World's Largest Rail Network: Indian Railways is the largest railway network in the world in terms of route length, with over 67,000 kilometers of track. It operates more than 20,000 passenger and freight trains daily, connecting every corner of the country.
Historical Significance: The first passenger train in India ran between Mumbai (then Bombay) and Thane on April 16, 1853. This marked the beginning of the Indian Railways, making it one of the oldest railway systems in Asia.
Diverse Gauges: India has a diverse range of railway gauges, including broad gauge (5 feet 6 inches), meter gauge (3 feet 3 inches), and narrow gauge (2 feet 6 inches). This diversity allows Indian Railways to cover various terrains and regions effectively.
Longest Continuous Run: The Vivek Express, also known as the Dibrugarh-Kanyakumari Vivek Express, holds the record for the longest continuous train journey in terms of distance covered. It travels over 4,000 kilometers from Dibrugarh in Assam to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu.
Luxury Trains: India is known for its luxury trains, such as the Palace on Wheels and the Maharaja Express. These trains offer opulent experiences, featuring lavish interiors, fine dining, and visits to historical and cultural destinations.
The Lifeline of India: Indian Railways is often referred to as the "lifeline of the nation" because it plays a crucial role in transporting goods, people, and essential commodities across the vast country. It helps in economic development and disaster relief efforts.
Matheran Hill Railway: The Matheran Hill Railway, located near Mumbai, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for being one of the few toy trains still in operation. It offers a picturesque journey through the Western Ghats and is a popular tourist attraction.
Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC): IRCTC is a subsidiary of Indian Railways and is responsible for catering, tourism, and online ticketing services. It's one of the largest e-commerce websites in India and handles millions of online train ticket bookings daily.
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