Indian Railways
India
About Indian Railways
Indian Railways (IR) is the world's fourth-largest railway network and one of the largest employers globally. With over 13,000 passenger trains running daily across a 68,000+ km network, it connects more than 7,500 stations from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh. The system is managed centrally by the Ministry of Railways and serves over 23 million passengers every day.
Flagship services include the Rajdhani Express (connecting state capitals to New Delhi), Shatabdi Express (premium day trains for short journeys), Duronto Express(non-stop intercity), and the modern Vande Bharat Express� India's indigenous semi-high-speed train operating at 160 km/h. Tickets are booked via IRCTC (irctc.co.in).
Network Facts
- Operator
- Indian Railways (IR)
- Track gauge
- 1676 mm broad gauge
- Network
- 68,000+ km
- Daily trains
- 13,000+
- Passengers/day
- 23 million+
- Max speed
- 160 km/h (Vande Bharat)
- Ticket booking
- irctc.co.in / app
- Helpline
- 139 (24 � 7)
Key Train Routes
Major intercity corridors and journey times
Rajdhani 12951, August Kranti
Rajdhani 12301, Duronto
Tamil Nadu Express 12621
Udyan Express, Rajdhani
Shatabdi 12015, Ajmer SF
Shatabdi 12009, Intercity
Train Classes � Quick Guide
Indian Railways offers multiple seating classes on every long-distance train
4-berth lockable cabin, highest comfort, bedding included
4-berth open bay with curtain, AC, bedding
8-berth open bay, most popular for overnight, bedding on some
8-berth non-AC, cheapest overnight, very popular
Reclining AC seats, day trains only (Shatabdi, Vande Bharat)
Non-AC bench seating, shortest journeys only
Book Indian Railways Tickets
TrainTrackings provides timetables and live tracking. To purchase tickets, visit the official IRCTC website or use the IRCTC Rail Connect app.
Indian Railways � Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check live train running status in India?
Use the NTES app, TrainTrackings's live tracking, or SMS your train number to 139. PNR status is available at irctc.co.in or by SMSing PNR to 139.
What are the train classes on Indian Railways?
Indian trains offer several classes: 1A (First AC, 4-berth private), 2A (Second AC, 4-berth open), 3A (Third AC, 8-berth, most popular for overnight), SL (Sleeper, non-AC budget), CC (Chair Car, AC day train), 2S (Second Sitting, cheapest), and Executive (Vande Bharat premium).
How far in advance can I book Indian train tickets?
Advance Reservation Period (ARP) is 120 days before departure (not counting the day of journey). Tatkal quota opens 1 day before departure at a premium fare. Emergency Quota is available at select stations.
What is the fastest train in India?
Vande Bharat Express operates at up to 160 km/h on upgraded tracks, making it India's fastest train in commercial service. The Gatimaan Express (Delhi�Agra) also reaches 160 km/h. Bullet train (Mumbai�Ahmedabad MAHSR) is under construction.
What is the longest train route in India?
Vivek Express (15905/15906) between Dibrugarh (Assam) and Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu) covers 4,273 km in approximately 82 hours � the longest rail journey under one train number in India.
How do I book IRCTC tickets online?
Register a free account at irctc.co.in or the IRCTC Rail Connect app. Search trains by source/destination, choose your class and date, complete payment via UPI, net banking, credit/debit card, or wallets. E-ticket is delivered to your email and SMS.