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Railway Rush
Indian trains cross mountains, rivers and deserts every day. Let's discover some railway wonders and a few smart tips for a safe journey!
Did you know?
India's first passenger train ran in 1853, from Bombay to Thane, about 34 km. It had 14 carriages, about 400 people and three steam engines named Sahib, Sindh and Sultan!
The Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir is the highest railway bridge in the world. Its deck is 359 metres above the river bed. Regular trains began crossing it in 2025.
Three hill railways, the Darjeeling, Nilgiri and Kalka–Shimla lines, together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site called the Mountain Railways of India.
Try this: Pretend Train Trip
Choose two cities on a map of India. Make your own ticket with a train name, coach number, seat number and departure time. Write a packing list: water bottle, snacks, a book. Then act out the journey with your family: queue at the counter, show your ticket and wait behind the yellow line on the platform!
Go further: The Train That Climbs with Teeth
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway in Tamil Nadu is India's only rack railway. On its steepest part, between Kallar and Coonoor, a special toothed rail runs between the tracks. A toothed wheel under the engine grips these teeth, so the train can climb without slipping back. On its way up to Ooty, the line passes through 16 tunnels and over about 250 bridges!