Rail Transport

The Indian Railways network is one of the longest in the world. It moves both freight and passengers, and directly contributes to economic growth. Mahatma Gandhi observed that the railways “brought people of diverse cultures together to contribute to India’s freedom struggle.”

The first railway line in India was constructed in 1853, running from Bombay to Thane — a distance of just 34 km. Today, Indian Railways is the largest government undertaking in the country. As of the Railway Yearbook 2019–20, the total length of the network was 67,956 km.

Because of its enormous size, a centralised management system faces immense pressure. To manage this, the railway system has been divided into 17 zones.

Track Gauges

On the basis of the width of the track, Indian Railways uses three categories:

Indian Railways has launched an extensive programme to convert metre gauge and narrow gauge lines to broad gauge. This standardisation improves efficiency and connectivity.

Modernisation and Environmental Steps

Steam engines have been replaced by diesel and electric engines. This change has increased both speed and haulage capacity. Replacing coal-run steam engines has also improved the environment at railway stations.

Metro rail has revolutionised urban transport in India. Alongside this, the replacement of diesel buses with CNG-run vehicles is a welcome step toward controlling air pollution in urban centres.

Historical Pattern and Post-Independence Expansion

During the British colonial era, railways were built mainly around towns, raw material producing areas, plantations and other commercial crops, hill stations, and cantonment towns. These routes were developed primarily for the exploitation of resources. …