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All about Indian Railway System

Indian Railway is one of the largest network and busiest in the world. It is also largest utility employer on earth with roughly 1.5 million workers. There are almost 6900 Railway stations spread across the country. Traveling in train is a very cheerful experience, as it provides a seamless journey than any other way. Train travel in India is recommendable specially for long routes when it includes over night travel. Travel time passes quickly when traveler travels at night.

Indian Railway Info

If you want to source updated train info then you can check useful authorized sites like Indianrail.gov.in and Indianrailinfo.Com. You can also find ‘train at a glance’ book for just Rs. 45 at many rail station book stalls. However, this book is published annually, so it’s not up-to-date as websites. Still it offers a comprehensive time table for all main line train services.

How to Book Rail Tickets in India

Indian rail ticket can be book from an agent or a hotel (with added commission). You can even book ticket by going to the station booking office by your own. Or else in this digital age, booking ticket from IRCTC website or PNR Status Buzz is a very convenient way. Ignoring some glitches into the system, online booking is the most useful way. In case you need more info on booking tickets you can speak to the Railway staffs. All big station staff speaks English, and on smaller stations, station master and its deputy usually are well versed with English.

Procedure at the Station

You need to get a reservation slip from information window. Fill in the details like departure station, destination station, date of journey, number of passengers, their details, under any quota (if you falls), etc. After filling all the details carefully, join the long queue at the reservation window. Women have a special queue for them, in case there is no queue for women you can straight go ahead at the window.

International Tourist Bureau

Almost all tourist destinations and larger cities have international tourist Bureau. This Bureau helps travelers to book tickets without any hassle. To check the list of stations which falls under it go to www.indianrail.gov.in.

Reservation Procedure

You can make a reservation 60 days before the journey. There are several classes which you can choose from according to your budget like chair car, sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, 1AC. There is no advance booking for general class. You only need to buy a ticket just before the journey and grab the seat as and when train pulls in. However it is advisable to book tickets well in advance, specially when it’s about night travel. In case you plan your journey a night before, there is an option of tatkal ticket, which you can buy 24hours before the journey by paying some extra bucks with the fare.

During festival several special train runs, still it’s better to book ticket in advance to make your journey safer and comfortable. Take extra care of the luggage you carry. Use padlocks or chains to lock it well.

Be aware of pick-pocketers and thives. There will be guards on the train at night. Still it’s better to take necessary precautions from your side.