Category Archives: Railway Reservation Rules

Taking the Modern India to a New Horizon- Indian Railways at Your Service

Taking the Modern India to a New Horizon- Indian Railways at Your Service

Our world is advancing rapidly and so does India. Of course, its lifeline happens to be the Indian Railways. The evolving internet technology has enabled us to do everything at our comfort level with the help of few clicks. Few clicks you order your grocery, few clicks you order food, few clicks and here is your laundry service. No need to stand in long queues waiting to pay your bills, everything is simple and all these things have been simplified by internet.

When one can do all the things from the comfort of your home then why not booking our train tickets online, this has been in trend for many years now. To book a ticket, you must go to a railway station early so that you could get a reserved seat but the time has changed and the travelers can book a seat for themselves through Indian Railways reservation online.

Various initiatives by Indian railways have given us the power to book, check status and order food through its official web portal and also from the companies associated with the Indian Railways. If you want to check your PNR status, train running status, or seat availability, you can visit TravelKhana website or download TravelKhana app.

official indian railwayHow to Book Railway Tickets Online?

A lot of credit goes to Indian Railways for bringing India closer by providing a better connectivity and in a revolutionary decision, which changed the whole scenario of railway ticket booking in India. The Indian Railways launched Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, famously known by common people as IRCTC. IRCTC has become the landmark when it comes to booking the railway tickets online. You just have to follow these simple steps mentioned here:

  • All you have to do is to go to the official website of IRCTC and login with your user name and password. If not registered, register there by providing your valid details.
  • After you are logged in, you will see a box on left hand side with ‘plan my journey’ option. Fill in the details like from which station you’ll make the reservation and up to which station you’ll travel, your journey date etc. Fill this according to your itinerary and then click ‘Submit’.
  • After you submit, you’ll get the list of trains running between your boarding station and destination station alongside with the class. If you intend to book your ticket in tatkal quota, then choose tatkal from the options given above.
  • All you have to do is click on the desired class of travel if it is second AC, then choose 2A, if it is Sleeper then choose SL and so on. Once you’ll choose your desired class of travel, you’ll get the availability of seats and fare of ticket above it. If seat is available, then choose the option ‘Book Now’. In case seats are not available in your chosen class, you can choose other class or the same class in other trains shown in the list.
  • ‘Book Now’ option will redirect you to a new page where you’ll have to fill the passenger details such as Name, Gender, Age, preferred seat, etc.
  • Fill the details, click on ‘Next’ and then you’ll be taken to the payment page. Choose the payment option you intend to pay with for example Debit/credit card, net banking. Pay the ticket amount and you’ll get your ticket on email and a text from IRCTC with ticket details on the Phone number you provided during checkout.

Hurray! Relax and chill, your ticket is done and your seat is reserved as simply as one watches TV.

Get Easy Access to Nearest Metro Station to Surajkund Mela

Nearest Metro Station to Surajkund Mela

Planning to visit the famous Surajkund Mela in Faridabad and curious about the nearest metro station? You’re in the right place. The closest metro station to Surajkund Mela is Badarpur Metro Station, located on the Violet Line of the Delhi Metro. The distance from Badarpur to the mela grounds is around 14 km, and you can cover this stretch in 30 to 45 minutes depending on the traffic. Visitors can easily find private cabs, autos, or buses from Badarpur Depot heading straight to the mela venue.

The Surajkund Mela takes place annually in the first half of February and ranks as the world’s largest crafts fair, drawing over a million visitors each year. Organized jointly by the Surajkund Mela Authority, Haryana Tourism, and the Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, and Culture, the fair celebrates India’s diverse traditions in handlooms, handicrafts, art, and culture.

The fairgrounds are thoughtfully divided into themed zones, featuring huts and stalls showcasing regional crafts. Live performances at the Chaupals, international participation, and a variety of food courts offering global and local cuisine make the experience memorable.

Order Delicious Food While Traveling with TravelKhana

For a hassle-free journey, choose the metro to avoid traffic and reach the event comfortably. And if you’re traveling from afar, you can enjoy fresh food in train, aiport, offsite basically everywhere you want  from TravelKhana’s food delivery service right to you! Or order online from TravelKhana app, simply download the TravelKhana app from playstore and fill your PNR and choose your favorite food in journey.

Nearest Metro Station to Surajkund Mela

This mela being an international event attracts millions of visitors and the management will arrange proper transport facilities to make sure that people can come to the event without any hassles. The best way to reach the mela is to take a metro train to the nearest station. You can easily reach this place by taking a cab or even by bus. The nearest metro station to Surajkund Mela is the Badarpur Metro Station. It is about 14 km away from the Surajkund Mela and there are many autos and taxis available at this station. It will take you about 30 mins to reach Surajkund Mela from this station.

You can get down at this station and move towards the mela by taking a shared auto or by hiring a cycle rickshaw. If you want to travel to this mela by bus, you can take any bus that goes to the Badarpur Depot and gets down at Surajkund Crossing bus stop. Many people come to this event from outside of the state and they come by their own vehicles. If you are also planning to bring your own vehicle, you should be aware of the parking areas around the mela.

For the next Mela, if travelling by train, make sure you check train seat availability and book your tickets in advance so as to avoid the last minute hassles.

Surajkund Mela Nearest Metro Station

One of the most popular fairs held in the country is the Surajkund Mela that is regarded to be an international event. It attracts visitors in millions from all over the country and the world. The local government administration makes sure that additional transport facilities are provided for the betterment of the visitors and to avoid hassles.

How to reach the mela?

This mela can be reached by availing a cab or a bus. However, the fastest and the safest way to reach for domestic and foreign visitors alike are to take the nearest metro. Distance to Surajkund Mela Ground from Badarpur metro station is about 3.0 km. Firstly, board metro that goes to Badarpur metro station. This can be availed from Central Secretariat. From here, the traveller can opt for sharing auto or private auto. Sharing auto will charge about Rs.45 to 50 per person while private auto should charge about Rs.200. Cycle rickshaw will cost Rs.40 per person. They will take their passengers directly to the mela ground. If traveling by bus, then take any bus which moves towards the Bardarpur Depot. The visitor needs to get down at ‘Surakjund Cross stop.’

Domestic visitors can also bring along their own vehicle but should be fully aware about the parking areas and rules here around the mela. Specific areas have been earmarked by the mela organizers for the visitors to park their vehicles safely. Those who do not want to take the risk and hassles involved in car parking can avail public transport such as the metro rail and auto to reach the mela ground.

Route to Reach Surajkund Mela from Vaishali

Want to know of the route to reach Surajkund Mela from Vaishali? The distance in between the Vaishali station and Surajkund Mela is of 29.3 km and it is going to take 1 hour and 8 minutes in covering this distance via road using the Kalindi Kunj Mithapur Road. Road travel will be either by using your own car or a private taxi, as per the convenience. Metro travel in this case would be very time consuming as compared to other means of travelling.

To use the metro, first of all, board the metro from Vaishali metro station heading towards Dwarka Sector 21 and get down at Rajiv Chowk and from there, get on the yellow line moving towards Shalimar Huda City Center and get down at Indigo Guru Dronacharya and from there, head on the blue line metro moving towards Manav Rachna International School and get down at Ibiza Town in Surajkund. From there, Surajkund Mela is just at 500 meters distance and it is going to take only 5 to 6 minutes in getting there via walk or using an auto or so. Though, whenever you are in the city, try to use the metro travel as compared to any other means.

About the Metro Station Near Humayun’s Tomb

About the Metro Station Near Humayun’s Tomb

If you’re looking for directions to Humayun’s Tomb, you’re in the right place. One of the most iconic and frequently visited historical landmarks in New Delhi, Humayun’s Tomb attracts tourists from across the country and the world. While the New Delhi Metro Station is located approximately 7 km away, the distance can be easily covered by hiring a cab through Ola or Uber, or by taking an auto-rickshaw. Depending on traffic, the ride typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

However, the nearest metro station to Humayun’s Tomb is Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Metro Station, which is just about 2 km away. From there, visitors can conveniently take an auto or walk, depending on their preference. Another nearby option is Jangpura Metro Station, which lies 4 km from the monument and can also be reached in approximately 5 to 7 minutes by road.

Opting for the Delhi Metro is one of the smartest ways to explore the city. It’s quick, economical, and helps avoid traffic congestion—especially during peak hours or summer heat. So, plan your journey via metro and enjoy a smooth visit to one of Delhi’s most treasured heritage sites.

Nearest Metro Station to Humayun’s Tomb

Have you had the chance to witness the captivating beauty of Humayun’s Tomb? Delhi’s charm and grandeur lie not only in its status as the capital of India but also in its rich cultural diversity and deep-rooted historical legacy. Once ruled by the mighty Mughal emperors, the city is home to a wealth of magnificent monuments, and Humayun’s Tomb is undoubtedly one of the most iconic among them.

The allure of Delhi extends beyond its monuments—bustling markets like Khan Market and Chandni Chowk reflect the city’s culinary richness, shaped over centuries by its vibrant past. The Government has also played a significant role in enhancing Delhi’s infrastructure and image, especially after the Commonwealth Games, which brought about major developments across the city.

Located in the Nizamuddin area, Humayun’s Tomb stands as a major tourist attraction, drawing countless visitors each year with its architectural brilliance and historical significance.

Humayun’s Tomb was commissioned by the wife of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun, and is situated along the serene banks of the sacred Yamuna River. This architectural marvel, built nearly 500 years ago, still stands in pristine condition and remains one of the finest examples of Mughal-era grandeur. Designed under royal patronage, the tomb draws strong inspiration from the celebrated Persian Charbagh garden layout, making it one of the earliest garden-tombs in India.

Nearest Metro Stations to Humayun’s Tomb

If you’re planning to visit and are wondering about the nearest metro station to Humayun’s Tomb, the most convenient option is Jor Bagh Metro Station on the Yellow Line. From there, you can easily reach the monument by auto or cab. Another nearby metro station is JLN Stadium on the Violet Line, which also offers quick access to the site. Depending on your route, you can choose to deboard at either station; both are located just 1 to 2 km away and the distance can be covered on foot or via a short rickshaw ride.

Though other travel modes are available, using the Delhi Metro is highly recommended. It saves time, helps you avoid traffic, and offers a comfortable ride, especially in adverse weather. Also, since Sarai Kale Khan is in close proximity, metro travel remains the most efficient choice. For train travelers, TravelKhana providing food delivey in train, airports and offsites across India, offering enhanced digital services like checking PNR status, seat availability, train timings, and more—ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey to your destination.

One of the key reasons for Delhi’s rich cultural heritage lies in its historic role as the capital of the Mughal Empire. The Mughal rulers left a profound impact on the city, gifting it some of its most magnificent and iconic monuments that continue to draw admiration even today. Their influence also extends to Delhi’s culinary traditions and the bustling markets such as Chandni Chowk and Khan Market, which owe much of their character and legacy to that era. While the government has significantly modernized the city over time, especially with major infrastructure upgrades following the Commonwealth Games, it is clear that the transformation we see today stands on the strong cultural and architectural foundation laid centuries ago during the Mughal rule.

Humayun’s Tomb

A major highlight among Delhi’s tourist attractions is the tomb of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun, located in the Nizamuddin area along the banks of the sacred Yamuna River. This majestic structure stands as a remarkable example of classic Mughal architecture, retaining its royal charm and grandeur even after nearly five centuries. Built by Humayun’s wife, the tomb reflects the elegance of the renowned Persian-style Charbagh, which inspired its design.

The monument attracts a steady stream of visitors from across India and abroad. Throughout the year, several photography walks take place here, thanks to the tomb’s scenic beauty and the three beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding it—making it a photographer’s delight. While the site welcomes visitors year-round, early mornings offer the best experience, as crowds tend to increase later in the day when local residents visit, especially in the evenings.

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How to get there

Humayun’s Tomb is located close to Sarai Kale Khan, and the most convenient way to reach it—especially during Delhi’s scorching summer months—is by using the Delhi Metro. With city roads often congested year-round, the metro proves to be the most efficient and hassle-free mode of transport. Additionally, air-conditioned coaches ensure you stay comfortable and protected from the intense heat outside.

The tomb is accessible via two metro lines: the Yellow Line and the Purple Line. If you’re traveling on the Yellow Line, the nearest station is Jor Bagh, while the closest stop on the Purple Line is JLN Stadium. Depending on your route, you can choose either station, both of which are partially underground—helping to maintain cooler temperatures during your commute. The tomb lies approximately 1.5 kilometers from either station, and visitors can easily reach it on foot or by taking an auto-rickshaw. While buses run nearby, travelers should choose the Delhi Metro during summer to avoid heat and traffic, making the journey to this iconic Mughal monument more pleasant.

Besides these, Indian Railways also offers hi tech facilities such as online booking of train tickets, online checking of pnr status, etc. You can visit railways website or travelkhana to know more.

Want to Know About How to Reach Humayun’s Tomb from Dwarka

The distance from Dwarka, New Delhi, to Humayun’s Tomb is approximately 25.9 kilometers, and it will take around 1 hour and 10 minutes by road via Dwarka Road. However, an efficient and cost-effective way to travel is by metro. It not only saves time but also helps you avoid the city’s traffic.

To reach Humayun’s Tomb by metro, board the Blue Line at Dwarka Metro Station, Sector 11, heading towards Noida Electronic City. Get off at Pragati Maidan Station. From there, walk a short distance to the Supreme Court Metro Station or remain at Pragati Maidan and board the metro on the line heading towards Abdul Fazal Enclave or Okhla Extension. Alight at Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin Station.

From Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin Station, Humayun’s Tomb is just 900 meters away. You can easily cover the distance in about 10 to 12 minutes by auto or e-rickshaw, depending on your preference. The total fare for the journey is around Rs. 55, and the entire trip should take about 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Want to Know About How to Reach Humayun’s Tomb from Noida Electronic City Metro Station

If you’re driving, the distance between Noida Electronic City and Humayun’s Tomb is approximately 18.5 kilometers, and the journey will take around 25 to 30 minutes by car or taxi, depending on the traffic in the city. However, for a quicker and more efficient option, you can use the metro. Metro travel is not only safe and fast but also offers significant advantages.

To reach Humayun’s Tomb by metro, the journey will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes and cost around Rs. 55. Start by taking the Blue Line from Noida Electronic City towards Dwarka Sector 21, and get off at Supreme Court Station. Then, either board the metro from Supreme Court or Pragati Maidan Station towards Okhla Extension and get off at Police Station Nizamuddin. From there, Humayun’s Tomb is just about 1 km away, a 10-minute walk to the destination.

About Indian Railway Refund Rules

About Indian Railway Refund Rules

Looking to understand the Railway Refund Rules in detail? Whether you’re a frequent traveler or planning a one-time journey, knowing these policies can save you both time and money. Indian Railways has a well-defined set of Railway Refund Rules based on your ticket type—confirmed, RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation), or waitlisted.

For confirmed tickets, passengers are eligible for a refund if they cancel the ticket at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure of the train. The refund is usually processed and credited back to the original payment source within 5 to 7 working days.

In case of RAC or waitlisted tickets, the cancellation must be done a minimum of 3 hours before the train’s departure. Similar to confirmed bookings, the refund is processed within 5 to 7 business days.

The Indian Railways also applies cancellation charges based on the class of travel. As per the latest Railway Refund Rules, the charges are:

₹30 per passenger for Second Class

₹60 per passenger for Sleeper Class

₹90 per passenger for AC Chair Car

₹100 per passenger for First Class or higher

It is crucial to note that failing to cancel the ticket within the specified time window may result in no refund at all. Therefore, passengers should understand these Railway Refund Rules in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Knowing the Railway Refund Rules helps travelers plan their journeys smoothly and make informed decisions when they need to modify or cancel their tickets.Stay updated with the latest refund policies on the official Indian Railways website or through the IRCTC app for a stress-free journey.

It is a query for all those who travel via Indian Railways about whether you can refund if you surrender your ticket for cancellation.

Time Limit for the Refund –

  1. For confirmed reserved tickets, you can get your refund anytime before 2 hours of departure of the train.
  2. For RAC/waitlisted tickets, you can opt for a refund within three hours the actual departure of the train.
  3. For trains leaving between 21.00 hours and 06.00 hours, in that case, within two hours of opening of the Reservation Office, you can get a refund. This can be done if there are no counters available in the originating centre.
What Is Supposed To Be Done If The Due Date Of Refund Has Already Lapsed?

You can approach the Deputy Superintendent (commercial)/ Station Manager or Chief Reservation Supervisor. They can grant you refund up to 30 days of the date of journey.

If You Are Unable To Approach The Concerned Authorities, What Should You Do?

In that case, within 30 days of the date of travel, you must obtain a Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) from the nearest station and submit an application to the Chief Commercial Manager of the Zonal Railways. This should be done within 90 days of the scheduled travel. The case will be examined, and accordingly, a refund will be sent to you by Station Pay Order or Money Order or Crossed Cheque.

How Much Will Be Deduced As Cancellation Charge?

This depends on the time of cancellation and the status of your ticket.

  • If you are cancelling your ticket more than 48 hours of scheduled time, then your amount of cancellation per person will be as follows –

Flat cancellation charges per passenger                  Class of your ticket

Rs. 120 AC First                                                                         Executive class

Rs. 100 AC-2tier                                                                        1st class

Rs. 90 AC-3tier                                                                            AC chair car,

AC-3                                                                                                   Economy

Rs. 60                                                                                                  Sleeper

Rs. 30                                                                                                   Second class

  • If you cancel your ticket less than 48 hours to upto 6 hours before the scheduled departure time of the train, then you will have to pay a cancellation charge of 25% of the total fare paid.
  • If you are cancelling the ticket between less than 6 hours to 2 hours of the scheduled time, then the cancellation charge will be 50% of the total fair of the ticket.
  • If you want a refund for an RAC/Waitlisted ticket cancellation within upto 3 hours of the departure time of the train, then you will get a full refund of fare.
  • You can get a refund of the full amount in case of a cancellation of the train due to accident, breaches or flood.
  • You cannot get a refund for a lost ticket, but you can be allowed to travel after issuing a duplicate one.
Above are the Indian Railway refund rules and some queries you often face. Hope you make good use of it.

Want to know about Updated Refunds Rule in Indian Railways? If yes, go through the following information and you will be clear of all of them. As per the updated Railway refund rules, it all depends on the travellers and users status of travel whether they got RAC bookings, confirmed reservations, waitlisted bookings. For all confirmed booking users, if they cancel their tickets within 2 hours before the departure time of the train, they will get their refund credited in their account within 5 to 7 business working days.

For those users who have waitlisted status tickets or RAC status tickets, if they cancel the bookings within 3 hours before the departure time of the train, they will get the refund within 5 to 7 business working days credited in their account. Now comes the deduction of money that will depend on the class of travel in which you are travelling.

Just for the record, for second class AC, the deduction would be of Rs. 30 per passenger, for AC chair car the deduction would be of Rs. 90, for sleeper class the deduction will be of Rs. 60, for first class AC the deduction would be of Rs. 100. Always make sure to understand these rules and policies in advance, so you know how much amount you’ll get back in your account if you cancel your tickets for any reason. Safe travel!

Indian Railway Refund Rules

Do you have bookings made in trains from Indian Railways site and you are looking for the railways refund rules for the same devised by IRCTC? For the convenience of the passengers, Indian Railways have come up with liberalized and very friendly refund rules for them. To avail the maximum advantage and to save on the cancellation fares, it is always advisable to all passengers to cancel their tickets within the stipulated time frame whenever and wherever possible. It can also assist in getting all waitlisted or RAC passengers the confirmed accommodation.

  1. For the untravelled unreserved tickets, if one cancels the same within 3 hours of the actual departure of the train, then Rs. 10 per passenger would be the cancellation charge.
  2. For the untravelled reserved tickets, if one cancels in more than 24 hours in advance of the scheduled departure of the train, the cancellation charge would be Rs. 70 in AC first class per passenger, Rs. 60 per passenger in AC 2 tier, AC 3 tier, AC Chair Car and Rs. 40 per passenger in sleeper class, and Rs. 20 per passenger in unreserved second class coach.
  3. For all untravelled RAC and waitlisted tickets, Rs. 20 per passenger would be deducted.
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Comfortable Journey Is Just a Click Away

Comfortable Journey Is Just a Click Away

Over the time, the Indian Railways is consistently trying to improve and enhance its services, considering the ease and convenience of travellers. In the last few years, a lot of innovations has been applied and executed by the department and many more are still in pipeline. The main purpose is to let travellers enjoy and have a comforting journey altogether in trains. The comfortable journey is just a click away and till date, people can book reservations online, using the official site of IRCTC, make changes in the ticket if needed, cancel reservations, look at the seat availability in different coaches in the trains, check the real time running status of trains, time table, trains running in between specific stations, etc. The new initiatives that the department took on pilot basis are providing cash on delivery payment method for making reservations in trains, providing eco friendly vacuum toilets in trains, free wi-fi in trains as well as at stations, introducing hi-speed bullet trains and likewise. With such advancement and improvisation from checking out the live time running status of the trains to availability of healthy and nutritious meal in them to making bio vacuum toilets available, indeed the country is moving on the development track.

Since its inception, Indian Railways has been at your service from the very beginning. It is very often considered as the lifeline of the nation because it connects more people to each other than any other medium. Anyone can travel easily wit Indian Railways after all it requires to have a ticket. With growing technology, Indian Railways has also braced up its speed and it is moving along with technology. Gone are the days when you had to stand up in the long lines to get your ticket done. The technology has enabled you to reserve your train tickets from anywhere 24*7. Although there is still lot to be done when it comes to the internet connectivity and not everyone uses the internet, yet for the Indian Railways seat reservation, there are other ways too.

Reservation is mandatory irrespective of class in which you are travelling. All you need to do is to go to the reservation office of your nearest railway station. Fill the reservation form and put in your valid and correct details correctly and get your ticket done.

Travelling by Indian Railways is one of those journeys, which you will cherish for the lifetime. Keeping in mind the needs and requirements of the passengers, Indian Railways has incorporated many user-friendly services and one of them is doing everything online from checking the seat availability to booking the ticket, you can do it all online. It is very helpful when it comes to tracking the train as you can also do it online. But you should keep in mind these useful points while booking your ticket or travelling with the Indian Railways.official indian railway

  • Tatkal Booking service opens a day before the departure of the train from its originating station. i.e. if a train departs from New Delhi on 2nd November and you want a Tatkal reservation in that train then you must book your ticket on 1st irrespective of your boarding station.
  • Seat Reservation on Tatkal Basis requires the photocopy of your valid identity proof when making the reservation offline or over the counter, and the identity card number, if you’re booking your ticket online.
  • Always carry your identity card when travelling in Indian Railways.
  • Never travel without the ticket as it is a crime and can attract imprisonment or heavy penalty.
  •    Keep tracking your train with the help of online enquiry systems of Indian Railways, which can help you in not getting late and also if the train is late you can reach station comfortably on its arrival time.
  • Advance reservation period has been extended up to four months, i.e. you can book your seat in your preferred class four month prior to your journey.
  • Have a brief knowledge about Time Table of Indian Railways as It save your blushes.

Today travelling in the higher class of Indian Railways is considered as good as travelling in an airplane because of facility Indian Railways offers. It is considered as more hassle-free than any other mode of transportation.

Welcome On Board!!

Indian Railways Luggage Rules: Limit, Extra Charge And Other Details

Are you looking for information related to Indian Railways Luggage Rules, including Limit, Extra Charge and Other Details? Indian Railways has specific luggage carrying norms, where each passenger is allowed a free allowance. In AC first class, the free allowance capacity is 70 kgs and marginal allowance is 15 kgs. After the free and marginal allowance capacity, the penalty is there depending on the coach you are travelling and the upper limit. In AC 2 tier, the maximum quantity permitted is 100 kgs. In AC 3 tier, it is 40 kgs. In sleeper category, it is 80 kgs. In second class sitting, it is 70 kgs. The boxes, trunks and suitcases with a measurement of 100 cms*60 cms*25 cms will be allowed to carry as personal luggage in the passenger compartments. The children aged five and below 12 years will be allowed to half of the allowance capacity accessible, subjecting to a maximum of 50 kgs as per the Railways norms. The maximum size of the suitcase or the trunk allowed in the AC chair car or AC 3 tier coach must be having dimension 55 cms*45 cms*22.5 cms. The large dimension luggage can be carried via a brake van for which the minimum charge is Rs. 30.

How to book tickets using IRCTC

Nowadays comfortable journey is just a click away by using IRCTC website as everything is in your reach and whether you need to book tickets, or look for the time table of any train, or seat availability in them, or else, one can do through the same without any hassle. These days, there is no more need to reach by the station and buy the tickets from the counter like travellers need to do in earlier times. Those days are gone and with the Indian Railways platform, IRCTC, one can do almost everything within seconds as it has been not more than a blessing as everything is within reach and using internet connection, and with the availability anywhere, booking tickets and making your journey comfortable is now in your hands. To make the reservations or do anything through the site, one has to first make an account over the site. Once it is done, login using the user name and password and enter in the website. From there, one can first look for the trains running between source and destination stations on the preferable date of travel, and then make the reservations accordingly. Hope, the information is useful and knowledgeable.

Gatiman Express – All That You Have to Know About India’s Fastest Train

Gatiman Express – All That You Have to Know About India’s Fastest Train

All those who have been tired of travelling from Delhi to Agra for 3 hours, brace yourself. Here comes a train that can cover the distance of 188 km in just 100 minutes. On 5th April of 2016, people of Delhi witnessed a historical event as the country’s fastest train travelled from the city’s Hazrat Nizamuddin station to the Agra cantonment railway station. The semi high speed train zips through at a speed of 160km/h. Running six days a week, except on Friday, this train is surely going to be a crowd puller.

The Gatiman Express was flagged off on Tuesday morning by Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu. For all those, who are marvelling the speed of the engine, trust me, speed is not the only speciality of this train. Here are some unique features of the Gatiman train which makes it the most popular train in the country –

  • The train will run both ways: leaving Delhi at 8.10 AM and reaching Agra at 9.50 AM. The train will return from Agra at 5.50 PM and reach Delhi by 7.30 PM.
  • Coaches of the Gatiman train have been built at Kapurthala Railway Coach Factory in the Punjab.
  • The train has bio-toilets developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
  • The entire cost of train is somewhere around Rs 50 crore.
  • The train consists of two executive chair car coaches and eight AC chair car coaches. The ticket pricing is 750 Rs for AC chair car coach seat and 1500 Rs for an executive chair car coach seat.
  • There is a provision for hotspot infotainment and Wi-Fi.
  • It is the first train in the country to have hostesses to take care of the passengers.

  • The passengers are served with a special menu containing both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. The desserts include cakes and wafers. The vegetarian menu further elaborates into South Indian and Punjabi cuisine while non-vegetarians are served continental dishes and sausages. The train also provides Health Food. Some of the dishes served on board are parathas, upma, veg shami kebabs, Swiss rolls, chicken rolls, kulcha, Lyonnaise potatoes, potato wedges, tomato salsa, coconut barfi, salad, uttapam, omelette and digestive cookies along with juices, freshly cut fruits and brown bread.
  • The food will be served in bone china crockery in executive class coach.
  • The toilets are clean and hygienic with soap dispensers and auto genitors.
  • Automatic fire alarms, emergency braking system, sliding door, and clean floors, all these are the perks that the passengers are sure to fall in love with.
  • An 8 inch LCD TVs is fixed to the back of every seat, enabling passengers to have an entertaining journey.

With all its attractions, Gatiman is surely going down in the history of this country as the best train we ever saw. Check the IRCTC seat availability and book your seat today. The ride is surely going to be heavenly with all the good food and pampering.

Gatiman Express Time Table –

Station name (code)ArrivesDepartsStop timeDistance travelledDay
H Nizamuddin (NZM)Starts08:10:0000 km1
Agra Cantt (AGC)09:50:00Ends0188 km1

Central Railways has special Holi trains for passengers!

The Indian Railways is always looking for some or the other way to bring comfort to the passengers especially during the festive season. Most of the trains will be halting at Thane. The trains will be for Nagpur, Karmali, Bhatni and Gorakhpur.

The first train, LokmanyaTilak to Karmali will be running on 18th and 25th March. This train will arrive back to LokmanyaTilak Terminus the next day. The main stations at which this train will halt are Ratnagiri, Chiplun, Roha, Khed, Panvel, Kudal, Thivim, Sawantwadi Road and Thane.

The second train, Mumbai CST to Karmali will be running on the 19th and 26th March. This will return back from Karmali the same day. This special train will be halting at Thane, Dadar, Roha, Panvel, Chiplun, Kudal, Khed, Ratnagiri, Sawantwadi Road, Thivim and Kankavali.

The third train, LokmanyaTilak to Bhatni will be running on 18th and 25th March. This train will be leaving from Bhatni station on the 19th and the 26th March. This special train is going to halt at stations like Nasik Road, Thane, Kalyan, Itarsi, Bhusaval, Katni, Jabalpur, Satna, Allahabad, Azamgarh, Mau and many other important routes.

The fourth train, LokmanyaTilak to Nagpur will be running on the 22nd and 29th March. This will return back to the LokmanyaTilak Terminus the next day. This weekly special will be halting at Nasik Road, Thane, Kalyan, Wardha, Bhuswal, Badnera, Akola, Pulgaon, Jalgaon, Manmd, Igatpuri, Dhamangaon and Malkapur.

The reservations have been open from the 4th of March. So start booking your train to celebrate Holi with your family and friends.

The different types of trains in India!

India is a diverse nation, and it takes immense pride in its very large railway network, which also happens to be the second largest network of the world. The railways are continuously developing and evolving to new heights. Most Indians prefer travelling by the train due to several reasons. The fares are much more affordable compared to the soaring high priced tickets of the flights. Also, Indian rail reservation is an easy online process and saved people a lot of hassle. Here are the various types of trains offered by the Indian railways. Let’s take a journey through them.12261_Howrah_Duronto_Express

Duronto Express – Known as the fastest train in India. If you want to save time and want a train, which runs at a very fast speed, then your priority should be the duronto express. It was introduced only a few years ago and has several facilities such as serving of food, distributing napkins and blankets, serving snacks, etc. The train’s outer design is distinct from other trains. Also, apart from a very few technical spots, this train does not stop at any station in between the station source and station destination. This train by far is the fastest way to travel by land in the country.

The Rajdhani Express – This is the good old train. The Rajdhani Express is one of the oldest operating trains in India. It is considered as a train, which provides both speed as well as luxury. After Duronto Express, this is the second fastest train in India. Unlike Duronto, the Rajdhani Express has a few station halts and this is why it takes a little more time than the Duronto Express to cover the same distance. This train was launched back in the 1960s to connect the capital Delhi to other parts of the country.

rajdhani-express

The Shatabdi Express – If you do not like the idea of travelling by bus, the Shatabdi Express makes for a good alternative. The train connects all the parts of the country to the major cities. However, the Shatabdi mostly runs during the day and only a few trains run overnight. The Shatabdi unlike other express trains does not have a sleeper class. The arrangement inside is somewhat like that on a flight. The Shatabdi is best for short distance travellers. You can buy a ticket for this train even at the last minute. No reservations need to be done days in advance.

The Garib Rath Express –This is a newly introduced express train that has 3E ac classes. A few of these trains also comprise of CC coaches. This is the first ever train, which has a 3E class. It has an additional side berth unlike the other trains. This is a fully air conditioned train and is especially for those who cannot afford the high rates of tickets of other express trains. Garib Rath is an implication of chariot of the poor.

So, now if you know which train suits your destination, time and budget, get set go! Happy journey!

5 Trains in India which travel the longest routes!

The Indian Railway network is unbelievably large. As you may know already, it is the world’s second largest railway network with thousands of trains and stations. The railway carries over 9000 million passengers each year. Most Indians prefer this mode of transport for its affordable ticket rates and also because availability of seats in train is not much of a problem with so many trains running to and fro the same place. The starting point of trains in India is Jammu and it travels till the Kanyakumari tip. Let us meet some trains, which cover the longest routes in the country.

The Vivek Express – There are a total of four different Vivek trains, which run on the railway network. These trains were initially introduced to pay tribute to the legendary Swami Vivekananda and hence the name Vivek. The longest route covering Vivek Express is the one which starts from Dibrugarh in Assam till Kanyakumari in the south. This is the longest distance in India and globally it is the 8th longest in terms of both time as well as distance.

The Himsagar Express – The second longest route in India is taken by the very old Himsagar Express. The route is the second longest in terms of time and distance. The train starts from the southernmost tip of the country, i.e. Kanyakumari and ends at Jammu Tawi. It covers an approximate area of 3500kms. If you every board this train, you will cross a total of 9 states on your journey! It is like traveling most of the country on wheels of the train.indian-railway

The Navyug Express – The Navyug express started operating only a few years ago. The term Navyug itself means a ‘new era.’ This train runs weekly from Mangalore to Jammu Tawi and in the railway network is the third train to travel the longest route in terms of the distance alone. The Navyug Express crosses 10 states in total. It is like an Indian expedition on the train itself!

The Dibrugarh Express – Can you imagine traveling on the train for 3 long days? Well, sounds very boring but hundreds of passengers aboard the weekly Dibrugarh to Yesvantpur Express to travel from Bangalore to Dibrugarh. The train takes three long days to cover the route. It is the railway’s fourth train to run on the longest route.

The Jammu Express – The Tirunelveli Jammu Express begins its long journey from Tirunelveli and ends at Jammu Tawi. This train runs only twice a week and the Indian railways has ranked it the fifth train to run the longest route in terms of the time and distance.

A traveler who knows how to turn the boring into interesting will always choose a train journey over flight irrespective of the time taken to cover the distance. There is so much one can do on a train journey, from reading, writing, playing and of course, making new friends from other parts of the country. So, it is time to take the long route and explore your country and people better.

Indian Railways – An Improvised version

From the last decade, IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) is playing an important role in Indian Railways. IRCTC is responsible for handling catering, ticketing and tourism of passengers. Now passengers can eat good quality train food that is served hot and fresh by the trained staff of IRCTC division.

Indian Railways seat availability Railway has been the most popular and preferred mode of transportation in India since its inception. It is also the best way to travel across the country to get the feel of real India. During your journey, you would realise the scenic beauty and how fast this country has progressed in last 60 years.

If you are a visitor in this country or a first timer to travel in train, then the below mentioned tips will help to make your journey safe and comfortable:-

  • Always get your seat reservations in advance. Since Indian railways is the most preferred way of travel by Indians, therefore, there is shortage of supply as the demand is high
  • While making your booking, you can choose a window seat so that you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the country
  • There would be some trains that are superfast and some of them that are not, so it is always a good idea to carry I-Pods or other gadgets to keep you busy. However, since Indian people are quite friendly, so you get a lot of friendly and talkative people around.
  • If you are travelling by trains like Rajdhani or Shatabdi, then you do not have to pay anything extra for food, but apart from these two trains, you would either of to carry food or you can also order food from the pantry car. Though the options would be limited, yet still they are good enough to keep you full for a good period of time. Also, you can find hawkers selling snacks and drinks during your journey.
  • For hygiene purposes, always carry toilet paper, hand towels and soap as they would be very handy and useful
  • If your journey is an overnight journey, then ensure safety of your luggage. It is quite possible that thieves might enter the coach and steal your belongings. Use a padlock and chain to tie your luggage.

Indian Railways and IRCTC in conjunction are working to provide best in class facilities to its passengers. With the advancement in technology, you can check Indian Railways seat availability and also book tickets online by entering your travel plan. Also, in case you are not comfortable in eating train food, then you can also order private online food delivery companies to deliver food at your seat. Apart from these, there are some improvisations that have been made in the air conditioned and first class coaches to provide better amenities. Indian Railways have also kept in mind the peak season of travelling and have introduced more number of trains during the festive seasons and summer holidays.

There has been a wave of change in the ways Indian Railways have started operating and meeting customer expectations. It is now definitely, one of the most convenient and comfortable way of travelling in today’s time.