The Ministry of Railways, Government of India, manages the Indian Railways. It was founded in April 1853 and has since then been serving the country with its efficient system. The Indian Railways enjoys the status of being one of the largest rail networks in the world and also the busiest. This article will highlight some of the most significant facts and figures related to the history of Indian rail.

• Indian Railways that were segregated into a number of systems prior to the country’s independence was clubbed into one nationalized system in 1951.


• The first train traveled a distance of 21 miles from Mumbai (then Bombay) to Thane.


• Indian rail covers over 6900 stations located across the length and breadth of the country.


• Indian Railways owns over 50,000 passenger coaches and 200,000 freight wagons.


• There are broad, narrow, and meter gauge networks; all part of the Indian Railway.


• Indian Railways has been divided into 16 zones with a number of further sub divisions.


• There are about 1.4 million employees working with the Indian Railways that make it the largest commercial employer in the world.


• It takes pride in being responsible for ferrying 18 million passengers daily, across the various parts of the country.


• The Intercity trains that ply between several significant destinations of a state generally have a seating only arrangement for passengers. The interstate trains however feature different train classes that a passenger could choose from. The different classes have different fares and guests can pick their choice according to their budget and preference.


• First class AC, AC two-tier, Sleeper class and Seater-class are a few of the most significant distinctions to name in the order.


• For international and domestic guests interested in luxury travel in India, Indian Railways offer a number of luxury train options such as The Palace on Wheels, Royal Orient Express, and the Golden Chariot.


• 70% of the revenues for Indian Railways are earned from the freight sector.