Role of Indian Railways in Promoting Tourism in India

By: Shivani Prakash | onApril 22, 2025

Indian Railways has the major contribution in promoting tourism and travel in India. Indian Railways are known for their cheaper tickets, efficiency, and accommodation for the large numbers of passengers in one go. To enjoy the train journey on a budget and people can explore the various places whether it is for spiritual and holiday purposes.

With the advent of electric railway systems in India the train journey became easier even in remote areas. Trains can reach those places where aircraft cannot due to limited airbase and terrain. Extensive train network helps tourists reach destinations across India.

Traveling is a thrilling experience.
Trip planning can be hassles.
Tasks include ticket booking, arranging accommodations, and more.
Multiple aspects need attention for a smooth journey.

How Indian Railways helps in Promoting Tourism

The focus and strength of tourism industries depends on the availability and reliable accommodation, hygienic food, and good transportation. These are the factors that enhance the tourism industry with the help of the Indian Railway. Tourism in india depending upon the three essential elements i.e. Attraction, Accessibility, and Accommodation and the majorly accessibility. Accessibility decides whether tourists reach their destinations that involve mode of transportation.

Connecting the Unconnected

With over 67,000 kilometers of track and 7000 stations Indian railways has the largest rail network in the world.

Extends travel access to rural and remote areas.
Enables millions without other transport options to travel.
Provides invaluable connectivity for tourists.
Allows exploration of offbeat regions.
Helps discover hidden cultural gems.
Enhances experience of India’s diverse culture.

The connectivity of the rural and remote areas has made possible and tourists are able to reach and explore the regions who have hidden cultural gems. To explore and uplift the travel experience, connectivity is valuable to experience the diversity of India. Tourists will be able to see and know the route and evolve the history of that place.

Connects diverse lands, from the Thar Desert in Rajasthan to the tea gardens of Assam.
Bridges geographical and cultural distances across India.
New routes and modernized lines improve accessibility to tourist destinations.
Boosts regional economies through enhanced connectivity.

Affordable and Accessible Travel

Affordability is the distinctive feature of Indian Railways. As we know traveling by train is quite easier than air travel. Train journeys are always affordable and connect you to the most part of the indian and it is pocket friendly.

Offers a range of travel classes: luxurious first-class AC, economical sleeper class, and general compartments.

Caters to travelers from all economic backgrounds.
Makes train journeys accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Affordability plays a vital role in boosting domestic tourism.
Enables families, students, and small groups to travel long distances at low cost.
Concessional fares available for senior citizens, students, and differently-abled individuals.
Promotes inclusive and budget-friendly travel across India.

Heritage and Scenic Routes

There are lots of train routes that offer you the best scenic beauty and it is not only the route but gives you the unbelievable experience.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Kalka-Shimla Railway

These routes will give you the best views of iconic land and mesmerize yourself with the fusion of scenery and blowing air.

Konkan Railway offers views of the Arabian Sea, dense forests, and winding rivers.
Jammu-Baramulla line in Kashmir showcases stunning valley vistas.
Popular among nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
These scenic rail journeys have become tourist attractions.
Provide unique travel experiences not possible by air or road.

Promotion of Religious and Pilgrimage Tourism

India is a core spiritual and religious centre. Religious tourism increases as a form of domestic travel. Indian railways has introduced a special train for the pilgrims that will help them to travel and visit the famous teerth and famous temples of india.

These are the renowned teerth sites:

Varanasi, Haridwar, Rameswaram, Vaishno Devi, and Tirupati. Teerth Yatra is specifically designed for the devotees.

Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22439) runs between New Delhi (NDLS) and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK).
Departs New Delhi at 06:00 and arrives at Katra at 14:15.
Vande Bharat Express covers a distance of 655 km in approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes.
Halts at six stations en route, such as Ambala Cantt, Ludhiana Jn, Pathankot Cantt, and Jammu Tawi.
The timing of return from the vaishno devi mandir (Train No. 22440) departs from the Katra at 14:55 and reaches New Delhi at 23:00.
Final chart is prepared 3 to 4 hours before the departure.

Enhancing Tourist Convenience

Indian railways has take major initiative to enhance the tourist convenience by offering them all the required amenities such as:

Now they have the option to cut the ticket online by using a mobile app that helps to plan the itinerary in advance.
Train food delivery app simplifies the travel experience by allowing them to order their tasty and hygienic meal as per their taste palette by RailMitra app.
You can check live train running status by using RailMitra app i.e all in one railway app.
Mostly the trains are clean and take care of the cleanliness. Time to time cleaning the train.
Tourist information center available where they can ask their queries.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Indian Railways, despite its contributions, faces challenges in boosting tourism potential.
Common issues include overcrowding, delays, and outdated infrastructure on some routes.
Poor maintenance at certain stations can discourage travelers.
Continued investment in modernization is necessary.
Improved management practices and customer service are essential to overcome these challenges.

The vision of the government “ Dekho Apna Desh” and “Incredible India” are the most crucial campaigns that unite with the railway to boost domestic tourism in India. That helps to improve the last mile connectivity, also the destinations which are of beat that leads to elevate the Tourism sector in India.

Tips to Maximize Your Railway Tourism Experience

Advance booking if you are going to see the heritage and scenic routes.
For ticket booking you need to use the official app IRCTC and for schedules Use all in one app RailMitra.
Pre-book your meals by using RailRestro app and explore the wide range of menu.
Keep your essentials handy for the long journey that helps you to offer ease.
Choose window seats on scenic routes for a better experience.

Conclusion

Therole of Indian railways is not only restricted to mode of transportation but they contributed in various sectors. As it amplifies the tourism sector in India in various means and helps to make passengers travel easier. Its extensive network and connectivity along with affordability promotes tourism in India. If you want to travel in luxurious class or at an affordable price Indian railway offers you both and become indispensable in the contribution to tourism.

Pilgrims can explore the heritage on budget and see the incredible beauty Indian railways caters to all types of passengers.