Category Archives: Indian Railway News

Diwali Special Trains 2023

Special Trains for Special Festival: Diwali

People celebrate many festivals across different states of India. While some festivals are typical to one state. People celebrate a few festivals with equal pomp in every part of India. One such festival is Diwali.

Diwali is also popularly referred to as the Festival of Lights. There are many stories surrounding the origin of this Hindu festival. The most popular story about this festival is that when Ramachandra came back to Ayodhya after defeating the Lanka King Ravana. The people decked up the entire city in lights and burst crackers. This became a tradition and people celebrate this even today. It is mainly a festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil.

Diwali is the time when families meet, distribute sweets and gifts and spend quality time with each other. People travel from one city to another so that they can meet their loved ones and enjoy the celebrations with them. Diwali is generally celebrated between late October and mid-November. This is a very busy time since many people travel from one part of the country to another. More often than not the regularly plying trains are not sufficient to support the huge inflow of travellers. So, in order to make it easier and convenient for the travellers. The railway runs a few special trains that run only during this time of the year.

These Diwali Special Trains is a great help to all the people who journey long distances in order to meet their loved ones. To be on the safe side. It is always advisable to book your tickets in advance. Even if you do end up making travelling plans during the last minute, these special trains come extremely in handy!

Diwali

Some Special Trains for Special Festivals

DateTrain No.Train NameDept.Arrv.
10.13.15  & 17.11.2302250New Delhi-Patna Rajdhani Festival Special19.10hrs07.30hrs
11.14.16 & 18.11.2302249Patna-New Delhi Rajdhani Festival Special09.10hrs21.00hrs
24.10.2023 to 14.11.2023 (4 Trips)07427Lokmanya Tilak Terminus-Hazur Sahib Nanded Special16.40 hrs09.30 hrs
23.10.2023 to 13.11.2023 (4 Trips)07426Hazur Sahib Nanded-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Special21.15 hrs13.30 hrs
26.10.2023 to 02.11.202304717Bikaner-Valsad (Weekly Special)15.00hrs10.50hrs
27.10.2023 to 03.11.202304718Valsad-Bikaner (Weekly Special)13.00hrs09.00hrs
10.11.23 to 29.12.2304714Bandra Terminus-Bikaner Weekly Special16.00hrs14.30hrs
09.11.23 to 28.12.2304713Bikaner-Bandra Terminus (Weekly Special)15.00hrs13.40hrs
13.11.23 to 01.01.2409622Bandra Terminus-Ajmer (Weekly Special)11.15hrs09.10hrs
12.11.23 to 31.12.2309621Ajmer-Bandra Terminus (Weekly Special)06.35hrs04.15hrs
09.11.23 to 28.12.2309724Bandra Terminus-Jaipur (Weekly Special)09.30hrs06.45hrs
08.11.23 to 27.12.2309723Jaipur-Bandra Terminus (Weekly Special)08.25hrs04.55hrs
05.11.2023 to 19.11.202301209Amravati-Pune MEMU Special12.40 hrs02.45 hrs
06.11.2023 to 20.11.202301210Pune-Amravati MEMU Special06.35 hrs19.50 hrs
06.11.2023 to 19.11.202301211Badnera-Nashik MEMU Special11.05 hrs19.40 hrs
06.11.2023 to 19.11.202301212Nashik-Badnera MEMU Special21.15 hrs04.35 hrs
19.10.2023 to 30.11.2023 (7 Trips)01043Lokmanya Tilak Terminus- Samastipur AC Weekly Superfast Specials12.15 hrs21.15 hrs
20.10.2023 to 01.12.202301044Samastipur-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus AC Weekly Superfast Specials23.20 hrs07.40 hrs
16.10.2023 to 27.11.2023 (7 Trips)01053LTT- Banaras weekly special12.15 hrs16.05 hrs
17.10.2023 to 28.11.2023 (7 Trips)01054Banaras-LTT weekly special20.30 hrs23.55 hrs
20.10.2023 to 01.12.2023 (7 trips)01185Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Mumbai- Mangaluru Junction Weekly Special22.15 hrs17.05 hrs
21.10.2023 to 02.12.2023 (7 trips)01186Mangaluru Junction-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Mumbai Weekly Special18.45 hrs14.25 hrs
17.10.2023 to 28.11.2023 (7Trips)02141Pune Junction-Ajni AC Superfast Weekly Special15.15 hrs04.50 hrs
18.10.2023 to 29.11.2023 (7 trips)02142Ajni-Pune Junction AC Superfast Weekly Special19.50 hrs11.35 hrs
20.10.2023 to 01.12.2023 (7 Trips)01431Pune-Gorakhpur Superfast Weekly Specials16.15 hrs21.00 hrs
21.10.2023 to 02.12.2023 (7 trips)01432Gorakhpur-Pune Superfast Weekly Specials23.25 hrs06.25 hrs
16.10.2023 to 01.01.202401025Dadar-Ballia Tri-weekly special  (34 Trips)
01.10.2023 and 18.10.2023 to 03.01.202401026Ballia-Dadar Tri-weekly special (34 Trips)
15.10.2023 to 31.12.202301027Dadar-Gorakhpur 4-days a week special (45 Trips)
2.10.2023 and 17.10.2023 to 02.01.202401028Gorakhpur-Dadar 4-days a week special (45 Trips)
04.10.2023 to 30.12.202301139Nagpur-Madgaon Bi-Weekly Special (26 Trips)
 05.10.2023 to 31.12.202301140Madgaon-Nagpur Bi-Weekly Special (26 Trips)

Indian Railways Announce Three Special Trains for Kawad Yatra

Indian Railways Announce Three Special Trains for Kawad Yatra

The Kawad Yatra is scheduled to begin on the 1st of August and post the terrorist attack in Gurdaspur. The safekeeping for this annual Yatra has increased for all the devotees. Not just this, but the Northern Railway declared that they would run three exclusive trains for Kawad Yatra. Two trains will run daily from the capital city. Delhi to Haridwar through Shamli and the other special train will run every day passing through Hapur. These trains will be active from 1st to 12th August.

With this facility in force, it is also decided that one magistrate and officer would be posted in each sector from where the routes pass. There are CCTV cameras installed at all the sensitive areas. Plus, inspectors dressed in casuals will go along with the devotees throughout the route for safety reasons.

The health department of Uttar Pradesh has booked a ward in the district hospital and about hundred beds are reserved for any aid for the travellers. Other than this, about 24 mobile vans are arranged to provide any sort of treatment.

About Kawad Yatra

Kawadias are Lord Shiva devotees and followers, who come together and gather at Haridwar every year to take a dip and collect water of the holy river Ganga to offer it to Lord Shiva. This Yatra starts from August 1st and ends by August 12th. The followers pay respect and homage at several Shiva temples along the route. A lot of devotees observe a fast on Mondays during the month of Shravan when this yatra takes place. Most of the pilgrims are men, but these days a lot of women are participating in the Yatra too. Different modes of travel are taken up by these followers. Few opt for bicycles, motor cycles, scooters, mini trucks or jeeps.

A lot of Hindu organizations set up camps along the National Highway during this time to provide food, shelter, medical help and other things when the travellers are tired or need some support. The Kawad Yatra, also known as Kanwar Yatra, is related to the blending of ocean of milk in the Hindu Puranas. When poison came out before Amrita and the universe started scorching from the heat, it was Lord Shiva who agreed to inhale this poison in order to save the world. But after inhaling it, he was in agony from the negatives of the poison. In Treta Yuga, Lord Shiva’s sincere follower Ravana did meditation. He got holy water of Ganga by using kanwar and poured it on Lord Shiva’s temple in Puramahadev. This released the Lord from negatives of the poison.

The Yatra began in 1960 and is now a big affair for all the saints and devotees of Lord Shiva.

Indian Railways Facts

Indian Railways Facts

Train being the most popular way to connect from one place to the other has been used by us least more than once.  In the past few years, the Indian Railways have improved their service a lot. Owing to lesser cost of fares, cleaner toilets, availability of charging points and private food delivery portals providing hygienic train food service, many people prefer this mode of transport. Associated with the Indian railways are many facts that will make for an interesting read. Hold your breath!

maxresdefault1 . Speediest and Slowest Train –

At an average speed of 90 kmph and a whopping high speed of 150kmph, The New Delhi-Bhopal Shatabdi Express barrels faster than light! The Nilgiri Express is the certified slowest train with a speed of 10kmph only!

2 . The Longest and Shortest Distance –

Covering a vast distance of 4,275 km, the Vivek Express carries passengers from Dibrugarh in the East to Kanyakumari in the South, the longest distance in terms of the total time. On the other hand, train services are provided from the station of Nagpur to its neighbor Ajni, located at a distance of just 3km.

3 . Train with Most Halts

115 stations in between, the Howrah-Amritsar Express is known for its maximum halts.

4 .Two Destinations with a Common Location –

Belapur and Srirampur are two individual stations in the Ahmednagar district of Maharahtra, sharing a common location on the rail route, each on one side of the platform.

5. Most Unreliable Train –

Indian Railways, like its passengers is often late to work! The Guwahati-Trivandrum Express, however, has become notorious for being the least punctual one. 10-13 hours are delayed at every trip when the scheduled hours of the journey are already 65!

6. The Toughest and Easiest Station to Pronounce

Venkatanarasimharajuvaripeta that runs on the Arakkonam-Renigunta route of Tamil Nadu holds the record for the station with the longest name. Ib, close to Jharsuguda and Od, in Gujarat hold the distinction for the shortest names.

7. India’s Oldest Loco –
The oldest functioning locomotive of the country is Fairy Queen, started in the year 1885. It also holds the record for being the oldest working steam engine globally.

8. Tunnel Track –
Pir Panjal tunnel, having a great length of 11.220 km is the longest tunnel in the county.  Its construction was finally finished in the December of 2012 in Jammu & Kashmir.

9. The origin of Toilets –

In 1909, Okhil Babu, a commoner who once traveled by a train without toilets, wrote a letter to the Indian Railways about the ordeals he encountered due to absence of toilets. This triggered the introduction of toilets in every train.

10. World’s Longest Platform –
Yes, we also hold the record for having the world’s longest railway platform in Kharagpur, West Bengal. It measures 2,733 ft.

11. The Most Busy Station –
Lucknow, where 64 trains depart daily.

12. Employment –
Another fact of pride, Indian Railways comes ninth on the list of world’s largest employer. It has over 1.4 million employees. Also, it is India’s largest employer.

13. Worst Train Accident –
Dated on June 6, 1981, a passenger train between Saharsa and Mansi was derailed and dived into the Bagmati River. Over 800 people died while hundreds went missing.

So, the next time you travel by train, share these facts with your co passengers!

Indian Railways Structure: Zones & Division

Indian Railways Structure: Zones & Division

Want to know about Indian Railways Structure: Zones & Division. The history of the railways with innumerable twists and turns, stories of influence and opinions, debates over the advantages and disadvantages is a tale of how a nation as big as India comes together.

The Beginning –

The saga of Indian Railways began in the 1900s as an attempt to bind the nation into one connected piece of land. In 1853, the Bombay-Thane railway was the very first railway on the Indian soil.

Since then, there was no looking back. By the 1930s, India was well-connected with rail stations and routes. After the independence, the Indian Railways has undergone some structural changes. Also, we have gotten smaller zones and subdivisions for better service and management. That’s why with a mind blowing 68 divisions, Indian Railways is one of the widest networks in the world.

Indian Railway Zones & Sub Zones/Divisions-

Indian Railways has 17 zones and each zone has many divisions. The divisions have their own headquarters, operational workshops and management. It operates as a well-oiled organization, and its vast operations often leave people feeling overwhelmed.

1. Central (CR) –

This zone was created after independence in 1951. The head quarter is located in Mumbai. The zone consists of Mumbai, Pune, Bhusawal, Nagpur and Solapur.

2. Eastern(ER) –

Right after the Central Zone, the government took up the job of re-designing the country’s eastern and northern railways divisions for better management. The Eastern Zone was created, as a result, in 1952. Head quartered at Kolkata, the zone includes Howrah, Asansol, Malda and Sealdah stations.

3. Northern (NR) –

This zone was also created in 1952. Having Delhi as its head quarter, the zone includes Ambala, Firozpur, Moradabad, Lucknow and Udhampur.

4. North Eastern (NER) –

Created in 1952, the zone includes Izzatnagar and Benaras. The head quarter is at Gorakhpur.

5. South Eastern (SER) –

Indian Railways created this zone in 1955 to manage the densely populated areas of the eastern part of the country. Head quartered at Kolkata, the zone covers Ranchi, Chakradharpur, Kharagpur and Adra.

6. Northeast Frontier(NFR) –

Created in 1958, this zone plays a crucial role in maintaining communication throughout the north east region. The head quarter is at Guwahati and the zone covers major junctions in the area like Tinsukia, Lumding, Silchar, Alipurduar, Kathiar and Rangia.

7. Eat Central (ECR) –

Created recently in 2002, this zone has lessened the loads of Northern and Eastern Zones to a great extent. Head quartered at Hajipur, the zone covers Danapur, Mughalsarai, Samastipur, Dhanbad and Sonpur.

8. East Coast (ECoR) –

In 2003, this zone was created to connect and improve management of railways in the coastal areas of the east. The head quarter is at Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha and the zone covers Visaskapattanam, Sambalpur and Khurda Road.

9. North Central (NCR) –

The population explosion in the northern parts of the country has led to the division of the great state of Uttar Pradesh into smaller states. As a continuation of that administrative effort, authorities created this zone in 2003, covering Jhansi, Allahabad, and Agra. The head quarter is at Allahabad.

10. North Western (NWR) –

In 2002, this zone was created with the head quarter in Jaipur. The zone covers the major cities in Rajasthan like Ajmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur. Creation of this zone has helped tourism to flourish in Rajasthan with proper focus of hospitality and service quality.

11. West Central (WCR) –

Created in 2003, the zone covers Bhopal and Kota along with the head quarter at Jabalpur.

12. Southern (SR) –

Indian Railways created this zone in 1951 as one of the original railway zones after independence. Head quartered at Chennai, the zone today covers Tiruchirappalli, Salem, Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad.

13. South Central (SCR) –

Created in 1966, head quartered in Secunderabad, the zone covers Nanded, Guntur, Parbhani, Hyderabad, Guntakal and Vijayawada.

14. South East Central (SECR) –

Created in 2003, the zone covers Raipur and Nagpur along with the head quarter at Bilaspur.

15. South Western (SWR) –

Created in 2003, head quartered at Hubli, the zone covers Bangalore and Mysore.

16. Western (WR) –

Created in 1951, head quartered at Mumbai, this zone covers Mumbai Central, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Ratlam, Vadodara, Bhavnagar and Gandhidham.

With these many zones, the Indian Railways is truly an amazing network that keeps our country alive and thriving.

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How to Change Name in Railway E-Ticket Online?

How to Change Name in Railway E-Ticket Online?

Traveling by train in India continues to be one of the most convenient, economical, and enjoyable experiences. It’s a preferred mode of transport for millions, offering scenic views, comfort, and affordability all in one journey. But sometimes, during the ticket booking process, mistakes happen—especially with passenger names. So, if you’re wondering how to change name in Indian Railways e-ticket online, here’s everything you need to know.

Thanks to advancements in digital services, the process of changing names on an Indian Railways e-ticket is now simple and hassle-free. First, log in to your IRCTC account with your valid credentials. Go to the “Change Boarding Point/Passenger Name Request” section. Download the request form, fill it out correctly with updated passenger details, and upload it on the same portal.

If you prefer offline assistance, visit your nearest railway station or the boarding station. Carry a valid ID proof of the passenger whose name needs to be changed along with a printout of the e-ticket. Submit these at the help desk. The railway staff will provide a form to fill out and issue a receipt once the name change request is processed.

Train journeys are popular across all income groups in India. While flights and private vehicles may offer speed, trains provide the perfect blend of affordability and comfort. Whether it’s general class or an air-conditioned coach, Indian Railways ensures that every passenger gets value for money.

Food Craving?

And if you’re traveling via train and need food on the go, Travelkhana has you covered. Simply enter your PNR number on the Travelkhana website or mobile app and enjoy hot, hygienic meals delivered directly to your train seat. It’s a seamless experience that makes your journey even more enjoyable.

So now you know how to change name in Indian Railways e-ticket online—just a few clicks or a short station visit, and your issue is resolved efficiently.

How do we travel?

Travelling by train is quite easy. All you need is a valid ticket—either purchased from the railway station counter or booked online. While booking online, you’re required to enter your personal details, which are stored in the passenger database. Making changes to these details, especially in emergency situations or correcting a name, was once considered a complicated task. However, things have become more convenient in recent times.

If you are not the one travelling and need to change the name in a railway e-ticket online, you might wonder about the procedure. Is it simple or still complex? Let’s quickly understand how this can be managed in today’s digital process.

Need to change the passenger name on your railway e-ticket? It’s now simpler than ever. If you’re planning to make the change offline, visit your boarding station or the nearest railway station at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Post that, name changes are not allowed. Carry a printout of the e-ticket and a valid photo ID proof of the new passenger who will be traveling. At the station, you’ll be given a passenger name change form. Fill it out correctly and submit it to the concerned official. Don’t forget to collect the acknowledgment receipt—it’s essential in case of any travel issues.

Thanks to digital advancements, Indian Railways now allows online name changes too. Simply log in to your IRCTC account, locate the ‘Change boarding point and passenger name request form’, download it, fill it accurately, and upload it online. Once processed, you’ll receive confirmation via SMS and email. This online method is much faster and avoids the need to visit the station.

Can We Transfer Our Indian Railway E-Ticket to Third Person?

Yes, you can now transfer your confirmed Indian Railway ticket to another person with ease. Thanks to revised guidelines by Indian Railways, passengers can officially transfer a confirmed ticket to a family member if they are unable to travel themselves. This facility not only saves valuable time but also prevents the loss of money spent on the reservation.

Whether it’s due to a sudden change in plans or an emergency, this rule helps ensure that your booked seat doesn’t go to waste. However, the ticket transfer must be done in accordance with the prescribed railway norms. Typically, it is allowed only for close family members such as parents, siblings, spouses, or children.

  1. A written request need to be submitted by the passenger to the nearest train reservation office 24 hours in advance the appointed time of train departure, describing details of the passenger name that ticket need to be issued. The person need to carry the original ID proof, e-reservation slip proof at the time of travel. The e-tickets can be transferred only to family members like father, mother, brother, son, sister, husband, wife, or daughter.
  2. All such requests will be only approved once.

Hope, the information made the concern clear so do follow the same and have a safe travel!

Train Coach Seat Map Layout and Numbering

Train Coach Seat Map Layout And Numbering




Train Coach Position

When planning a rail journey, travelers often book seats well in advance on trains headed to their destination. To travel comfortably and avoid last-minute hassles, it is highly recommended to use the latest technology and online platforms to check the train coach position, seat map layout, and seat numbering before the journey begins. Knowing the exact coach and seat location saves time, avoids confusion, and reduces the rush while boarding, especially at crowded stations.

By entering the PNR number mentioned on the ticket on reliable platforms like TravelKhana, passengers can easily view specific details about their coach layout and seat position. Accessing a detailed seat map helps travelers find their assigned seats quickly and enjoy a smooth travel experience.

Understanding the Coach Layout

A coach layout visually displays the exact sequence and position of coaches as the train enters the platform. However, it is important to note that the coach arrangement may vary depending on the distance covered and the train route. Additionally, trains with similar names but different numbers may have different layouts, making it essential to verify coach details in advance.

Clear and detailed layouts help passengers identify their coach and seat without confusion. With a smartphone or tablet, travelers can view coach layouts anytime, ensuring they board the right coach at the right time.

Important Note: Although layouts provide a good indication, Indian Railways sometimes alters the coach sequence at the last minute due to operational needs. Thus, passengers are advised to double-check coach positions upon arrival at the station.

Why Coach Layouts are Important

Understanding coach layouts is beneficial not just for passengers with confirmed tickets, but also for those planning to book. Referring to the seat map helps travelers decide on coach preferences, seat selection, and ensures group travelers can book seats together.

Indian Railways operates one of the largest rail networks globally, and with multiple classes and coach types available — such as AC Chair Car (CC), Second Sitting (2S), Sleeper Class (SL), and more — knowing the layout in advance is extremely useful. The well-organized seat map layout clearly outlines seat numbers, berth types, and the location of entrances and exits within each coach.

Whether you are traveling solo, with family, or friends, referring to the train coach seat map and numbering layout offers a more comfortable and hassle-free journey.

For live train status, food delivery, seat maps, and more travel essentials, visit travelkhana website.




When planning your train journey, it’s essential to first identify the correct coach type and seat map layout based on your class of travel. A crucial step is determining whether your train is equipped with the newer LHB coaches or the older ICF coaches. Most trains in India still operate with ICF coaches, but newer premium services often use LHB coaches.

Understanding the Difference Between ICF and LHB Coaches

ICF, or Integral Coach Factory, based in Perambur near Chennai, manufactures the traditional Indian Railways coaches seen widely across the country. These coaches follow the conventional design and build. On the other hand, LHB coaches — developed through a technology transfer agreement by Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala — offer a modern design. LHB coaches feature larger windows, better suspension, smoother rides, minimal noise, and enhanced safety standards during collisions, making them a superior choice for comfort and safety.

Train Seat Map and Layout Guide

If you wish to know your exact seat location in sleeper class, AC 2-tier, or AC 3-tier coaches, referring to a detailed seat map layout is highly beneficial. The Indian Railways has devised clear diagrams showing seat numbering and berth allocation. Berths are color-coded for easy identification — for instance, upper berths in green, middle berths in orange, lower berths in blue, side uppers in pink, side lowers in brown, and door/passages in grey or white.

By checking the train seat map, travelers can quickly determine their seating location, making it easier to plan when traveling with family or groups. If you know your coach and seat number, the map provides a complete visual guide to where you’ll be seated.

Making Train Journeys Hassle-Free

Thanks to advancements in technology, the Indian Railways now offers online tools where, by entering your train number or PNR, you can get real-time information about the train’s coach layout and seat structure. The layout varies depending on the source, destination, and total distance covered. Since some trains share similar names but have different numbers, always double-check the train number for accurate information.

Finding Your Coach Easily

To avoid last-minute confusion, travelers are encouraged to use their smartphones to access these online layouts. By entering the train number, you can view clear, detailed diagrams that indicate coach positions, seat layouts, and entrance points. However, always keep in mind that coach positions may change at the last moment due to operational adjustments by Indian Railways.

Coach Composition and Speed Maintenance

In premium trains like the Rajdhani Express, a fairly standard coach pattern is usually maintained, especially to ensure optimal speed and efficiency. However, checking the latest composition online is always recommended. Trains often consist of a set number of coaches — particularly two-tier AC coaches — to maintain uniform speed and balance. Earlier, passengers often faced difficulties locating their assigned coaches, leading to stressful boarding experiences.

No More Last-Minute Rush

Today, with the help of Indian Railways’ official websites and travel portals like TravelKhana, passengers can easily view detailed coach layouts. This ensures a seamless boarding process without any last-minute confusion.

If you have a reservation, simply check your ticket for the coach number printed clearly, and use the online seat map to locate your coach and seat easily. Make your journey comfortable, organized, and stress-free by planning ahead!

Class/coach descriptionCoach typeCoach number
Second ACFullA
Second AC and Three tier ACCompositeAB
Three-tier ACFullB
AC Chair Car (Normal trains)FullC
AC Chair Car (Shatabdi/Duronto Express)FullC
AC Chair Car (Double Decker)FullC
Second SittingFullD
Executive ClassFullE
First Class Non-ACFullF
First ACFullH
First AC and Second ACCompositeHA
First AC and Three-tier ACCompositeHB
Sleeper Class Non-ACFullS

Time Table, Fare & Coaches

Have a look at the table, and find out the starting letter of your coach in the respective column. Just for an example, in case your coach number is A3, you have to read and go to the row where coach number column depicts A. In case, you are just here to gather and understand more of the coach layout and numbering, then the coach and class description could be of your help. Few of the coaches in the Indian Railways system is composite depicting for half the coach is one class and other one half a different class.

The coach type column shows whether the coach you are looking for is a full coach, a composite coach divided into two classes, or a coach dedicated to one class. Apart from this, the diagram below helps you understand how the seats are categorized and defined, and you can identify them easily according to your coach number. In itself, it is very clear how Indian Railways seat chart looks like for AC and non AC in sleeper/chair car category.

In the chair car class, people can book a window seat, middle seat or the aisle seat whereas in the sleeper class, there are options to book upper berth, middle berth, lower berth, side upper, side middle, side lower along with the passage in a fine represented way. So, go through the same, get to know about the relevant coach number and seat number and travel without any inconvenience and hassle. Have a smooth journey.

Time Table & Coaches

Tire NameTypeRepresent coach in Train
1AFirst Tire AC Coach or First ACH1, H2, H3
2ASecond Tire AC Coach or second ACA1, A2, A3
3AThird AC coach or third ACB1, B2, B3
3HHigh capacity air condition 3-tier classL1, L2, L3
3EEconomy 3 tier Air-conditioned coach3E1, 3E2, 3E3
HAComposite AC One Tier/Two-TierHA1, HA2, HA3
HBComposite AC One Tier/Three TierHB1, HB2, HB3
ABComposite AC Two Tier/Three TierAB1, AB2, AB3
SLSleeper Class Non AC coachS1, S2, S3
SLRstands for Seating cum Luggage RakeSLR(Luggage yard)
SHHigh-capacity (81 berths) sleeper classN1, N2, N3
CCchair car AC Coach (Seat 2+3 in Each row)C1, C2 C3
CC (Garib Rath and Yuva Express)chair car AC Coach (Seat 2+3 in Each row)J1, J2, J3
EC(Full) AC Executive Chair Car (Seat 2+2 in Each row)E1, E2, E3
CHHigh-capacity air-conditioned chair carM1, M2, M3
2SSecond class Sitting or Non AC chair CarD1, D2, D3
DNon AC sitting CoachD1, D2, D3
FCFirst Class non AC class just like First ACF1, F2, F3 or FC1, FC2, FC3
GSUnreserved Second Class CompartmentGS
Train Coach Position And Seat Layout

Sleeper Class:- Sleeper Class is one of the most popular and affordable travel classes in Indian Railways, catering to millions of passengers every day. Designed for long-distance journeys, Sleeper Class coaches offer a comfortable and economical way to travel across the country. Each Sleeper coach typically has 72 berths, divided into compartments with open windows and fans, ensuring basic ventilation and convenience for travelers.

The berths in Sleeper Class are arranged in a 3-tier configuration on either side of the aisle, along with two side berths. The seating during the day is converted into sleeping berths at night, offering flexibility and efficient space usage. Bedding is usually not provided in Sleeper Class, so passengers are advised to carry their own blankets and pillows, especially for overnight journeys.

Sleeper Class is highly preferred by budget travelers, students, families, and groups due to its affordability and extensive connectivity to even remote areas of India. Although Sleeper Class coaches are non-air-conditioned, they offer a genuine and vibrant Indian travel experience. For a hassle-free experience, it’s advisable to book Sleeper Class tickets well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Checking the train seat map before boarding helps passengers locate their berths easily.

When booking through platforms like Travelkhana, travelers can also pre-order fresh, hygienic meals to enjoy during their journey. Whether you are exploring India’s scenic landscapes or visiting family, Sleeper Class remains a convenient, cost-effective, and cultural way to travel across the Indian Railways network.

Sleeper class

First AC Coach Type A:- 

Systematic layout of seats makes the journey comfortable Indian Railways has come a long way in terms of improvement of passenger amenities and the commercial attitude of this vast and diversified organization has enabled the travelers from all the classes of the society, experience safe and enjoyable journey. Various types of up-graded coaches have been designed for the benefits of the travelers. In addition to that, IRCTC has also brought a definite change in this biggest public utility network, in terms of true traveler oriented attitude.

A layout that can be easily understood

This vast network keeps a close watch on every aspect of traveler convenience and amenity part and in the process, it has become quite recognized internationally too. Sometimes it becomes difficult for the travellers to find a particular coach when they are in a hurry. In fact, the layout can be understood with the help of diagram which you will find in official websites.

Space advantage makes a real difference

In the First AC Coach Type A seat layout, you will find that the coaches are divided into separate cabins and coupes. Sliding doors allow passengers to lock the cabins from inside for safety and privacy. Each cabin also has a bell switch, which passengers can use to call the attendant whenever needed. Moreover, another definite advantage is that less number of passengers uses the toilet so it is easy to maintain it clean.

Improved passenger service

If you travel in this class, you can know your coach and seat number once railway authorities prepare the chart for the train. Today, this vast and diverse railway network uses coaches designed for better convenience, and the improved passenger services help you locate your coach and berth easily.

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First AC Coach Type B:- 

Looking for information related to First AC Coach Type B seat map layout and coach position in train as devised by Indian Railways? If yes, here you will definitely grab some relevant information about the same. To understand the coach position correctly and in a detailed way of coach type B of first class AC coach category, have a look at the seating map first.

If you look at the same, you can see that there are cabins from A to H, and each of them has only 2 berths allocated that is a lower berth and an upper berth. The different color scheme clearly distinguishes the upper and lower berths, with blue highlighting the upper berth and green highlighting the lower berth. Looking at the seat map also helps in determining about the entrance and exit points to coach, toilet, passageway and such.

Railways mentions everything clearly, and if you have a confirmed train reservation and want to check the coach position and location, you can do it easily with the help of your seat number. So, have a look at the same and do grab an idea of the coach type and position within minutes. Have a happy and hassle free journey!1a-b

Second Tier AC Coach Type A:- 

Want to know and get clarity about coach map seat layout second Tier AC Coach Type A? Planning to travel in second tier AC coach type A in a train in the coming days? Looking for some detailed information about the coach and how you can locate the coach position in this coach? If yes, here you will definitely get an idea of the same.

For the coach code A and the class code 2A coach, simply first of all get a chance to look at the seat map of the same as devised by the Indian Railways department. Users can figure out the position of the door, coach entrance and exit point and the number of berths available in the coach and all related information. The coach offers 46 berths for sitting and sleeping, and Railways color-codes each one for easy identification.

The seat map marks the lower berth in yellow, the upper berth in blue, the side lower berth in green, and the side upper berth in purple. If you plan to travel in any coach other than the Second AC coach, you can check its seat map and get the required information accordingly. If you have a reserved ticket, you can also use your seat number to locate your exact coach position in advance.

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Second Tier AC Coach Type B:- 

Do you travel via train a lot and prefer to know all about coaches’ structure and layout in advance? Are you going to travel this time in the Second Tier AC Coach Type B? Thinking if something could be known of the coach like berths that the coach will be equipped with, the number of seat berths available in the coupe, etc?

The seat map designed as per Indian Railways is indeed one of the effective and best ways to scroll and know all about the second tier AC coach type B and any other coach in which you are travelling. In the second tier AC coach type B, there are four types of berths that are available including lower berth, upper berth, side upper berth and side lower berth.

In total, 46 berths are available in the coach to seat and to sleep. The berths that are available are colour coded with green, blue, purple and pink to differentiate and distinguish the seats accordingly. So, check out the seat number that you have and according to the same, do get an idea of the seat position in the coach. Have a safe and hassle free travel!2a-b

Second Seating (2S):- 

Seeking for updated details related to coach map seat layout Second Seating (2S)? Here, you will definitely come to know about the same. First of all, you should know that trains represent second class sitting or non-AC chair car 2S with coach numbers such as D1, D2, or D3.To understand and gather more details about the second seating coach 2S, have a look simply at the coach map seat layout of the same as devised by the department of Indian Railways.

If you look at the second seating coach seat map, you will find out that there are three kinds of seats in the respective coach including an aisle seat, a middle seat and a window seat. Railways marks each seat with a different color, such as blue for aisle seats, orange for middle seats, and green for window seats. In case, you have a confirmed reservation to travel in the second seating coach, simply check out the seating map and with the help of seat number, figure out which seat you get and where you are going to sit during the travel.

People are even free to mention the preference seat if they have any at the time of booking seats and getting reservations. Aside from this, in case you want to know in detail about any other coach, then simply check out the seat map of that coach and gather details from there.2s-aSecond Seating(2S):-

Looking online to grab more details related to Second Seating (2S) coach in Indian Railways? If yes, do read on the following and you will come to know of the same here for sure. Indian Railways is been assuredly handling such a large network with so much efficacy and professionalism that made it reckoned at both national and international level.

Trains offer different travel classes, such as AC First Class, AC Second Class, AC Third Class, Second Seating, Sleeper Class, and more, and Railways allows passengers to check the seat position and coach details in advance with the help of the seat layout. The same applies for 2S coach too. In case, you have been travelling in second seating coach, and you want to get an insight of the same, the best way is to look at its seat map and know about its overall layout and structure.

As per the same, the seats available in the coach are 108. There are different seats that are available in the 2S coach are window seat, middle seat and aisle seat. You can easily distinguish each seat by checking its color and get the information instantly. If you have a confirmed reservation in the 2S coach, you can also find your seat position in advance with the help of your seat number. Have a safe journey!2s-b

Third Tire AC Coach Type:- 

Looking for updates related to train seat map in 3rd AC tier? Well, here you will grab an insight about the same for sure. Indian railways has been managing a large network and since its introduction in 1853, it has definitely come a long way for sure, not only handling the trains and passengers safety, but also introduced so many apps and features for the convenience of them.

Most of the trains that are in operational mode have in between 20 to 24 coaches involving different classes of course like sleeper coach, first class AC, second tier AC, second seating 2S coach, general unreserved, chair car, third tier AC and so. To understand about the seating structure and everything in them, it is wise to do have a look at the train seat map of them as it gives clear understanding of how does the seating structure and layout looks like in them along with an idea of the location where you are going to sit by at the time of travel, with the help of your seat number and coach number.

If you check the 3rd AC train seat map, you can easily identify the berths through different color schemes and also see the coach entry and exit points. There are different berths like upper berth, lower berth, side lower berth, side upper berth, middle berth, so make sure to mention the preference if you have at the time of booking tickets and get clarity from the seating map.

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Chair Car Coach:- 

Want to know more about train seat map chair car class of travel? Have you seen the seating map structure and layout of the chair car coach, as devised by the Indian Railways? Have you ever travelled in a train in chair car class category? Well, here you will definitely get some idea of the same. The best and robust way of knowing more of the train seat map chair car is to first have a look at the seating map of the same. The class code is CC and the coach code is C for chair car. The number of seats to sit in the same is usually 78 in number.

The seat map actually lets people know about the seating structure, layout and classification of the same and it will clearly depicts the coach entry and exit points along with the seats in window seat, middle seat, aisle seat and so. Railways color-codes the berths and seating arrangement to help passengers understand the layout easily.

The seat map shows the door or passageway in white, the window seat in yellow, the middle seat in pink, and the aisle seat in blue. In case, a passenger is been travelling in this coach category, then he or she with the help of seating number, can identify the location where to sit by at the time of travelling. Know more about the same by having a look at the seating map and enjoy your travel.cc-a

General Class (GEN):- 

Are you looking for information related to General Class (GEN) category coach in the Railways? General coaches number vary in a train, generally being 2 to 4 depending on the route. Whether the train is running on diesel or an electric track, it also depends on the route. Usually, the train has 2 just behind the engine and 2 at the end of the train, in general compartment coach.

To travel in general compartment second class, it is not necessary to make the reservation. General quota is the most common kind of quota, present in each train. It can be referred often to as the quota allocated for the common man. It has in fact the highest number of seats allocated and bookings under the same opens about 120 days in advance.

General seating is referred to unreserved class, and when one books a general ticket in a train, one doesn’t get the seat number. If you have a general ticket, one can sit anywhere in the coach. The Railways is giving passengers a chance to travel without reservation in this category. One can travel on the unreserved category in general coaches. Have a safe travel!

Train Seat Map Layout

Do you want to know about the coach seat map layout and numbering of AC Chair Car (Shatabdi/Duronto Express)?

If yes, read on the following and you will get to know of the same here for sure. Indian Railways is been doing an excellent job in managing its coaches and such a large network recognized at national and international scale. If you are going to travel in chair car in Shatabdi or Duronto, then make sure to have a look at the seat map of the respective coach and dig up details from there. The class code for the same is CC and the coach code is C. The seats available in a chair car coach are window seat, middle seat and aisle seat.

The seats available to sit in the coach are 75 in total. Railways marks each seat with a different color so that passengers can understand the layout more easily just by looking at the coach map and getting the details from there. The seat map also shows the coach entry and exit points. Aside from this, if you are travelling in some other coach, do have a look at the seat map of the same and get to know more about it from the same. Have a safe and trouble-free journey!

Purushottam Express Coach Seat and Layout

Thinking of travelling in the superfast categorized Purushottam Express and also get an idea of the Coach Seat and Layout in this train? East Coast Railways supervises the superfast express, which runs daily between Puri and New Delhi. The train covers a total distance of 1,859 km in approximately 30 hours and 35 minutes. It stops by at 30 halts within the travel and operates with a superfast average speed of 61 km/hour.

The coaches present in the train are 22 in total and the composition includes second class tier 2A, third class tier 3A, sleeper class and general class coaches. The coach composition also has a pantry car attached within and to know of the overall coach seat and layout in Purushottam Express, you can check out the seat map of the respective coach in which you are travelling in detail and know about the seating number, position, layout, and everything.

If you have a confirmed reservation on the train, you can use your seat number to find the exact position where you will sit during the journey. As per the sequence of the coaches, rakes with numbers 3 to 14 belongs to sleeper class category, 16 belongs to second tier 2A category, 17 to 20 belongs to third class 3A category, 2 and 21 to general class category coach.

Kashi Express Coach Seat and Layout

You can understand the Kashi Express coach seat layout by checking the seat map of the coach in which you are traveling. The North Eastern Railway zone supervises the Kashi Express and operates it daily between Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Gorakhpur Station. The train runs from both sides under train numbers 15017 and 15018 and currently has 23 coaches, including Second AC, Third AC, Sleeper, and General category coaches. The train does not have a pantry car.

As per Indian Railways, passengers can easily know the coach seat structure and overall layout by referring to the respective seat map of their coach. In second tier coach, there are berths including second tier, third tier, sleeper and general and in third tier, middle berth is also been there. The berths available to seat and to sleep in the coaches are different.

So, look at the seat map of that coach in which you are travelling and then with the help of seat number, know of the exact seat position too. In general class, the fare is Rs. 2625 in 2A, Rs. 1635 in 3A, Rs. 615 in SL and Rs. 370 in GN.

Kerala Sampark Kranti Express Coach seat map and Layout

Want to know about the superfast running Kerala Sampark Kranti Express Coach seat map and Layout? Indian Railways supervises the superfast train, which operates bi-weekly between Chandigarh Station and Kochuveli Station. The express has 22 coaches available as of now and composition wise, it has first class tier, second tier, third tier, sleeper and general category coaches. It even has a pantry car attached within.

To know of the coach seat map and layout, the best way is to look out for the respective coach seat map in which you are travelling. Each coach is different in terms of seating structure, layout, etc. In first tier, it has lower berth and upper berth and in second tier, side lower and side upper berths are added. In sleeper and third tier coach, middle berth is also there and both differ in the number of seats meant for seating and sleeping.

The express covers a total distance of 3088 km in a travel time of 53 hours and 55 minutes. It stops by at 20 halts within and operates with a speed of 57 km/hour. Even, the coach position can be known online using the train name or number.

15906/05 Vivek Express Coach Seat and Layout

Dibrugarh Kanyakumari Vivek Express belongs to Northeast Frontier Railways and is running with train numbers 15906 and 15905 from both sides. As the name suggests, the express is connecting Dibrugarh junction and Kanyakumari junction across the country. The train is running on weekly basis, on Saturday only.

The distance travelled by the express is 4219 kms and the travel time is of 82 hours and 50 minutes. Are you looking for information related to coach seat and layout in the 15906/05 Vivek Express? The train has 22 coaches available, including a pantry car, AC second class, AC third class, sleeper, second sitting, and general category. As per the coach seat map layout, the train has second sitting coach in the starting of the engine.

Then sleeper category coaches, a pantry car, second tier AC coaches, third tier AC coaches, again second sitting rakes at the end of the engine. The running speed of the express is 56 km/hour and it stops by at 57 halts in between the junctions. The second sitting coaches available in the train are D1, D2, and D3, sleeper coaches are S1 to S11, second tier coach as A1, third tier AC coaches as B1 to B4.

Get Indian Railway Information on Mobile via SMS or Call

Get Indian Railway Information on Mobile via SMS or Call

Want to Get Indian Railway Information on Mobile via SMS or Call. Indian Railways has been a mixed blessing for us Indians. There was a time when the railways timetable booklet was referred to as the ‘joke book’ of Rail ministry. Waiting at the station for hours for the train to come was a regular incident.

And booking tickets was a matter of real drudgery. Long queues, unreliable information and frustrating behaviour were all part and parcel of train travelling.

Until recently, the situation remained almost unchanged. In the era of high-tech speed, we had to go to physical centres to book tickets. We had a website, but there was always a chance that it would not work properly.

Today, fortunately, things are changing. Now, e-ticketing is a reality. Along with this and other facilities, SMS booking has been launched, and for sure, this is going to change the experience of Indian Railway Information forever.

The Initial Stages –

Previously, the Indian Railways website could only book a meagre 2000 tickets per minute. When the site crashed under excessive passenger traffic, the Ministry of Railways took initiatives to re-launch the site. The new site can book 7200 tickets per minute. Last year along with the new site launch, the SMS ticket booking and information system was also launched. Now obtaining any news regarding the Indian Railways is a matter of sending an SMS.

The Process –

Before you press the send button, there are a few steps to cover. Let’s look at the process:
  1. The process works on the foundation of Immediate Payment Service or IMPS supported by banks. You need to have an account with a bank, which supports IMPS. Currently, almost all banks do that. You also need to have the Mobile Money Identifier or the MMID code of seven digits for the transaction.
  2. You have to create your own IRCTC account. When you need to enter the phone number, please enter the number, which you have registered in the bank through which the payment will be processed.
  3. As you are done with the IRCTC account and your bank’s MMID, a One Time Password or OTP will be sent to you from your bank.
  4. Now send the SMS to 139. It should read like BOOK (Train number) (Train code) Passenger name passenger gender, etc. you can book up to six seats through the SMS.
  5. IRCTC will send an SMS with fare and seat availability as well as the transaction ID.
  6. Send PAY IMPS IRCTC user ID to 139.
  7. As the confirmation message arrives, just show the message while you board the train or the checker comes. There is no need to print anything.

At the first go, the process may seem a bit complicated. But just think about standing the lines or the frustration in case of internet failure, soon you will get accustomed with this process. And considering a meagre fee of Rs. 3 per SMS and a lot of ease, booking tickets through SMS is really the dream of any Indian Railways traveller.

Other Services –

Other than booking tickets, the Indian Railways SMS service is a complete information hub. Passengers can get a number of important answers from the service. The most common are:

  1. SMS Railway to 57886: This is for Indian Railway information overall like schedule, timetable, PNR status, search seat availability, etc. The return SMS would have all the options from which the sender will again choose and send.
  2. SMS IRTRAIN (Train Name) or IRTRAIN (Train No.) to 57886: This will show the time table of the train.

Another number, which has the same facility, is 139. By sending the right SMS, you can avail the right information;

  1. SMS PNR (10 digit PNR number) to 139 for any PNR enquiry. Also you check your PNR status via TravelKhana app too.
  2. SMS AD (Train number) (Station STD code) to 139 to know the arrival and departure times.
  3. To know the seat accommodation, please SMS SEAT (Train number) (date of journey) (Station from: STD Code) (Station to: STD Code) (Class) (Quota) to 139.
Likewise, you can enquirer about train name and time, as well.

These simple technological help is going to make a huge impact on our economy making travelling and reaching places simpler. Truly, the SMS facility is a new age facility for Indian Railways passengers.

CKWL Status and Confirmation Changes in IRCTC

CKWL Status and Confirmation Changes in IRCTC

Want to update some more details  CKWL Status after booking?

The number of passengers travels by Indian railway keeps on increasing. Many reasons have caused this increase, and we can discuss them later, but right now you need to understand how to book the ticket. There are a number of rules about ticket booking with Indian railway. With the use of modern technology, now online ticket booking is also possible. As per the general rules, there are a few months before the journey one can book the ticket but in such booking also there is a quota.

Once the concerned tickets get confirmed, the quota becomes full. After that, if you still need a ticket, you can book it only through the Tatkal system. Tatkal booking allows passengers to book tickets in emergencies when they couldn’t book them during the regular booking period. If the Tatkal tickets move to the waiting list, Indian Railways labels it as CKWL, which stands for Tatkal Booking Waiting List. Hence one can check the ticket booking in case of Tatkal with CKWL status. There are also some situations when one needs to have CKWL Status & Confirmation Changes in IRCTC.

The status:

There are many passengers who are more concerned with Tatkal rather advanced booking. There are a number of factors that affect the chances of getting tickets. The advanced booking can help the passengers who have advanced plan but for the passengers who need to journey all of a sudden need to have a concern with the movement of tickets in this quota. During festivals or weekends, you rarely get a confirmed ticket even in the Tatkal quota because railways prioritize the general quota over CKWL. In such cases the Tatkal can be helpful as the movement in this quota just turns into a confirmed ticket and does not go for any RAC or other lists.

Tatkal status serves as the last option for a passenger who needs to travel by a particular train. If the ticket still remains unconfirmed a few hours before departure, the passenger should explore other alternatives to ensure a comfortable journey. To book the ticket in this quota is also easy and one can check the situation in this quota and get a ticket immediately. In the weekdays there are chances of getting a ticket as confirmed one. You have a higher chance of getting a confirmed ticket at remote centres than in mega or metro cities.

Considering the rules of CKWL one needs to follow the system that can make him get a ticket in an emergency situation but one must keep an eye on the position of this quota also as over-reliance on the same can be dangerous and land one in a troublesome situation also.

How to Access Free WiFi at Railway Stations

How to Access Free WiFi at Railway Stations

In recent years, Indian Railways has taken a significant step toward modernizing its passenger services by introducing free WiFi at railway stations across the country. This initiative, launched in collaboration with tech partners. Aims to provide fast and reliable internet access to millions of travelers. Helping them stay connected while on the move.

Free WiFi is available at major railway stations including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and many other urban and semi-urban stations. Passengers can easily access the network by registering through their mobile number or email. And the connection allows for seamless browsing, messaging, and even online work. This service proves highly useful for tourists, business travelers, and students. Who need to stay updated with emails, maps, and travel information.

The availability of service has also made it easier to plan journeys in real-time. Travelers can check train schedules, book e-tickets, or even access digital services such as TravelKhana for food delivery in trains while waiting at the station. This enhances convenience and improves the overall passenger experience.

As Indian Railways continues to expand, it plans to provide free WiFi at more stations, making train travel more modern, connected, and enjoyable for passengers of all ages.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to access Google RailWire Free WiFi at railway stations:

1) Open the WiFi setting on your smartphone
2) Search for available networks
3) Select RailWire network
4) Open the railwire.co.in webpage on your mobile browser
5) Enter your 10 digit mobile number
6) An OTP will be sent to your mobile number. Use this OTP as password to connect RailWire
7) Now you are successfully connected to RailWire and start using internet for free

63015024 Free WiFi at Railway Stations

Indian Railway Info

Indian Railway Info

Indian Railways (IR) is one of the largest rail networks in the world. It is a public enterprise whose owning and operations rest with Ministry of Railways, the Government of India. Every day it ferries over 23 million passengers across 7000 stations. In this article you know about Indian Railway Info.

Proper information is vital to the coordination of such a large network. The organization of the railways is as follows: The railways are divided into 17 zones and 68 divisions. Every zone is helmed by a general manager and every station by the station master.

The IR covers a track of 115,000 km. Trains are classified as per their average speed. A fast train moves with fewer stops and is, usually, a long distance train.

The various trains in the Indian Railways are:

Duronto Express:
  • Introduced in 2009, these are non-stop point to point services. They connect the major capitals of states and metros and beat the Rajdhani Express in speed. They include first tier AC (Air conditioned), 2-tier AC and 3-tier AC. Some include non-AC sleeper class.

Rajdhani Express:
  • These are trains connecting Delhi to major cities and are fully air conditioned. They are high priority trains with some of the fastest speeds (130 km/ hour). They stop at few stations.

AC Express:
  • Trains connecting major stations of the country. They have few stops and high speeds.

Shatabdi Express:
  • They are fully air conditioned inter- city trains for daily commute. They have executive seats and ordinary seats. Some have 3 tier berths and the trains are some of the fastest in the IR network.

Garib Rath Trains:
  • They are air conditioned, basic facility trains with 3 AC berths and economy seats.

Jan Shatabdi:
  • More affordable versions of Jan Shatabdis having AC and non AC carriages.

Intercity Super Fats:
  • As name suggests, they are high speed trains for which extra surcharge is levied with the fare.

Express:
  • Most common trains in India having frequent stops.

Passenger:
  • These stop at all stations and are the least expensive trains. They have sleeper class, as well as 3-tier AC.

Suburban Trains:
  • These trains operate between major cities and have unreserved seating arrangement.

Metro:
  • Meant only for city transport.

IR is the best way to experience India. Contrary to reputation, many trains afford comfortable travel via AC1, AC 2 tier and AC 3 tier. All seats on such trains have reservations system, so they are a comfortable, civilized and cheap way to roam India.

Such a huge and varied network requires prompt and accurate dissemination of information. Indian Railway info is available nowadays through many sources. The main source is the publication-‘Trains at a Glance’ by Indian Railways. Other than this, there are many online sources for Indian Railway Info.

The main site is the Indian railways website www.indianrail.gov.in. It provides the following information:

  • Train availability at main stations
  • Schedule of reserved trains
  • Enquiry stem of National trains
  • SMS service
  • Availability of current booking
  • Catering charges
  • Availability of train berth
  • Information on train type
  • Rules
  • Viewing of codes
  • Trains at a glance
  • Tatkal Scheme
  • Service for international tourists
  • Connect to other railway websites.

Some other Major Services Provided by this Site are:

  • PNR status
  • Fare enquiry
  • Internet reservation
  • Reserved train between important stations
  • Seat availability

There is also the National Train Enquiry System: www.enquiry.indianrail.gov.in/ntes/.

It provides Indian Railway info like:

  • Spot your train
  • Live station
  • Trains between stations
  • Schedule of trains
  • Cancelled trains
  • Rescheduled trains
  • Diverted trains.
  • PNR enquiry
  • Berth/seat availability
  • Berth/seat booking.
Other sites where Railway information India is available are:
  • www.indiarailinfo.com: With easy login, the site shows arrival/departure at your nearest stations, ascertains PNR status, gets information on train type and features an atlas with maps of the IR network.

  • www.seat61.com/India.htm: It provides maps of train routes, check train timing and fares, booking of tickets, online purchase of tickets, buying and utilizing Ind-Rail pass, tour packages including train journey, booking of tourist trains like Palace on Wheels, guidebooks, and hotel information.

IRCTC (Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation):
  • Key in PNR number, train name and number and get feedback on PNR status, locate train, find live running status, arrival/departure etc. It also has services like information on tour packages, special trains, holiday trains, tourist trains, booking for retiring room, etc.

  • www.makemytrip.com/railways/indian-railways.html: Enter whether one way or two way trip, dates and place (from/to).

  • www.rail.yuplee.in: It features train timetable, train enquiry (Search by train/station), PNR status, train schedule, train list.

  • www.runningstatus.in: Feed in the train number and get live running status.

  • CRIS: CRIS is an independent organization under the Ministry of Railways. They are the Information Technology arm of the IR. Their website www.cris.org.in/CRIS/Home/Home features latest information on IR network.

  • TravelKhana.com: A portal mainly devoted to the delivery of food to train passengers, it has now diversified into umbrella service of ticket booking, PNR status checking, live tracking of train position, etc. Search your train by providing number or name. Choose a station from the drop down list, click on departure or arrival, and get the feedback of accurate position of the train on the map. One can do auto tracking of movement of the train. The status of train is updated every five minutes, so you must key in details each time, freshly. You can utilize this information whether you are on the train for waiting at the platform to receive someone.

These are just a sample of the services for getting access to information on IR network and its related aspects.