----
 
| '''[[Northern Railway (India)|Northern Railway]]'''
=== Subsidiaries ===
|[[Delhi]], [[Ambala]], [[Firozpur]], [[Lucknow]], [[Moradabad]]
Indian Railways has various [[State-owned enterprise|public sector undertakings (PSUs)]] and other organisations under its purview:<ref name="IRYB"/>
|----
{|class="sortable wikitable"style="text-align:left;"style="font-size: 85%"
|'''[[North Eastern Railway (India)|North Eastern Railway]]'''
!Name
|[[Izzatnagar]], [[Lucknow]], [[Varanasi]]
!Sector
|----
!Established
|'''[[Northeast Frontier Railway]]'''
!Notes
|[[Alipurduar]], [[Katihar]], [[Lumding]], [[Rangia]], [[Tinsukia]]
|----
|[[Bhartiya Rail Bijlee Company Limited]] (BRBCL)
|'''[[Eastern Railway (India)|Eastern Railway]]'''
|[[Electric power industry|Power]]
|[[Howrah]], [[Sealdah]], [[Asansol]], [[Malda]]
|2007
|----
|[[Joint Venture]] with [[NTPC Limited|NTPC]]; 26% ownership
|'''[[South Eastern Railway (India)|South Eastern Railway]]'''
|-
|[[Adra]], [[Chakradharpur]], [[Kharagpur]], [[Ranchi]]
|[[Braithwaite & Co.]]
|----
|[[Heavy industry]]
|'''[[South Central Railway]]'''
|1913
|[[Secunderabad]], [[Hyderabad (India)|Hyderabad]], [[Guntakal]], [[Guntur]], [[Nanded]], [[Vijayawada]]
|Transferred from [[Ministry of Heavy Industries]] in 2010
|----
|-
|'''[[Southern Railway (India)|Southern Railway]]'''
|[[Centre for Railway Information Systems]] (CRIS)
|[[Chennai]], [[Madurai]], [[Palghat]], [[Tiruchirapalli|Tiruchchirapalli]], [[Trivandrum]]
|[[Information technology]]
|----
|1986
|'''[[Central Railway]]'''
|
|[[Mumbai]], [[Bhusawal]], [[Nagpur]], [[Pune]], [[Solapur]]
|----
|[[Container Corporation of India]] (CONCOR)
|'''[[Western Railway (India)|Western Railway]]'''
|[[Intermodal freight transport]]
|[[Mumbai]], [[Vadodara|Baroda]], [[Ratlam]], [[Ahmedabad]], [[Rajkot]], [[Bhavnagar]]
|1988
|----
|
|'''[[South Western Railway]]'''
|-
|[[Hubli]], [[Bangalore]], [[Mysore]]
|[[Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India]] (DFCCIL)
|----
|[[Rail freight transport|Rail freight infrastructure development]]
|'''[[North Western Railway]]'''
|2006
|[[Jaipur]], [[Ajmer]], [[Bikaner]], [[Jodhpur]]
|
|----
|-
|'''[[West Central Railway]]'''
|[[Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation]] (IRCTC)
|[[Jabalpur]], [[Bhopal]], [[Kota]]
|[[Catering]], [[Computer reservation system|Ticketing]] and [[Tourism]]
|----
|1999
|'''[[North Central Railway]]'''
|67% ownership
|[[Allahabad]], [[Agra]], [[Jhansi]]
|----
|[[Indian Railway Finance Corporation]] (IRFC)
|'''[[South East Central Railway]]'''
|[[Financial services]]
|[[Bilaspur]], [[Raipur]], [[Nagpur]]
|1986
|----
|
|'''[[East Coast Railway]]'''
|-
|[[Khurda Road]], [[Sambalpur]], [[Visakhapatnam]]
|[[Ircon International]]
|----
|[[Construction|Rail infrastructure development]]
|'''[[East Central Railway]]'''
|1976
|[[Danapur]], [[Dhanbad]], [[Mughalsarai]], [[Samastipur]], [[Sonpur]]
|
|----
|-
|[[Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation]] (KMRCL)
|[[Public transport|Public Transport]]
|2008
|74% ownership
|-
|[[Konkan Railway Corporation]] (KRCL)
|[[Construction|Rail infrastructure construction and operation]]
|1990
|
|-
|[[Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation]] (MRVC)
|[[Mumbai Suburban Railway|Suburban rail operation & development]]
|1999
|51% ownership
|-
|[[National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited|National High Speed Rail Corporation]] (NHSRC)
|[[High-speed rail in India|High-speed rail construction & operation]]
|2016
|
|-
|[[Port Pipavav|Pipavav Railway Corporation]]
|[[Operations management|Operation]] of [[Pipavav Port|Pipavav port line]]
|2000
|Joint venture with Pipavav Port; 50% ownership
|-
|[[Rail India Technical and Economic Service]] (RITES)
|[[Consulting firm|Consulting]]
|1974
|
|-
|[[Rail Vikas Nigam]] (RVN)
|[[Infrastructure|Rail Infrastructure development]]
|2003
|
|-
|[[RailTel]]
|[[Telecommunications]]
|2000
|
|}
 
Indian Railways also has multiple bodies and undertakings under its purview such as:<ref name="IRYB"/>
==Passenger services==
*[[Central Warehousing Corporation]] (CWC)
[[Image:Irchnkanngc.jpg|thumb|240px|A long distance express train]]
*Central Railside Warehouse Company Limited (CRWCL)
Indian Railways operates 8,702 passenger trains and transports around five billion annually across twenty-seven states and three [[union territories]] ([[National Capital Territory of Delhi|Delhi]], [[Pondicherry]] and [[Chandigarh]]). [[Sikkim]] is the only state not connected.
*[[Commission of Railway Safety]] (CRS)
*[[Central Organisation for Modernisation of Workshops]] (COMW)
*[[Central Organisation for Railway Electrification]] (CORE)
*[[Indian Railway Health Service]] (IRHS)
*[[Passenger Amenities Committee]]
*[[Rail Land Development Authority]] (RLDA)
*[[Railway Protection Force]] (RPF)
*[[Railway Recruitment Control Board]] (RRCB)
*[[Railways Sports Promotion Board]] (RSPB)
*[[Research Design and Standards Organisation]] (RDSO)
 
== Infrastructure and operations ==
The passenger division is the most preferred form of long distance transport in most of the country. In [[South India]] and [[North-East India]] however, buses are the preferred mode of transport for medium to long distance transport.
=== Rolling stock ===
;Locomotives
[[File:Closeup view of WDM3A Indian Locomotive.jpg|thumb|Close-up of a locomotive with the classification and number; WDM3A indicates a [[Broad gauge]] (W), [[Diesel locomotive|Diesel]] (D), Mixed use (M), 3100 [[Horsepower|HP]] (3A) locomotive]]
{{Main|Locomotives of India}}
The first trains in the 1800s were hauled by imported steam locomotives.<ref name="Hist"/> In 1877, the first locomotive was built in India.<ref name="Locoh"/> Electric locomotives were introduced in 1925 and diesel locomotives later in 1954.<ref name="Gandhi"/><ref name="EL"/> By 1990s, steam locomotives were phased out and are currently operated only on [[Mountain railways of India|mountain railways]] and on [[restored train|heritage trains]]. Locomotives are classified by [[track gauge]] ([[Broad gauge|broad]]/[[Metre gauge|metre]]/[[Narrow gauge railway|narrow]]/[[Narrow gauge railway|narrower]]), [[Propulsion|motive power]] (electric/diesel/battery), function (passenger/goods/mixed), [[Power (physics)|power rating]] (x1000 [[Horsepower|HP]]) and model in a four or five letter code.<ref name="Class">{{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|archive-date=8 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108072258/https://digitalscr.in/bzadiv/circulars/misc_circulars/uploads/Classification%20of%20Locomotives.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The locomotives may be [[Long hood|Longer Hood Front]] (LHF), where the driver cabin is behind the hood of the engine or [[Short hood|Short Hood Front]] (SHF), where the cabin is located towards the front.<ref name="Class"/> Multiple units (MU) are propelled by locomotives integrated with train-sets. In 2015, the first [[Compressed Natural Gas|compressed natural gas]] (CNG) powered MUs were rolled out by ICF.<ref name="CNG"/> In 2018, the semi-high speed self-propelled Vande Bharat train-set was rolled out from ICF.<ref name="VB"/> Locomotives are manufactured by five owned manufacturing units of the Indian Railways and [[Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited|BHEL]].<ref name="facility">{{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|archive-date=20 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420182858/https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,304,366,552,694|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2021}}, 37% of the trains are operated by diesel locomotives and rest mostly by electric locomotives.<ref name="DPC">{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/37-of-trains-in-india-being-hauled-by-diesel-locomotives-rest-by-electric-engines/article37925555.ece|title=37% of trains in India being hauled by diesel locomotives, rest by electric engines|date=10 December 2021|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=8 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108113308/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/37-of-trains-in-india-being-hauled-by-diesel-locomotives-rest-by-electric-engines/article37925555.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2025|June}}, Indian Railways has 12,033 electric and 4,186 diesel locomotives amongst others.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Electric Loco Holding |url=https://elocos.railnet.gov.in/holding/holding.html |access-date=20 June 2025 |website=Railnet |archive-date=20 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520042505/http://elocos.railnet.gov.in/Holding/holding.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) |url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,304,366,541,710,717 |access-date=20 June 2025}}</ref>
 
;Passenger coaches
A standard passenger train consists of eighteen [[coach (rail)|coach]]es, but some popular trains can have up to 24 coaches. Coaches are designed to accommodate anywhere from 18 to 72 passengers, but may actually accommodate many more during the holiday seasons and on busy routes. The coaches in use are [[vestibule]]s, but some of these may be dummied on some trains for operational reasons. Freight trains use a large variety of wagons.
{{Main|Indian Railways coaching stock}}
 
{{Multiple images
Each coach has different accommodation class; the most popular being the sleeper class. Up to nine of these type coaches are usually coupled. Air conditioned coaches are also attached, and a standard train may have between three and five air-conditioned coaches.
| total_width = 300
| caption_align = center
| 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 [[Schweizerische Wagons- und Aufzügefabrik AG Schlieren-Zürich|Swiss company]] and were termed as [[ICF coach]]es after Integral Coach Factory (ICF), the first coach manufacturing unit in India.<ref name="ICF"/>
Overcrowding is the most widely faced problem with Indian Railways. In the holiday seasons or on long weekends, trains are usually packed more than their prescribed limit. Ticket-less travel, which results in large losses for the IR, is also an additional problem faced.
These coaches, manufactured from 1955 to 2018, were largely in use till the early 2010s.<ref>{{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|archive-date=6 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606193410/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/leakage-found-in-icf-coaches/articleshow/80095746.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> From the late 1990s, the ICF coaches were replaced by safer and newer [[LHB coach]]es designed by [[Linke-Hofmann-Busch]] of [[Germany]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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|archive-date=29 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429153338/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-status=live}}</ref> In the late 2010s, Indian railways started upgrading the coaches of select trains from LHB to [[Tejas-Rajdhani Express|Tejas]] coaches with enhanced features and the introduction of trainsets with specialised coaches such as Vande Bharat.<ref>{{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|archive-date=6 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106173045/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/rajdhani-runs-with-new-tejas-rakes-1010439.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{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|archive-date=19 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719154222/https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/industry/article/western-railway-runs-mumbai-new-delhi-rajdhani-express-with-new-tejas-like-smart-sleeper-coaches/787342|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{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 (India)|The Financial Express]]|archive-date=20 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520143845/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/|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2024|3|31}}, Indian Railways had 91,948 passenger coaches, including 65,016 conventional, 12,229 EMU and 1,681 DMU coaches.<ref name="IRYB"/> Coaches are manufactured by five manufacturing units of the Indian Railways and public sector companies [[BEML Limited|BEML]] and BHEL.<ref name="facility"/> The coaching stock have unique five or six digit identifiers. Till 2018, the first two digits indicating the year of manufacture and the last three digits indicating the class.<ref name="Class1">{{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|archive-date=8 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108072258/https://digitalscr.in/bzadiv/circulars/misc_circulars/uploads/Classification%20of%20Locomotives.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Class3">{{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|archive-date=8 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108084841/https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/mec_engg/downloads/Coaching/2018/20_Numbering%20of%20coaching%20stock.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
;Multiple units
{{seealso|Rail transport in India#Accommodation classes}}
In the 1960s, [[Electric multiple unit|electric multiple unit]]s (EMU) were developed for short-haul and suburban rail transit.<ref>{{cite report|date=15 October 1999|title=Electrical Multiple Units|url=https://st2.indiarailinfo.com/kjfdsuiemjvcya1/0/8/0/2/4684802/1/multipleunits1091923.pdf|website=Indian Rail Info|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=19 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519130943/https://st2.indiarailinfo.com/kjfdsuiemjvcya1/0/8/0/2/4684802/1/multipleunits1091923.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{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|archive-date=19 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519130944/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.|url-status=live}}</ref> On regional short-distance routes, [[MEMU|mainline electrical multiple unit (MEMU)]] and [[DEMU|diesel electrical multiple unit (DEMU)]] trains are 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.<ref name="EMU1">{{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|archive-date=26 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226223229/https://eparlib.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/65704/1/16_Public_Accounts_69.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{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|archive-date=13 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113070416/https://scr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris//uploads/files/1574744335252-JE%20LDCE2.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> These train-sets are self-propelled with capability for faster acceleration or deceleration.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In 2018, Indian Railways also rolled out semi-high speed self-propelled train sets with modified coaches for inter city trains.<ref name="VB"/>
 
;Goods wagons
==Production Services==
{{multiple image
The Indian Railways manufactures a lot of its rolling stock and heavy engineering components. This is largely due to historical reasons. As with most developing economies, the main reason is import substitution of expensive technology related products. This was relevant when the general state of the national engineering industry was immature.
| total_width=300
| align=right
| image1=Goods (Wagon) Train.JPG
| image2=Freight Tanker at Malkajgiri 04.JPG
| footer=A [[covered wagon]] (left) and [[Tank car|tanker]]
}}
Indian Railways hauls variety of [[cargo]] to cater to various requirements and have specialized rolling stock corresponding to the cargo hauled. There are 243 types of [[rolling stock]] used for cargo operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fois.indianrail.gov.in/RailSAHAY/Home.jsp|title=Cargo wagons|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}}{{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> These include [[goods wagon|covered wagon]]s, [[boxcar]]s, [[flat wagon]]s, [[flat car|flatbed]]s, [[open wagon]]s, [[hopper car|hopper]]s, [[shipping container|container]]s, automobile carriers, defense vehicle carriers and [[Tank car|tanker]]s.<ref name="Cargo">{{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|archive-date=27 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327004402/https://secr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1596631341023-Freight.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The freight cars can often carry loads from 10 to 80 tonnes per car depending on the configuration.<ref name="Cargo"/> A new wagon numbering system was adopted in Indian Railways in 2003.<ref name="wagon">{{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|archive-date=23 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223042339/http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/mec_engg/downloads/freight/New_Wagon_Numb_Sys.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
The requirement of wagons was previously met by [[Bharat Wagon and Engineering]] with the procurement and manufacturing now done by both in public and private sector.<ref name="IRYB"/>
 
;Others
Production Units, the manufacturing plants of the Indian Railways, are managed directly by the ministry. The General Managers of the PUs report to the Railway Board. The Production Units are
Apart from standard passenger classes, the Indian Railways has other specialized coach types used for dedicated functions.<ref name="Coach">{{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|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107105737/http://www.aitd.net.in/pdf/8/2.%20TYPES%20OF%20PASSENGER%20COACHES%20FOR%20DIFFERENT%20SERVICES.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> These include accident relief medical vans,<ref name="ICF1">{{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|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107105737/https://frontline.thehindu.com/other/advertorial/article30216668.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{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|archive-date=29 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529114932/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1598271|url-status=live}}</ref> brake vans,<ref>{{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|archive-date=27 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327051516/https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/tele_comm/downloads/TELE/TelephoneCNL/TC-11.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{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|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107105736/https://www.zeebiz.com/india/photo-gallery-amazing-indian-railways-has-transformed-this-special-coach-how-you-benefit-check-photos-66845|url-status=live}}</ref> generator cars,<ref>{{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|archive-date=16 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116065432/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|url-status=live}}</ref> inspection carriages,<ref>{{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|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107105740/https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/rb/tender/1549969239106_TM-1903_1_Document_RIV_3.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> military cars,<ref name="ICF1"/> [[pantry car]]<ref>{{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|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107105751/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|url-status=live}}</ref> and parcel vans.<ref name="Mint">{{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|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107105736/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indian-railways-launches-the-first-ever-high-capacity-lhb-parcel-van-can-run-at-130-kmph-11580472862846.html|url-status=live}}</ref> These may be dedicated self-propelled units or attached to train-sets.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://secr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1630583891553-CC%2014%202020.pdf|title=Coaching Rates Circular|date=8 October 2020|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=10 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210191432/https://secr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1630583891553-CC%2014%202020.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/whats-in-a-pantry-car/article4425659.ece|title=What's in a pantry car?|date=18 February 2013|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107105736/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/whats-in-a-pantry-car/article4425659.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
;Manufacturing
*'''[[Diesel Locomotive Works]], [[Varanasi]]'''
Indian Railways operates various manufacturing units. [[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works]] (CLW), commissioned in 1950, was the first locomotive manufacturing unit in India.<ref name="Chit"/> The first rail coach manufacturing unit, the [[Integral Coach Factory]] (ICF) was established at Madras in 1956.<ref name="ICF"/> [[Banaras Locomotive Works]] (BLW), commissioned in 1961, is the second locomotive manufacturing unit operated by Indian Railways.<ref name="Banaras">{{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|archive-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204065814/https://blw.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,294,702|url-status=live}}</ref> BHEL, [[Patiala Locomotive Works]], [[Diesel Locomotive Factory, Marhowrah]] and [[Electric Locomotive Factory, Madhepura]] also manufacture locomotives in India.<ref name="facility"/> Railway coaches are also manufactured at coach factories at [[Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala|Karputhala]], [[Modern Coach Factory, Raebareli|Raebareli]], [[Sonipat]] and [[Latur]].<ref name="facility"/> Indian Railways also operates three [[rail wheel]] manufacturing factories at [[Rail Wheel Factory|Bangalore]], [[Rail Wheel Plant, Bela|Bela]] and Raebareli.<ref name="facility"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Law|first=Abhishek|date=24 April 2024|title=Railways takes over RINL's forged wheel plant in Raebareli|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/railways-takes-over-ops-at-rinls-forged-wheel-plant-in-rae-bareilly/article68100608.ece|access-date=8 August 2024|newspaper=[[Business Line]]|archive-date=8 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808172807/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/railways-takes-over-ops-at-rinls-forged-wheel-plant-in-rae-bareilly/article68100608.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
** Responsible for manufacturing all the mainline diesel-electrics used for passenger and freight traffic. The plant also produces diesel-electric shunters. Currently the factory is also producing locomotives in collaboration with General Motors, USA.
* '''[[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works]], [[Chittaranjan]]'''
** Chittaranjan manufactures Electric Locomotives. Traditionally, the locomotives made by CLW use DC traction. In recent times, CLW has manufactures locomotives with AC-AC transmission
*'''[[Diesel-Loco Modernisation Works]], [[Patiala]]'''
** Earlier called Diesel Component Works, DMW makes key sub-assemblies for Diesel Locomotives. It also does heavy repair and overhaul of engines and locomotives.
*'''[[Integral Coach Factory]], [[Chennai]]'''
** The first factory to make coaches for the Indian Railways. The coaches were [[monocoque]] structures.
* '''[[Rail Coach Factory]], [[Kapurthala]]'''
** The second coach factory is a more modern plant and has a much more flexible automation
*'''[[Wheel & Axle Plant]], [[Bangalore]]'''
** Makes the cast wheels for wagons and other rolling stock. Axles are forged and machined in the same plant. Most output is sent out as finished and pressed wheel & axle sets
*'''[[Rail Spring Karkhana]], [[Gwalior]]'''
 
;Maintenance
===Performance===
The locomotives are operated and maintained by 40 locomotive sheds.<ref name="D1">{{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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108072301/https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/mec_engg/2023/Diesel%20loco%20availability%20targets%20for%20Dec_2023.pdf |archive-date=8 January 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="E1">{{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}}{{Dead link|date=March 2024|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> The repair and maintenance of the fleet of other rolling stock is carried out at 294 carriage & wagon repair units across various zones of IR.<ref name="IRYB"/>
The performance of Production Units during 2004-05, was as under:
* Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, Chittaranjan manufactured 90 BG electric locomotives including 22 state-of-the-art 3-phase 6000 [[Horsepower|HP]] electric locos.
* Diesel Locomotive Works, Varanasi produced 121 BG diesel locomotives including 15 indigenous high power 4000 HP GM locomotives. In addition, 4 diesel locomotives were supplied to Non Railway Customers.
* Integral Coach Factory, Chennai manufactured 1,119 coaches including 112 [[Electric Multiple Unit]]s (EMUs).
* Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala manufactured 1,201 coaches including 77 light weight LHB coaches with higher passenger comfort and amenities.
* Rail Wheel Factory, Bangalore produced 32,732 wheel-sets. It also manufactured 95,125 wheels and 49,502 axles. It sold products to the tune of Rs.18.39 crore to NCRs thus earning a profit of approx. Rs.173.69 [[lakh]].
* Diesel Loco Modernisation Workshop, Patiala successfully upgraded 74 nos. 2600 [[Horsepower|HP]] WDM-2 diesel electric locomotives to 3100 HP thus increasing the hauling capacity to the extent of 3 to 4 additional coaches. DMW exported spares worth Rs.130.27 [[lakh]] to various countries.
 
=== Tracks ===
Import content in the Railway Production Units expressed as percentage of total production cost is roughly 2%. [[Import substitution]] is one of the main objectives of the production units.
[[File:Project Unigauge (India).svg|thumb|Comparison of gauges in India with the standard gauge]]
{{see also|Project Unigauge}}
 
{{As of|2024|3|31}}, Indian railway network spanned {{cvt|69181|km}} in route length. With {{cvt|31094|km}} of the lines having two or more tracks, total running track length was {{cvt|109748|km}}, while total trackage (including sidings) was {{cvt|135207|km}}.<ref name="IRYB"/>
==Suburban rail==
[[image:DelhiMetro.jpg|thumb|240px|The [[New Delhi Metro]] railway]]
Many cities have their own dedicated suburban networks to cater to commuters. Currently, suburban networks operate in [[Mumbai]] (Bombay), [[Chennai]] (Madras), [[Kolkata]] (Calcutta), [[Delhi]], [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]] and [[Pune]]. Hyderabad and Pune do not have dedicated suburban tracks but share the tracks with long distance trains. New Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata have their own metro networks, namely the [[New Delhi Metro]], the [[Chennai MRTS]] and the [[Kolkata metro]], respectively.
 
Track sections are rated for speeds ranging from {{cvt|80|to|200|km/h}}, though the maximum speed attained by passenger trains is {{cvt|160|km/h}}. The network was built with a variety of [[track gauge|gauges]], including {{RailGauge|1676mm|lk=on}} [[broad gauge]], {{RailGauge|1000mm|lk=on}} [[metre gauge]] and {{RailGauge|762mm|lk=on}} and {{RailGauge|610mm|lk=on}} [[narrow gauge]]; but a long-term effort, [[Project Unigauge]], aims to convert most of these to broad gauge. {{As of|2024|3|31}}, {{cvt|66820|km}} or 96.59% of the network was broad-gauge, {{cvt|1159|km}} or 1.68% metre-gauge and {{cvt|1202|km}} or 1.74% narrow-gauge.<ref name="IRYB"/> The broad-gauge network is equipped with [[Track (rail transport)#Continuous welded rail|long-welded]], high-tensile [[Rail weight|52kg/60kg 90 UTS]] rails with [[prestressed concrete|pre-stressed concrete (PSC)]] sleepers and elastic fastenings.<ref name="IRYB"/>
[[Suburban train]]s that handle [[commuter]] traffic are mostly [[electric multiple unit]]s. They usually have nine coaches or sometimes twelve to handle rush hour traffic. One unit of an EMU train consists of one power car and two general coaches. Thus a nine coach EMU is made up of three units having one power car at each end and one at the middle. The rakes in [[Mumbai]] run on [[direct current]], while those elsewhere use [[alternating current]]. A standard coach is designed to accommodate 96 sitting passengers, but the actual number of passengers can easily double or triple with standees during rush hour. The Kolkata metro has the administrative status of a zonal railway, though it does not come under the seventeen railway zones.
 
;Trunk routes
== Freight ==
As of July 2020, there are seven major routes a total length of {{cvt|11295|km|abbr=on}} which have been classified as High-Density Network (HDN) routes or trunk routes. These routes are designed for a maximum operational speed limit of 160&nbsp;[[Kilometres per hour|km/h]], and carry about 60% of the rail traffic. The trunk routes include [[Howrah–Chennai main line|Chennai–Howrah]], [[Mumbai–Chennai line|Chennai–Mumbai]], [[New Delhi–Chennai main line|Delhi–Chennai]], [[Howrah–New Delhi main line|Delhi–Howrah]], [[Howrah–Prayagraj–Mumbai line|Howrah–Mumbai]], [[New Delhi–Mumbai main line|Mumbai–Delhi]] and Delhi–Guwahati.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=124694|title=Decongestion of Trunk railway routes|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=10 August 2015|archive-date=29 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529114915/https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=124694|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://indiainfrahub.com/news/trains-to-run-at-160-kmph-on-major-trunk-routes/ |title=Trains to run at 160 KMPH on major Trunk routes |work=India InfraHub |date=20 July 2020 |access-date=16 February 2024 |archive-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216151856/https://indiainfrahub.com/news/trains-to-run-at-160-kmph-on-major-trunk-routes/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[image:Teestarailbridge.jpg|thumb|right|A single line rail bridge]]
IR carries a huge variety of goods ranging from mineral ores, agricultural produce, petroleum, milk and vehicles. Ports and major urban areas have their own dedicated freight lines and yards. Many important freight stops have dedicated platforms and independent lines.
 
;Electrification
Indian Railways makes 70% of its revenues and most of its profits from the freight sector, and uses these profits to cross-subsidise the loss-making passenger sector. However, competition from trucks which offer cheaper rates has seen a decrease in freight traffic in recent years. Since the 1990s, Indian Railways has switched from small consignments to larger container movement which has helped speed up its operations. Most of its freight earnings come from such rakes carrying bulk goods such as coal, cement, food grains and iron ore.
{{Main|Central Organisation for Railway Electrification}}
The first electric train ran in Bombay in 1925 on [[Direct current|DC]] traction.<ref name="EL"/> In 1928, DC traction was introduced on the suburban of Bombay by the [[Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway]] between [[Colaba]] and [[Borivili]] and between Madras beach and Tambaram by the [[Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway]] in 1931.<ref name="ELECT">{{cite web |url=http://www.core.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,294,302,532 |title=Brief on Railway Electrification |access-date=1 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926072829/http://www.core.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,294,302,532 |archive-date=26 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1957, Indian Railways decided to adopt 25 kV AC as its standard.<ref name="EL"/> The first 25 kV AC EMUs operated in Calcutta in 1962 and Madras in 1968. In 2017, Indian Railways announced a plan to electrify the country's entire broad gauge rail network by 2023.<ref name="Eni">{{cite report|url=https://enincon.com/report/railway-electrification-market-opportunities-in-india-2018/|title=Railway Electrification Market in India 2018|date=20 February 2018|publisher=Enincon|access-date=20 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320230336/https://enincon.com/report/railway-electrification-market-opportunities-in-india-2018/|archive-date=20 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Post electrification, 30&nbsp;billion kWh of electricity will be required on an annual basis for Indian Railways.<ref name="Eni"/> {{As of|2025|2|1}}, Indian Railways has electrified {{convert|64589|km||abbr=on}} or 97.05% of the total broad-gauge route length.<ref name="RE"/> Indian Railway uses 25 kV AC traction on all its electrified tracks.<ref name="IRYB"/>
 
;Cross-border
Indian Railways also transports vehicles over long distances. Trucks that carry goods to a particular ___location are hauled back by trains saving the trucking company on unnecessary fuel expenses. Refrigerated vans are also available in many areas. The "Green Van" is a special type used to transport fresh food and vegetables. Recently Indian Railways introduced the special 'Container Rajdhani' or CONRAJ, for high priority freight. The highest speed notched up for a freight train is 100&nbsp;km/h (62&nbsp;mph) for a 4,700&nbsp;metric tonne load.
{{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]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Two rail links to [[Nepal]] exist as of 2021, with a third under construction.<ref>{{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|archive-date=19 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119174443/https://www.theindiareview.com/india-and-nepal/nepal-railways-and-economic-development-what-has-gone-wrong-110620-01/|url-status=live |last1=Prasad |first1=Umesh }}</ref> There is an existing railink with [[Pakistan]] through [[Attari]]–[[Wagah]] border.<ref>{{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|archive-date=9 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109154537/https://www.news18.com/business/do-you-know-this-indian-railway-station-requires-passengers-to-carry-a-pakistani-visa-8364073.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
=== Signaling and communication ===
Recent changes have sought to boost the earnings from freight. A privatization scheme was introduced recently to improve the performance of freight trains. Companies are being allowed to run their own container trains. The first length of an 11,000km freight corridor linking India's biggest cities has recently been approved. The railways has increased load limits for the system's 220,000 freight wagons by 11%, legalizing something that was already happening. Due to increase in manufacturing transport in India that was augmented by the increase in fuel cost, transportation by rail became advantageous financially. New measures such as speeding up the turnaround times have added some 24% to freight revenues.
{{See also|Railway signal|Railway signalling}}
[[File:Railway Signal Post at Safilguda.jpg|thumb|upright|Indian Railways uses [[railway signal#Color light signals|coloured signal lights]] similar to the one pictured]]
 
Indian Railways uses a range of signalling technologies and methods to manage its train operations based on traffic density and safety requirements. {{As of|2025|2|28}}, [[Automatic block signaling|automatic block signalling]] is used on a total route length of {{cvt|5221|km}} for train operations – concentrated in high density routes, large cities and junctions.<ref name="IRYB"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112843|title=Ministry of Railways Advances Infrastructure with Dedicated Freight Corridors, Modernization Initiatives, and Enhanced Freight Capacity|date=19 March 2025|work=[[Press Information Bureau]]|access-date=30 July 2025}}</ref> Remaining routes are based on [[absolute block signalling]] with trains manually controlled by signal men from the signal boxes typically located at stations. Few low density routes still use [[North American railway signaling#Absolute or manual block|manual block signalling]] methods with communication on track clearance based on physical exchange of tokens.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://railscapestravel.com/2017/07/25/art-of-the-token-exchange/|title=Art of the token exchange|date=25 July 2017|work=Railscapes|access-date=28 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228233429/http://railscapestravel.com/2017/07/25/art-of-the-token-exchange/|archive-date=28 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In a few sections, intermediate block signalling is provided to further enhance line capacity with minimal investment. {{As of|2024|3|31}}, 756 block sections have intermediate block signals.<ref name="IRYB"/> Indian Railways primarily uses [[railway signal#Color light signals|coloured signal lights]], which replaced the earlier [[railway signal#Mechanical signals|semaphores and disc-based signalling]]. It uses two-aspect, three-aspect and four (or multiple) aspect color signalling across its network.<ref>{{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|archive-date=9 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809053800/https://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-signal2.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Signalling System|url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-signal.html|access-date=4 June 2007|publisher=IRFCA|archive-date=8 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808045451/https://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-signal.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Notable trains and achievements==
[[Image:Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.jpg|thumb|240px|The [[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] is a [[World Heritage Site]], and one of the few steam engines in operation in India.]]
The [[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]], a narrow gauge train with a steam locomotive is classified as a [[World Heritage Site]] by [[UNESCO]]. The route starts at [[Siliguri]] in the plains in [[West Bengal]] and traverses [[tea]] gardens en route to [[Darjeeling]], a [[hill station]] at an elevation of 2,134&nbsp;metres (7,000&nbsp;ft). The highest station in this route is [[Ghum]]. The [[Nilgiri Mountain Railway]], in the [[Nilgiri Hills]] in southern India, is also classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/16/stories/2005071611340100.htm The Hindu newspaper online]</ref> It is also the only [[cog railway]] in India. The [[Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus]] (formerly Victoria Terminus) railway station in [[Mumbai]] is another World Heritage Site operated by Indian Railways.
 
Signals at most stations are interlocked using [[Electro-mechanical interlocking|panel interlocking]], [[Relay interlocking|route-relay interlocking]] or [[electronic interlocking]] methods that eliminate scope for human signalling errors. Indian Railways uses [[track circuit]]ing, and block proving [[axle counter]]s for train detection. {{As of|2024|3|31}}, 6,637 stations have interlocked and multi-aspect signalling. Around 99% of key routes have track circuitry or block proving axle counters for automated train detection and [[Kavach (train protection system)|Kavach]] [[automatic train protection]] system has been implemented in {{cvt|1465|km}} of tracks.<ref name="IRYB"/> The railways has about {{cvt|66179|km}} of [[optical fiber cable]] network used for train control, voice and data communication with {{convert|7538|km|abbr=on}} of the route covered by [[GSM-R]] based Mobile Train Radio communication.<ref name="IRYB"/> In December 2017, Indian Railways announced that it will implement [[European Train Control System|ETCS Level 2]] system for signalling and control on key routes with an investment of {{INRConvert|120|b|lk=}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/indian-railways-clears-proposal-to-equip-electric-locomotives-with-european-train-protection-systems-4263417.html|title=Indian Railways clears proposal to equip electric locomotives with European train protection systems|work=[[Firstpost]]|date=18 December 2017|access-date=28 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203235730/http://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/indian-railways-clears-proposal-to-equip-electric-locomotives-with-european-train-protection-systems-4263417.html|archive-date=3 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
The ''[[Palace on Wheels]]'' is a specially designed train, lugged by a steam engine, for promoting tourism in Rajasthan. The [[Maharashtra]] government did try and introduce the ''[[Deccan Odyssey]]'' along the [[Konkan]] route, but it did not enjoy the same success as the Palace on Wheels. The ''[[Samjhauta Express]]'' was a train that ran between India and Pakistan. However, hostilities between the two nations in 2001 saw the line being closed. It was reopened when the hostilities subsided in 2004. Another train connecting [[Khokhrapar]] (Pakistan) and [[Munabao]] (India) is the ''[[Thar Express]]'' that restarted operations on February 18, 2006 since being closed down after the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965|1965 Indo-Pak war]]. The [[Kalka Shimla Railway]] till recently featured in the [[Guinness World Records|Guinness Book of World Records]] for offering the steepest rise in altitude in the space of 96 kilometers.<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031108/windows/main1.htm Article in The Tribune]</ref>
 
=== Stations ===
The ''[[Lifeline Express]]'' is a special train popularly known as the "Hospital-on-Wheels" which provides healthcare to the rural areas. This train has a compartment that serves as an operating room, a second one which serves as a storeroom and an additional two that serve as a patient ward. The train travels around the country, staying at a ___location for about two months before moving elsewhere.
{{See also|Categorization of Indian Railway stations by commercial importance}}
{{As of|2024|3|31}}, Indian Railways manages and operates 7,461 stations.<ref name="IRYB"/> Prior to 2017, the stations were classified into seven categories based on their earnings.<ref name="stac1">{{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=[[The Economic Times|Economic Times]]|date=28 December 2017|archive-date=17 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317035551/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/railways-revise-station-categories-to-improve-services/articleshow/62280609.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> 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).<ref name="Stn">{{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|archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414025547/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1514446|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="stac1"/> 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.<ref>{{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]]|archive-date=26 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926113505/http://164.100.24.220/loksabhaquestions/annex/15/AU116.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Stn"/>
 
== Services ==
Among the famous locomotives, the ''[[Fairy Queen]]'' is the oldest running locomotive in the world today, though the distinction of the oldest surviving locomotive belongs to ''[[John Bull (locomotive)|John Bull]]''. [[Kharagpur]] railway station also has the distinction of being the world's longest railway platform at 1072&nbsp;m (3,517&nbsp;ft). The Ghum station along the [[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway|Toy Train]] route is the second highest railway station in the world to be reached by a steam locomotive.<ref>[http://www.indianrail.gov.in/dm_hill.html Indian Railways Site]</ref> Indian Railways operates 7,566 locomotives; 37,840 Coaching vehicles and 222,147 freight wagons. There are a total of 6,853 stations; 300 yards; 2,300 goods-sheds; 700 repair shops and a total workforce of 1.54 million.<ref>[http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railway/evolution/rail-network.htm Indian Railways stats]</ref>
=== Passenger ===
==== Travel classes ====
{{Further|Indian Railways coaching stock}}
Indian Railways offers various travel classes on its [[passenger car (rail)|coaches]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> For the purpose of identification in [[passenger train]]s, 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.<ref name="Class2">{{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|archive-date=8 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108084841/https://digitalscr.in/bzadiv/circulars/misc_circulars/uploads/Abbrevations%20for%20different%20types%20of%20coaches.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> 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:<ref name="CC">{{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|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107110642/https://st2.indiarailinfo.com/kjfdsuiemjvcya0/0/2/3/6/837236/0/railseatlayout.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
{|class="wikitable"style="text-align:left;"style="font-size: 85%"
The shortest named station is [[Ib]] and the longest is ''Sri Venkatanarasimharajuvariapeta''. The ''[[Himsagar Express]]'', between [[Kanyakumari]] and [[Jammu|Jammu Tawi]], has the longest run in terms of distance and time on Indian Railways network. It covers 3,745&nbsp;km (2,327&nbsp;miles) in about 74 hours and 55 minutes. The ''Trivandrum Rajdhani'', between Delhi's Nizamuddin Station and Trivandrum, travels non-stop between [[Vadodara]] and [[Kota]], covering a distance of 528&nbsp;km (328&nbsp;miles) in about 6.5 hours, and has the longest continuous run on Indian Railways today. The ''Bhopal Shatabdi Express'' is the fastest train in India today having a maximum speed of 140&nbsp;km/h (87&nbsp;mph) on the [[Faridabad]]-Agra section. The fastest speed attained by any train is 184&nbsp;km/h (114&nbsp;mph) in 2000 during test runs. This speed is much lower than fast trains in other parts of the world. One reason attributed for this difference is that the tracks are not suited for higher speeds.
|+Coach code (First digit)<ref name="Class2"/>
!Class
!Code
!Image
!Description
|-
|First AC
|H
|[[File:Rajdhani First AC1.jpg|100px]]
|It is the most luxurious and expensive class in most express trains.<ref name="IRFCA">{{cite web|title=Rolling stock|url=https://irfca.org/faq/faq-stock.html|work=IRFCA|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=11 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411113830/https://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-stock.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Coach"/> They have separate [[air-conditioned]] compartments with private lockable doors, [[bedding]], dedicated attendants and meals served at seat.<ref name="TM">{{cite web|url=https://www.trainman.in/article/indian-railway-train-classes|title=Indian railway classes|publisher=Trainman|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=3 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003100712/https://www.trainman.in/article/indian-railway-train-classes|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|First Class
|F
|
|First class is similar to first AC coaches with a combination of cabins and berths but are non air-conditioned and do not have all the facilities of first AC coaches.<ref name="TM"/> They were slated to be phased out of normal express trains starting in the 2000s and the last coach being de-commissioned in 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/first-class-coaches-now-just-the-stuff-of-memories/articleshow/4127807.cms?from=mdr|title=First-class coaches now just the stuff of memories|date=14 February 2009|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107142327/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/first-class-coaches-now-just-the-stuff-of-memories/articleshow/4127807.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/end-of-road-for-last-of-the-non-ac-first-class-coaches/articleshow/50250987.cms|title=End of road for the last of the non AC first class coaches|date=20 December 2015|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107142328/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/end-of-road-for-last-of-the-non-ac-first-class-coaches/articleshow/50250987.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The First class is still in use in [[Mountain railways of India|toy trains]] where the coaches consist of seats similar to chair cars.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/holiday-special-trains-in-nilgiri-mountain-railway/article67668676.ece|title=Holiday special trains in Nilgiri Mountain Railway|date=23 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=23 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223093555/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/holiday-special-trains-in-nilgiri-mountain-railway/article67668676.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Executive Anubhuti
|EA/K
|[[File:Mumbai Central Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express - Anubhuti coach - Interior.jpg|100px]]
|Executive Anubhuti is the premium class of air-conditioned [[chair car]] equipped with retractable, large cushioned seats in 2x2 configuration. The class is equipped with an entertainment system, large luggage compartments, passenger information system, dedicated reading lights, power sockets and call buttons, modular bio toilets with automated taps. Meals often provided as a part of the journey ticket.<ref name="FE">{{cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/photos/business-gallery/967183/anubhuti-coach-shatabdi-express-train-fare-luxury-features-images-indian-railways-new-train/5/|title=Anubhuti coaches with aircraft-like features to replace Shatabdi 1st-AC Executive chair cars; 20 amazing facts|date=9 December 2017|newspaper=[[The Financial Express (India)|Financial Express]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107142327/https://www.financialexpress.com/photos/business-gallery/967183/anubhuti-coach-shatabdi-express-train-fare-luxury-features-images-indian-railways-new-train/5/|url-status=live}}</ref> The class is available only in select trains.<ref name="FE"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/anubhuti-coach-shatabdi-trains-indian-railways-4980867/|title=Soon experience flight like luxury in Shatabdi|newspaper=[[Indian Express]]|date=17 December 2017|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107142327/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/anubhuti-coach-shatabdi-trains-indian-railways-4980867/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|AC Executive Class
|E
|[[File:The Interior of the Executive Class or 1A of an LHB Shatabdi Coach..jpg|100px]]
|AC Executive Class is often the top most class of air-conditioned chair car in express trains. It is equipped with large retractable seats in 2x2 configuration.<ref name="IRFCA"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/two-extra-coaches-added-to-afternoon-shatabdi-railways-5175696/|title=Two extra coaches added to afternoon Shatabdi: Railways|date=14 May 2018|newspaper=[[Indian Express]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107142330/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/two-extra-coaches-added-to-afternoon-shatabdi-railways-5175696/|url-status=live}}</ref> The class is equipped with dedicated reading lights and power sockets, modular bio toilets with automated taps. Meals are often provided as a part of the journey ticket.<ref name="TM"/> In [[Vande Bharat Express]] trains, the class is equipped with more features including [[rotating seat]]s, [[CCTV]]s, passenger information system, larger toilets, [[USB port]]s and [[automated door]]s.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/mumbai-goa-vande-bharat-express-video-flag-off-pm-modi-new-indian-railways-train-features-time-table/articleshow/101292467.cms|title=Mumbai-Goa Vande Bharat express flagged off|date=27 June 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107142328/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/mumbai-goa-vande-bharat-express-video-flag-off-pm-modi-new-indian-railways-train-features-time-table/articleshow/101292467.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/passengers-from-southern-districts-to-get-a-new-travel-experience-on-vande-bharat-express/article67338091.ece|title=Passengers from south T.N. to get a new travel experience on Vande Bharat Expres|date=23 September 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=11 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011202808/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/passengers-from-southern-districts-to-get-a-new-travel-experience-on-vande-bharat-express/article67338091.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Executive Vistadome
|EV
|[[File:VistadomeInterior.jpg|100px]]
|AC Tourist cars have [[vistadome]] coaches with glass roofs and extra wide windows. The interiors are similar to AC chair car coaches. Select trains operating mostly on tourist circuits are equipped with such coaches.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Status of Vistadome Trains|url=https://pib.gov.in/pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1797573|date=9 July 2022|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=31 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331170405/https://pib.gov.in/ErrorPage.html?aspxerrorpath=/pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Indian Railways plans to introduce these coaches in all [[Mountain railways of India|mountain railways]].<ref>{{cite news|date=8 March 2019|title=All mountain railways in India to have vistadome coaches: Piyush Goyal|url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/infrastructure/all-mountain-railways-in-india-to-have-vistadome-coaches-piyush-goyal-1552064701958.html|access-date=9 July 2022|work=mint|archive-date=9 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709204427/https://www.livemint.com/industry/infrastructure/all-mountain-railways-in-india-to-have-vistadome-coaches-piyush-goyal-1552064701958.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Second AC or AC 2-tier
|A
|[[File:2956coach.JPG|100px]]
|Second AC or AC 2-tier is an air-conditioned [[sleeping car]] with wide sealed windows.<ref name="IRFCA"/> There are four berths arranged in two-tiers facing each other in a single bay with two-tiered berths arranged on the sides lengthwise across the corridor.<ref name="Coach"/> Individual berths are equipped with [[curtains]], simple bedding, reading lights and charging sockets.<ref name="Curt">{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/why-railways-is-removing-curtains-in-ac-coaches/wont-help-if-there-is-fire/slideshow/66221831.cms|title=Why you may not see curtains in AC coaches|date=15 October 2018|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107142328/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/why-railways-is-removing-curtains-in-ac-coaches/wont-help-if-there-is-fire/slideshow/66221831.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Bed">{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indian-railways-to-provide-bedrolls-in-ac-3-tier-economy-coach-from-this-week-11663481311905.html|title=Indian Railways to provide bedrolls|date=18 September 2022|work=Mint|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107142327/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indian-railways-to-provide-bedrolls-in-ac-3-tier-economy-coach-from-this-week-11663481311905.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Food is available on order or as a part of the ticket depending on the train.<ref name="TM"/>
|-
|Third AC or AC 3-tier
|B
|[[File:Inside_AC_3_coach_passage_Indian_railway_002.jpg|100px]]
|Third AC or AC 3-tier is an air-conditioned sleeping car.<ref name="IRFCA"/> There are six berths arranged in three-tiers facing each other in a single bay with foldable middle berths and two-tiered berths arranged on the sides lengthwise across the corridor.<ref name="Coach"/> There are common charging sockets and lights in each compartment with simple bedding provided.<ref name="Bed"/> Food is available on order or as a part of the ticket depending on the train with the same menu shared with AC 2-tier.<ref name="TM"/>
|-
|AC 3-tier economy
|G/M
|
|AC 3-tier economy coaches are air-conditioned sleeping cars similar to AC 3-tier.<ref name="IRFCA"/> Compared to 3-tier coaches, they have an extra middle berth along the aisle.<ref name="TM"/> The coaches were first introduced in [[Garib Rath Express|Garib Rath]] trains and only a few trains operate with such coaches.<ref name="TN">{{cite news|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/industry/article/garib-rath-trains-to-get-new-ac-3-tier-economy-class-coaches-to-have-cheaper-fare-than-ac-3-tier/804617|title=Garib Rath trains to get new AC 3-tier economy class coaches; to have cheaper fare than AC 3-tier|date=27 August 2021|work=Times now|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107142327/https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/industry/article/garib-rath-trains-to-get-new-ac-3-tier-economy-class-coaches-to-have-cheaper-fare-than-ac-3-tier/804617|url-status=live}}</ref> Bedding is available for rent and the coaches have facilities like charging sockets and lights similar to AC 3-tier coaches.<ref name="TN"/> New AC 3-tier economy coaches introduced in 2021 have similar berth arrangement as AC 3-tier but accommodates 83 berths per coach and other improved facilities.<ref>{{cite news|date=6 September 2021|title=Railways introduces new AC-3 economy coaches with reduced fare. Details here|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indian-railways-introduces-new-ac-3-economy-coaches-with-reduced-fare-details-here-11630921348173.html|access-date=3 March 2024|work=Mint|archive-date=3 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303105846/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indian-railways-introduces-new-ac-3-economy-coaches-with-reduced-fare-details-here-11630921348173.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=11 February 2021|title=Indian Railways' first AC 3-tier economy class coach; check out features, specifications|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indian-railways-economy-class-ac-3-tier-coach-photos-features-7184616/|access-date=3 March 2024|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|archive-date=3 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303105840/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indian-railways-economy-class-ac-3-tier-coach-photos-features-7184616/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|AC Chair Car
|C
|[[File:Interiors of the 2nd Generation of the Vande Bharat Express trains.jpg|100px]]
|AC chair car are air-conditioned coaches equipped with retractable seats in 3x2 configuration.<ref name="IRFCA"/> The class has cushioned seats with [[tray table]]s and are equipped with LED reading lights, power sockets along the window side. Meals are provided as a part of the journey ticket in select trains.<ref name="TM"/> In Vande Bharat Express trains, the class is equipped with more features including passenger information system, CCTVs, larger toilets and automated doors.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/new-vande-bharat-express-train-photos-features-indian-railways-new-train-2022/articleshow/93449662.cms?from=mdr|title=New Vande Bharat Express features|date=9 August 2022|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107142327/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/new-vande-bharat-express-train-photos-features-indian-railways-new-train-2022/articleshow/93449662.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/guwahati-new-jalpaiguri-vande-bharat-express-timing-ticket-prices-and-other-details-you-should-know/articleshow/100581940.cms?from=mdr|title=Vande Bharat Express timing and ticket prices|date=29 May 2023|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107142329/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/guwahati-new-jalpaiguri-vande-bharat-express-timing-ticket-prices-and-other-details-you-should-know/articleshow/100581940.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Sleeper
|S
|[[File:Inside an Indian Railways Train - Sleeper Coach.jpg|100px]]
|Sleeper class is the most common sleeping car coach in Indian Railways.<ref name="IRFCA"/> There are six berths arranged in three-tiers facing each other in a single bay with foldable middle berths and two-tiered berths arranged on the sides lengthwise across the corridor.<ref name="Coach"/> The coaches are not air-conditioned and have open-able windows. There are common charging sockets, [[ceiling fan|ceiling mounted fans]] and lights in each compartment. Food is available on order or can be purchased from vendors.<ref name="TM"/>
|-
|Second sitting
|D/J
|[[File:Seats inside Indian train.jpg|100px]]
|Second sitting is the most common chair car coach and the cheapest in the Indian Railways.<ref name="IRFCA"/> It is common in most day-time running trains with six seats arranged in 3x3 configuration. The seats may face each other or towards the same side.<ref name="Coach"/> The coaches are not air-conditioned and have open-able windows. There are common charging sockets, ceiling mounted fans and lights in each compartment. Food is available on order or can be purchased from vendors.<ref name="TM"/>
|-
|Unreserved or General
|UR/GS
|[[File:Newly_Developed_Deen_Dayalu_Coach_being_dedicated_by_the_Union_Minister_for_Railways,_Shri_Suresh_Prabhakar_Prabhu_to_the_Nation,_at_New_Delhi_Railway_Station_on_July_19,_2016_(1).jpg|100px]]
|Unreserved or general coaches are second seating coaches which are not available for reservation and seats are taken on available basis.<ref name="IRFCA"/> One or more of these coaches are attached to express trains while dedicated passenger trains might also have all unreserved coaches. Tickets are valid on any train on a route only for within 24 hours of purchase.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.india.com/news/india/unreserved-general-railway-train-tickets-valid-for-only-three-hours-after-purchase-rule-applicable-from-march-1-2016-997342/|title=Unreserved, General Railway train tickets valid for only three hours after purchase|date=1 March 2016|work=India.com|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107155332/https://www.india.com/news/india/unreserved-general-railway-train-tickets-valid-for-only-three-hours-after-purchase-rule-applicable-from-march-1-2016-997342/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|}
Saloon coaches are also available for [[Excursion train|chartering]] which are equipped with a bedroom and kitchen and can be attached to normal trains.<ref>{{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|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021174847/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|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
==== Passenger trains ====
==Organisational structure==
{{multiple image
| total_width=300
| align=right
| header=Express trains of India
| caption_align=center
| 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]]
}}
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 [[Train numbering in India|five digit numbers]] with train-pairs traveling in opposite directions usually labelled with consecutive numbers.<ref>{{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|archive-date=19 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319164622/https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/coaching/Circulars/2%20five%20Digit%20Train%20no%20scheme%209_9_10.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Express trains often have specific unique names for easy identification.<ref name="Train">{{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|archive-date=7 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607025648/https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/coaching/pdf/Train_No-Index.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018–19, Indian Railways operated 13,523 passenger trains on average daily and carried 8.44 billion passengers.<ref name="IRYB1">{{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|archive-date=1 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201045052/https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/stat_econ/Annual-Reports-2019-2020/Year-Book-2019-20-English_Final_Web.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> 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 (Indian Railways)|Intercity Express]].<ref name="Train"/>
 
[[File:Amrit Bharat Express on standby at SMVT Bengaluru.jpg|thumb|[[Amrit Bharat Express|Amrit Bharat]] semi-high speed rail]]
[[Image:DSC00088.JPG|thumb|250px|The headquarters of the Indian Railways in [[Delhi]]]]
Indian Railways is a publicly-owned company controlled by the [[Government of India]], via the [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]]. The ministry is currently headed by [[Lalu Prasad Yadav]], the Union Minister for Railways and assisted by two junior Ministers of State for Railways, [[R. Velu]] and [[Naranbhai J. Rathwa]]. Reporting to them is the Railway Board, which has six members and a chairman.
 
==== High-speed rail ====
Each of the sixteen zones is headed by a General Manager (GM) who reports directly to the Railway Board. The zones are further divided into divisions under the control of Divisional Railway Managers (DRM). The divisional officers of engineering, mechanical, electrical, signal &amp; telecommunication, accounts, personnel, operating, commercial and safety branches report to the respective Divisional Manager and are in charge of operation and maintenance of assets. Further down the hierarchy tree are the Station Masters who control individual stations and the train movement through the track territory under their stations' administration. In addition to the zones, there are six production units (PUs) each headed by a General Manager (GM), who also report directly to the Railway Board. These production units are:
[[Rajdhani Express]] introduced in 1969 were the first trains to reach speeds of up to {{cvt|120|kph}}.<ref name="auto"/> [[Shatabdi Express]] introduced in 1988, are capable of running at a maximum speed of {{cvt|150|kph}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Shatabdi-is-the-heart-of-Indian-railways/articleshow/20505432.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130612072600/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-09/india/39849234_1_domestic-travellers-shatabdi-express-indian-railways|archive-date=12 June 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|title='Shatabdi is the heart of Indian railways'|access-date=30 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{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|archive-date=5 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105093109/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/trains-faster-than-rajdhani-shatabdi-on-the-cards/next-gen-trains/slideshow/62615006.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, [[Vande Bharat Express]] was launched with self-propelled EMU train-sets capable of reaching maximum speed of {{cvt|180|kph}} with operational speeds restricted to {{cvt|130-160|kph}}.<ref>{{cite news|title=Watch: Vande Bharat Train's "Glass Filled To The Brim" Test At 180 Kmph|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/watch-new-vande-bharat-trains-stability-test-as-it-clocks-180-km-hr-3319998|access-date=10 November 2023|work=[[NDTV]]|archive-date=2 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402150402/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/watch-new-vande-bharat-trains-stability-test-as-it-clocks-180-km-hr-3319998|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=7 February 2019|title=Train 18: PM Modi to flag off Vande Bharat Express on 15 February 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|archive-date=7 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207131914/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|url-status=live}}</ref> A non-airconditioned semi-high speed [[Amrit Bharat (trainset)|train-set]] hauled by two modified [[Indian locomotive class WAP-5|WAP-5]] locomotives was launched as [[Amrit Bharat Express]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Athrady|first=Ajith|title=Indian Railways to produce non-AC Vande Sadharan trains|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/indian-railways-to-produce-non-ac-vande-sadharan-trains-1235538.html|date=10 July 2023|access-date=30 October 2023|newspaper=[[Deccan Herald]]|language=en|archive-date=30 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030142408/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/indian-railways-to-produce-non-ac-vande-sadharan-trains-1235538.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A [[high-speed rail]] line is [[Construction|under-construction]] between [[Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor|Mumbai and Ahmedabad]] which will become the first true [[High-speed rail in India|high-speed rail line]] when completed in 2026.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-06-23/news/63746148_1_feasibility-study-jica-bullet-train-project|title=JICA presents draft report on bullet train project to joint committee|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=1 December 2023|date=16 July 2015|archive-date=27 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827001545/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-06-23/news/63746148_1_feasibility-study-jica-bullet-train-project|url-status=dead}}</ref>
# [[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works]] : [[Chittaranjan]]
# [[Diesel Locomotive Works]] : [[Varanasi]]
# [[Integral Coach Factory]] ; [[Perambur]] (Near [[Chennai]])
# [[Rail Coach Factory]] : [[Kapurthala]]
# [[Rail Wheel Factory]] : [[Yelahanka]] (Near [[Bangalore]])
# [[Diesel Modernisation Works]] : [[Patiala]]
 
==== Mountain railways ====
In addition to this the Central Organisation for Railway Electrification (CORE) is also headed by a GM. This is located at Allahabad. This organisation undertakes electrification projects of Indian Railway and monitors the progress of various electrification projects all over the country.
{{multiple image
| total_width=400
| align=right
| header=[[Mountain Railways of India]]
| caption_align=center
| image1=DarjeelingTrainFruitshopCrop.JPG
| caption1=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway|Darjeeling]]
| image2=KSR_Steam_special_at_Taradevi_05-02-13_56.jpeg
| caption2=[[Kalka-Shimla Railway|Kalka-Shimla]]
| image3=NMR train at Ketti 05-02-26 75.jpeg
| caption3=[[Nilgiri Mountain Railway|Nilgiri]]
}}
[[Mountain Railways of India]] refer to three rail lines operated by Indian Railways in [[hill|hilly terrain]]. [[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]], a {{RailGauge|610mm|lk=on}} narrow-gauge railway in the [[Lesser Himalayas]] of [[West Bengal]] was opened in 1881.
<ref name="UNESCO">{{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}}</ref> The mountain railways were designated as [[World Heritage Site]]s in 1999.<ref name="UNESCO"/> 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.<ref>{{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|website=Indianrailway.gov.in|access-date=21 August 2019|archive-date=6 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206122930/https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?fontColor=black&backgroundColor=LIGHTSTEELBLUE&lang=0&id=0,1,304,374,492,552|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="UNESCO"/> These railways operate with its own dedicated fleet of locomotives and coaches.<ref>{{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]]|archive-date=30 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330055908/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/in-pictures-nilgiri-mountain-railway-as-old-as-the-hills/article28732489.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
==== Suburban and metro ====
Apart from these zones and production units, a number of [[Public Sector Undertaking]]s (PSU) are under the administrative control of the ministry of railways. These PSU's are:
{{multiple image
# [[Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation]]
| total_width=400
# [[Konkan Railway Corporation]]
| align=right
# [[Indian Railway Finance Corporation]]
| header=[[Urban rail transit in India|Urban Rail systems]]
# [[Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation]]
| caption_align=center
# [[Railtel Corporation of India]] &ndash; Telecommunication Networks
| image1=Mumbai_Train.JPG
# [[RITES Ltd.]] &ndash; Consulting Division of Indian Railways
| caption1=[[Mumbai Suburban Railway|Mumbai Suburban]]
# [[IRCON International Ltd.]] &ndash; Construction Division
| image2=East_West_Metro_Kolkata_rake.jpg
# [[Rail Vikas Nigam Limited]]
| caption2=[[Kolkata Metro]]
| image3=Tirumailai_MRTS_station_Chennai_(Madras).jpg
| caption3=[[Chennai MRTS]]
}}
 
The first suburban electric trains were introduced in [[Mumbai Suburban Railway|Bombay]] in 1925.<ref name="EMU1"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_central-railway-puts-15-car-locals-on-track_1753241|last=Satardekar|first=Anvaya|title=Central Railway puts 15-car locals on track|work=[[DNA India]]|date=17 October 2012|access-date=16 July 2013|archive-date=31 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331170421/https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-central-railway-puts-15-car-locals-on-track-1753241|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chennai Suburban Railway|Chennai suburban]] lines started operating in 1931 and [[Kolkata Suburban Railway|Kolkata]] in 1957.<ref>{{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|archive-date=23 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523070836/https://er.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?fontColor=black&backgroundColor=LIGHTSTEELBLUE&lang=0&id=0,1,291,354|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{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|archive-date=18 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418091548/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/83-years-of-electric-suburban-rail/article5923173.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Later, AC traction was adopted for suburban lines and are currently operated by Multiple Units (MUs) of various configurations. In 1984, [[Kolkata Metro]], the first [[metro railway|metro]] system and the only system operated by Indian Railways was commissioned.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mtp.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?fontColor=black&backgroundColor=LIGHTSTEELBLUE&lang=0&id=0,1,334|title=Kolkata Metro|access-date=1 June 2023|publisher=Indian Railways|archive-date=5 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190705165731/https://mtp.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?fontColor=black&backgroundColor=LIGHTSTEELBLUE&lang=0&id=0,1,334|url-status=live}}</ref> Opened in November 1995, [[Chennai MRTS]] became the first operational elevated railway line in India.<ref name="SR"/> Indian Railways operates suburban railway systems across the cities of Mumbai (suburban), Chennai (suburban and MRTS), Kolkata (suburban and metro) and [[Secunderabad]] (MMTS) covering six railway zones.<ref name="EMU1"/>
[[Centre for Railway Information Systems]] is an autonomous society under Railway Board, which is responsible for developing the major software required by Indian Railways for its operations.
 
==== Tourism ====
== Rail budget and finances ==
Indian Railways offers tour packages through IRCTC.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/irctc-launches-tour-package-from-kochuveli/article66927382.ece|title=IRCTC launches tour package|date=3 June 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=9 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109154537/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/irctc-launches-tour-package-from-kochuveli/article66927382.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> It 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]].<ref name="IRYB"/><ref>{{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}}</ref> It also operates [[restored train|heritage]] and exhibition trains on special circumstances.<ref>{{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|archive-date=5 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105174247/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|url-status=live}}</ref>
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:Indian Railways Map.gif|240px|thumb|Indian Rail network]] -->
The Railway Budget deals with the induction and improvement of existing trains and routes, the modernisation and most importantly the tariff for freight and passenger travel. The [[Parliament of India|Parliament]] discusses the policies and allocations proposed in the budget. The budget needs to be passed by a simple majority in the [[Lok Sabha]] (India's Lower House). The comments of the [[Rajya Sabha]] (Upper House) are non binding. Indian Railways are subject to the same audit control as other government revenue and expenditures. Based on the anticipated traffic and the projected tariff, the level of resources required for railway's capital and revenue expenditure is worked out. While the revenue expenditure is met entirely by railways itself, the shortfall in the capital (plan) expenditure is met partly from borrowings (raised by Indian Railway Finance Corporation) and the rest from Budgetory support from the Central Government. Indian Railways pays dividend to the Central Government for the capital invested by the Central Government.
 
==== Ticketing and fares ====
As per the Separation Convention, 1924, the Railway Budget is presented to the Parliament by the Union Railway Minister, two days prior to the [[Union budget of India|General Budget]], usually around [[26 February]]. Though the Railway Budget is separately presented to the Parliament, the figures relating to the receipt and expenditure of the Railways are also shown in the General Budget, since they are a part and parcel of the total receipts and expenditure of the Government of India. This document serves as a balance sheet of operations of the Railways during the previous year and lists out plans for expansion for the current year.
[[File:Railway ticket from Bangalore City junction to Pune junction.jpg|thumb|A standard printed Indian Railway ticket]]
In 1986, computerized ticketing and reservations were introduced before which ticketing was done manually.<ref name="IT"/> Self-printing ticket machines (SPTM) were introduced in 1988.<ref name="SF"/> Centralized computer reservation system was deployed in September 1996.<ref name="Hist"/> 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.<ref name="IRCTC"/> Indian Railways now provides multiple channels for passengers to book tickets through [[website]], [[smartphone app]]s, [[SMS]], rail reservation counters at train stations, or through private ticket booking counters. Reserved tickets may be booked up to 60 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|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.<ref>{{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|archive-date=9 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109154537/https://www.ndtvprofit.com/business/irctc-indian-railways-ticket-reservation-5-online-rules-to-know-about-waitlisted-tickets-1955796|url-status=live}}</ref> Reserved tickets can be booked by passengers who want to travel at short notice at higher fares through the [[Tatkal scheme|Tatkal train ticket]], where no refund is applicable on cancellation.<ref>{{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}}</ref> A valid proof for the purchase of ticket along with photo identification is required to board the train.<ref>{{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|archive-date=12 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712084141/http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/traffic_comm/Comm-Cir2K12/ID_Proof_AC_Class_CC_4_2012.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Unreserved tickets for short distance or unplanned travels may be purchased at stations or through UTS mobile app at any time before departure.<ref>{{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]]|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226091808/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/buy-suburban-train-tickets-via-app/article33712431.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Holders of such tickets may only board the general or unreserved coaches. Suburban networks also issue unreserved tickets valid for a limited time or season passes with unlimited travel between two stops for a period of time.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226091811/https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_detail.jsp?lang=0&id=0,4,268&dcd=8532&did=15771820428170372B05269DDBB2851DEA3EB8F9D77E2|url-status=live}}</ref>
The formation of policy and overall control of the railways is vested in Railway Board comprising the Chairman, Financial Commissioner and other functional Members for Traffic, Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical and Staff matters. As per the 2006 budget, Indian Railways earned [[Indian rupee|Rs.]]&nbsp;54,600&nbsp;[[crores]]<ref>[[Indian numbering system]]. 1 crore = 10,000,000</ref> (Rs. 546,000&nbsp;million or [[US$]]12,300&nbsp;million). Freight earnings increased by 10% from Rs.&nbsp;30,450&nbsp;cr (US$7,000&nbsp;million) in the previous year. Passenger earnings, other coaching earnings and sundry other earnings increased by 7%, 19% and 56% respectively over previous year. Its year end fund balance is expected to stand at Rs.&nbsp;11,280 cr (2.54 billion US$).<ref>[http://in.rediff.com/money/2006/feb/24railbud4.htm]. (1 USD = 44.36 INR as of [[2006-02-27]]).</ref>.
 
India has some of the lowest train fares in the world, and lower class passenger fares are subsidised.<ref>{{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|archive-date=31 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331170339/https://books.google.com/books?id=r31MYIrISFMC&q=indian+rail&pg=PA184#v=snippet&q=indian%20rail&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Make in India: GE to supply 1,000 diesel locomotives to Indian Railways; set up plant in Bihar|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/business/report-make-in-india-ge-to-supply-1000-diesel-locomotives-to-indian-railways-set-up-plant-in-bihar-2143977|work=DNA India|access-date=13 March 2024|date=20 March 2018|quote=India's railways...offers some of the world's cheapest fares...|archive-date=13 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313215610/https://www.dnaindia.com/business/report-make-in-india-ge-to-supply-1000-diesel-locomotives-to-indian-railways-set-up-plant-in-bihar-2143977|url-status=live}}</ref> Discounted fares are applicable for railway employees, [[senior citizen]]s (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.<ref>{{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|archive-date=18 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718095039/https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?id=0,2,281,877|url-status=live}}</ref>
Around 20% of the passenger revenue is earned from the upper class segments of the passenger segment (the air-conditioned classes). The overall passenger traffic grew 7.5% in the previous year. In the first two months of India's [[fiscal year]] 2005-06 (April and May), the Railways registered a 10% growth in passenger traffic, and a 12% in passenger earnings <ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1146548.cms Times of India]</ref>.
 
=== Freight ===
A new concern faced by Indian Railways is competition from [[Low-cost carrier|low cost airlines]] that has recently made its début in India. In a cost cutting move, the Railways plans to minimise unwanted cessations, and scrap unpopular routes.
[[File:Main-qimg-2eab05e182278bf019c97862578a3706.jpg|thumb|A hybrid coach with provision to carry small cargo and mail, often attached to passenger trains]]
The first rail operational in Madras in 1837 was used for ferrying granite.<ref name="FR"/> The first dedicated commercial freight rail was operated between Bombay and Ahmedabad in 1966.<ref name="Hist"/> Indian Railways ferries various commodities and [[cargo]] to cater to various industrial, consumer, and agricultural segments. Apart from dedicated freight trains, [[parcel (consignment)|parcel]]s, [[mail]] and small cargo are carried on specialized carriages attached to passenger trains.<ref name="Mint"/> In 2023–24, Indian Railways operated 11,724 freight trains on average daily and transported 1588.06 million tonnes of freight.<ref name="IRYB"/>
 
Indian Railways has historically subsidized the passenger segment with income from the freight business and prioritized passenger trains on the network. Hence, freight services were unable to complete other modes of transport on both cost and speed of delivery, leading to continuous erosion of market share till the early 2000s.<ref>{{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}}</ref> To counter this, Indian Railways established the [[Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India]] 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 multi-commodity multi-modal logistics terminals, changing container sizes, operating time-tabled freight trains and tweaking with the freight pricing/product mix.<ref>{{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}}</ref> End-to-end integrated transport solutions such as [[Konkan Railway Corporation#RORO|roll-on, roll-off]] (RORO) service, a [[Rolling highway|road-rail system]] pioneered by [[Konkan Railway Corporation|Konkan Railway]] in 1999 to carry trucks on [[flatbed truck|flatbed]] trailers is extended to other routes.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
== Current problems ==
[[Image:IndiaRailwaycrossingSiliguri.jpg|thumb|240px|Level crossings like these usually see a high accident rate]]
Indian railways suffers from deteriorating finances and lack the funds for future investment. Last year, India spent $28 billion, or 3.6% of GDP, on infrastructure. China, by comparison, spent $201 billion, or 9% of GDP, according to a report by JM Morgan Stanley. The main problem plaguing the Railways is the high accident rate which stands at about three hundred <ref>[http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railway/budget-2004/budget2004-2005.htm Rail Budget 2005]</ref> a year. Although accidents such as [[derailment]] and collisions are less common in recent times, many are run over by trains, especially in crowded areas. Indian Railways have accepted the fact that given the size of operations, eliminating accidents is an unrealistic goal, and at best they can only minimise the accident rate. Human error is the primary cause (83%)<ref>[http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2015/stories/20030801006911900.htm Frontline magazine online], Amulya Gopalakrishnan, Volume 20&ndash;Issue 15, July 19&ndash; August 01, 2003</ref> blamed for mishaps. The Konkan Railway route suffers from [[landslide]]s in the [[monsoon]] season, which has caused fatal accidents in the recent past.
 
== Accidents and incidents ==
Contributing to the Railways' problems are the antiquated communication, safety and signalling equipment. One area of upgrading badly required is an automated signalling system to prevent crashes. A number of train accidents happened due to a manual system of signals between stations. However, the changeover to a new system would require a substantial investment. It is felt that this would be required given the gradual increase in train speeds and lengths, that would make accidents more dangerous. In the latest instances of signalling control by means of interlinked stations (e.g., Chennai - Washermanpet), failure-detection circuits are provided for each track circuit and signal circuit with notification to the signal control centres in case of problems <ref> [http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-signal.html Indian Railways Signalling System], Indian Railways Signalling Systems</ref>. However, this is available in a very small subset of the total Railways. Aging colonial-era bridges and century-old tracks also require regular maintenance and upgrading.
{{Main|List of railway accidents and incidents in India}}
 
As per the Ministry of Railways, there have been more than 38,500 railway accidents from 1961 to 2019.<ref name="Data"/> In 2019-20, the Indian Railways reported zero passenger deaths due to accidents for the first time in its history.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/economy-politics/story/first-time-in-166-years-indian-railways-reports-zero-passenger-deaths-in-fy19-241448-2019-12-24|title=First time in 166 years, Indian Railways reports zero passenger deaths in FY20|date=25 December 2019|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[Business Today (India)|Business Today]]}}</ref> At least 313 people died in 40 train accidents in 2023-24 and 748 people have died in 638 train accidents in the previous ten years.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/313-passengers-four-employees-died-in-40-train-accidents-in-2023-24-says-rti-reply/article68642890.ece|title=313 passengers, four employees died in 40 train accidents in 2023-24, says RTI reply|date=14 September 2024|access-date=1 October 2024|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
In many places, [[pedestrian]]s, vehicles or [[cycling|cyclists]] may cut across the tracks to save time, causing a safety hazard to the railways. Most railway land in India is not fenced or restricted in any way, allowing free trespass. In rural areas, [[cattle]] and other animals may stray onto the tracks, posing a much more serious safety hazard to fast-moving trains.
 
{{Table alignment}}
==See also==
{| class="wikitable sortable defaultcenter col1left" style="font-size: 85%"
* [[Rail transport in India]]
|+Accidents of Indian Railways<ref name="Data">{{cite report|url=https://loksabhadocs.nic.in/Refinput/New_Reference_Notes/English/15112019_160240_102120367.pdf|title=Indian Railways safety performance|publisher=[[Government of India]]|date=November 2019|access-date=1 August 2024}}</ref>
* [[List of railway stations in India]]
|-
* [[List of Indian trains]]
!rowspan="2"|Span
* [[Indian Railway Organisational Structure|Organisational Structure of the Indian Railways]]
!colspan="6"|[[Train accident|Accidents]]
* [[Indian Railway Service of Engineers]] (IRSE)
!rowspan="2"|Train kms (million)
* [[Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers]] (IRSME)
!rowspan="2"|Accidents per million kms
* [[Indian Railway Organisational Structure|Organisational Structure of the Indian Railway]]
|-
* [[Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers]]
![[Train collision|Collisions]]
![[Derailments]]
![[Level crossing]]
![[Conflagration|Fire]]
!Others
!Total
|-
|1961–1970
|834
|10,664
|1,394
|1,037
|0
|13,929
|4,339
|3.21
|-
|1971–1980
|588
|6,763
|1,120
|185
|0
|8,665
|4,810
|1.80
|-
|1981–1990
|475
|6,242
|677
|176
|0
|7,570
|5,598
|1.35
|-
|1991–2000
|340
|3,583
|632
|77
|0
|4,642
|6,559
|0.70
|-
|2001–2010
|135
|1,680
|803
|93
|52
|2,763
|8,333
|0.33
|-
|2011–2019
|43
|567
|352
|54
|16
|1,023
|10,134
|0.10
|}
 
== See also ==
* [[List of railway companies in India]]
* [[Future of rail transport in India]]
 
== Notes ==
{{notelist}}
<references />
 
== References ==
{{reflist|3}}
* {{cite web | title= Indian Railways FAQ | work=[[Indian Railways Fan Club]] | url=http://www.irfca.org/faq| accessdate=June 18 | accessyear=2006}}
 
* {{cite web | title= IR History: Early Days | work=[[Indian Railways Fan Club]] | url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-hist.html| accessdate=June 19 | accessyear=2005}}
== Further reading ==
* {{cite web | title= Railway Zones | work=[[Indian Railways Fan Club]] | url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-geog.html| accessdate=June 19 | accessyear=2005}}
{{div col}}
* {{cite web | title= Famous Trains | work=[[Indian Railways Fan Club]] | url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-seltrain.html| accessdate=June 19 | accessyear=2005}}
* 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]
* {{cite web | title= Freight Trains | work=[[Indian Railways Fan Club]] | url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-freight.html| accessdate=June 19 | accessyear=2005}}
* [[Laura Bear|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]
* {{cite web | title= Miscellaneous material on Indian Railways | work=[[Indian Railways Fan Club]] | url=http://www.irfca.org/docs| accessdate=June 18 | accessyear=2006}}
* Hurd, John, and Ian J. Kerr. ''India’s Railway History: A Research Handbook'' (Brill: 2012), 338pp
* {{cite web | title= Trivia | work=[[Indian Railways Fan Club]] | url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-trivia.html| accessdate=June 19 | accessyear=2005}}
* Kerr, Ian J. ''Railways in Modern India'' (2001) [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0195648285 excerpt and text search]
* {{cite web | title= Introductory History of Indian Railways | work=Glyn's Trains | url=http://www.glynstrains.com/india2.html| accessdate=June 19 | accessyear=2005}}
* Kerr, Ian J. ''Engines of Change: The Railroads That Made India'' (2006)
* {{cite web | title= Salient Features of Indian Railways | work=Indian Railways | url=http://www.indianrail.gov.in/abir.html| accessdate=June 19 | accessyear=2005}}
* Kumar, Sudhir, and Shagun Mehrotra. ''Bankruptcy to Billions: How the Indian Railways Transformed Itself'' (2009)
* {{cite web | title=Highlights of railway budget, 2006-07| work=Rediff.com | url=http://in.rediff.com/money/2006/feb/24railbud4.htm| accessdate=February 27 | accessyear=2006}}
* Macpherson, W. J. "Investment in Indian Railways, 1845-1875." ''Economic History Review,'' 8#2, 1955, pp.&nbsp;177–186 [https://www.jstor.org/stable/2590986 online]
* {{cite web | title=Indian Railway takes the E-route| work=[[Times of India]] | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1146548.cms| accessdate=June 19 | accessyear=2005}}
{{div col end}}
* {{cite web | title=The Rediff Interview| work=Rediff.com | url= http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/03inter.htm | accessdate=June 19 | accessyear=2005}}
* {{cite web | title=A poor track record| work=Frontline magazine online | url= http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2015/stories/20030801006911900.htm | accessdate=June 19 | accessyear=2005}}
* {{cite book | author=Various authors | title=[[Guinness Book of World Records]]-2005 | publisher= Guinness World Records Ltd | year=2004 | id=ISBN 0-85112-192-6}}
 
== External links ==
{{commons category}}
{{Spoken Wikipedia|Indian Railways.ogg|2006-03-15}}
{{wikiquote}}
{{commonscat|Indian Railways}}
{{wikiquoteSpoken Wikipedia|Indian Railways.ogg|date=2006-03-15}}
<!-- ATTENTION! PLEASE DO NOT ADD ANY LINKS RELATED TO CHECKING PNR STATUS ETC, SUCH EDITS WILL BE REMOVED. READ THE EXTERNAL LINKS GUIDELINE -->
* [http://www.indianrail.gov.in/ Indian Railways Online] Official site
* {{official website|https://indianrailways.gov.in}}
*[http://www.harappa.com/magic/20.html Workers building the Railway]
* [http://www.indianrailways.gov.in Ministry of Railways, Government of India.] Official site
* [http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railway/maps/all_india.htm All India Railway Map]
* [http://www.irfca.org/ Indian Railways Fan Club]
* [http://www.irctc.co.in/ IR. Online Tickets]
* [http://www.indianrailways.8m.net/ Railways info]
* [http://www.trainweb.org/indiarail/ttable.htm Indian Railways Timetables and map]
* [http://in.geocities.com/trainsataglance Trains At A Glance]
* [http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/ The Official site of the Indian Railways]
* [http://www.diesellocoworks.com/ Diesel Locomotive Works]
* [http://www.clwindia.com/ Chittaranjan Locomotive Works]
* [http://www.dmwpatiala.com/index.html Diesel-Loco Modernisation Works]
* [http://www.icf.gov.in/ Integral Coach Factory]
* [http://www.rcfkapurthala.com/html/index.asp Rail Coach Factory]
* [http://www.rwfindia.gov.in/ibishome1.htm Wheel & Axle Plant]
* [http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railway/deptts/stat-eco/yrbk0405/2004_05/AR_04_05/Rolling_Stock.pdf Indian Railways Annual Report & Accounts (2004-05)]
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