Why Train Travel Is The Better Way To Explore India

India as a country, is a kaleidoscope of various cultures, languages, cuisines, landscapes and histories. This mind-boggling diversity can be best enjoyed at a pace which only a train travel can provide. While flights and bus rides are viable means of transport, rail transport still remains the most immersive and authentic way to explore the soul of this ancient country.

Scenic train routes wind through mountains, deserts, and rivers, offering unforgettable views during your journey. Long train rides bring strangers together, creating shared experiences that flights or buses can’t replicate. Pilgrims visiting sacred sites, solo adventurers, and families alike find something special in train travel. It offers culture, comfort, and tradition.

How Train Travel Became the Backbone of Indian Transport

The first train in India started in 1853 operating between Bombay and Thane. This was a passenger train, however the first steam engine train had started in Madras by 1837. 

Trains in India were brought out by the British Raj. Although started for imperial reasons, Railways soon became Indianised and an important part of the nation’s infrastructure.

Currently, Indian Railways operate more than 13,000 trains, which includes 4,111 Mail and Express trains, 3,313 Passenger trains, and 5,774 Suburban trains. During the festive year as many as 30 million passengers use train travel in a single day.

By its size, Indian Railways is the fourth largest rail network in the world. Not only this, it is also one of the biggest employment providers in the world. Indian Railways is the World’s Seventh largest employer while India’s second largest employer. In India, Railways comes second only to the Indian Armed Forces in terms of employment.

Benefits of Train Travel Over Flights and Buses

When it comes to exploring India, train travel poses several advantages over flights and buses, making it the perfect choice for locals as well as tourists. Here are some of the reasons for this:

• Budget Friendly:  Train tickets are significantly cheaper than a flight ticket. Fare prices of AC classes even in luxury trains like Rajdhani Express and Shatabdi Express are significantly lower than fare of a flight ticket.

• Scenic Train Routes: Unlike a flight travel which only provides an aerial view of the route and bus travel which is often cramped with small leg space, a train travel offers a front row seat to the gorgeous Indian landscape. You can get an unparalleled experience of the Bengali rice fields, Assamese tea gardens, Rajasthan’s deserts, Maharashtra’s green mountains and waterfalls.

• Space and Comfort: In buses you are tied to one place, while the flight travel has a very restricted leg space. Train journey provides ample leg room, beds in some cases, walkable aisles and even online food delivery in train.

• Environmentally Friendly: Train travel has a lower carbon footprint compared to flights and buses making them a greener and an environment friendly alternative.

• Service and Support: There are a number of platforms that provide useful services like Live train running status, train schedule, PNR Status check and even the option to order food online in train. 

The Unique Travel Experience Only Indian Railways Can Offer

Indian Railways doesn’t just offer a means of transport, it offers an experience. You befriend strangers, witness gorgeous sunsets and wake up to a hot cup of chai served on your seat. There are many experience which are unique to train travel and is unheard of anywhere else:

• Witness India’s diversity: Indian trains are a hot bed for intermixing of different cultures. Whether it be landscapes, food or people, train travel provides an unmatchable blend. It is not unheard for a Bengali, Punjabi and Keralite to travel, eat and engage in intense conversations together. 

• Order food online in train: One of the unique and interesting features of train travel is the seamless delivery of food in train. RailMitra provides a fast and smooth method to order food online in train. You get to have an endless variety of food in train with RailMitra through its extensive range of over 2500 delivery partners, all of whom follow FSSAI guidelines and hold certifications.

• Ample choice and variety: You can choose from a number of options like a Sleeper class, 3AC, 2AC , Chair Cars, etc. Whether you are a budget traveller or one who seeks luxury, Indian Railways has an option for your needs on its trains. 

Modernization of Indian Railways: Smarter and Faster Than Ever

Initially Indian Railways focussed on widening its reach, so that its important services are available to every citizen of this country, regardless of whether they are living in a big city or a remote village. However, now the focus has been shifted to modernizing and making the services smarter and faster. 

Here are some of the steps taken by Indian Railways for Modernisation purposes: 

• Electrification: Indian Railways’ Broad Gauge reached 98% electrification in 2025 according to a post by the Press Information Bureau. Electrification not only enables faster and smoother transportation but also reduces dependencies on diesel and reduces noise, air pollution while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
• High-Speed and Premium Trains: To reduce time travel in India, Railways has introduced several semi-high-speed and premium trains. Some examples of these trains include Vande Bharat Express, Bullet Train, Tejas Express, etc.
• Better Infrastructure at Stations: Indian Railways is constantly working to update the services available at Railway Stations. New services like escalators and elevators, free Wi-Fi, Digital Display Boards, improved waiting areas, lounges and enhanced railway security are some of the elements that are added to stations nationwide.
• Environmentally Friendly Commitments: To embrace its drive of making train travel sustainable, Indian Railways has launched several green initiatives like installation of solar panels, use of bio-toilets, energy-efficient locomotives and coaches, rainwater harvesting and water recycling, solid waste management and composting, etc.
  

How RailMitra Enhances Your Train Travel Experience

RailMitra, your best friend of the train, has numerous rail services to offer that makes your train travel an informative, comfortable and pleasant experience. Here are few of RailMitra services that help you travel better:

• Check PNR Status: Indian Railways provides a unique PNR (Passenger Name Record) number along with every booking. This number could be used to check PNR Status online. PNR Status refers to your booking status, which can be Confirmed (CNF), Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC), or Waiting List (WL). If your ticket isn’t confirmed, you should keep checking the PNR status regularly for any updates.
• Order food online in train: With RailMitra you can order fresh and hot food in the train right at your train seat. RailMitra orders food through FSSAI approved restaurants without any additional charges like Platform fees and Delivery cost. You also get to add several coupons that are going to make your train food order even more affordable and economical: 
• RMGROUP – Flat 15% off on all Group Orders (RailMitra Special Group Offer)
• GROUP120 – Get ₹120 off on Group Meal Orders (Perfect for family or group travel)
• RMSAFAR – Save ₹50 on train meal orders above ₹249 (Ideal for solo travelers on the move)

These offers are available for a limited time. So hurry up and claim your offer now. 

• Live Train Running Status: RailMitra provides you the opportunity to track your train’s journey in real time with live station tracking. With live train running status, you can track the arrival/ departure timings at different stations adjusted to the delays and before time arrivals. With service you can also track the platform number on which your train will arrive.

Conclusion

In a country as big and culturally diverse as India, no other mode of travel captures the essence of the Indian landscape like train travel. While flights are faster and buses flexible, train travel is unmatched in terms of affordability, coverage across the country and comfort. 

With modern railway apps like RailMitra, train journeys are more comfortable than ever. You can track your train booking status, train live location and even order timely food delivery in train.

So, the next time you are about to go on a journey, choose train travel. Because in Indian Railways, the journey is much more beautiful than the destination itself. 

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Train Travel in India

Q. Which Train Travel longest distance in India?

Ans: The Dibrugarh-Kanyakumari Vivek Express is the train with the longest distance in India. Connecting Dibrugarh in Assam and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, this train’s running distance spans across 4,273 kilometers.

Q. Are Indian Railways 100% electrified?

Ans: No, Indian Railways hasn’t been 100% electrified yet, but it is very close. According to the latest report by PIB, Indian Railways has completed 98% electrification. 

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