Interesting Facts About Indian Railways

Image: Unsplash

13 November 2025

1. Fourth-largest rail network: Indian Railways is the fourth-largest railway network in the world, after the US, China, and Russia

Image: Pexels

2. World's largest employer: It employs over 1.2 million people, making it one of the largest employers globally

Image: Unsplash

3. First train in 1853: The first passenger train in India ran on April 16, 1853, from Mumbai to Thane, covering 34 km

Image: X/@sadaashree

4. Longest train route: The Vivek Express (Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari) covers 4,273 km in about 82 hours, making it the longest route in India

Image: X/@iamdittu

5. Oldest running train: The Kalka Mail, introduced in 1866, is one of the oldest continuously running trains in India

Image: X/@v_dhree

6. Station with longest name: Venkatanarasimharajuvaripeta in Andhra Pradesh holds this quirky record

Image: X/@GladImIndian

7. Station with shortest name: Ib station in Odisha has the shortest name

Image: X/@vernaculartube

8. Gorakhpur Station: It has the world's longest railway platform, stretching 1,366 metres

Image: Pexels

9. Electrification drive: Indian Railways is working to become a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030, with rapid electrification of routes

Image: Unsplash

10. Luxury trains: India has some of the most luxurious trains like the Palace on Wheels, Maharajas' Express, and Deccan Odyssey, offering royal experiences

Image: X/@ColoursOfBharat

Check More Stories

Image: Pexels

ndtv.com