Indian Railways has been divided into 9 Zones - Western, Central, Eastern, Northern, North Eastern, Northeast Frontier, Southern, South Central & South Eastern covering the largest route length of over 63000 Kms of total Indian boundary. The last stations of the four directional boundaries are West-Mumbai, South-Kanyakumari, East-Guwahati, North-Jammu. It is the most convenient way of travelling if you are travelling on a budget. The railways have one of the most efficient communication systems between 2 stations. The types of class available are 1st class, AC 2tier, AC 3tier, 2nd class sleeper & chair car. The 1st class being phased out being converted in to AC 2 tier/AC 3 tier (recently being introduced in some of the trains).

The 1st class is mainly for 6 persons in day and converted in to a cabin for 4 persons for night travel. The AC 2tier class is mostly recommended for comfortable travelling for long distances as movement of persons in the compartment other than reserved people is not permitted. Also you travel pollution free and bedding is provided at night from an attendant. However there are only 2-3 coaches of AC 2tier per train of 15-17 boggies, hence ticket availability is difficult if not booked well in advance. 2nd class sleeper is the cheapest and most common way of travelling in India in which 3 sleepers are provided for night travel. The chair car is the most comfortable way of travelling for shorter distances in daytime. E.g. Mumbai-Pune, Mumbai-Nasik, Mumbai-Ahmedabad.

Foreign tourists, who wish to experience India by train, can enjoy special facilities earmarked for them. These are explained in greater details below.

• Special Quota : Several important trains have a special quota for foreign tourists. This can be availed on payment of US Dollars or Pound Sterling. Tourists without foreign currency will be allotted the special quota on production of the exchange certificates issued by any nationalized bank. At the time of reservation, the passport number and the country of origin should be mentioned.
• Assistance Cells : Major Reservation Centers have special Cells to help foreign tourists plan their itinerary, reserve their tickets and render any assistance required.
• The International Tourist Bureau : Situated on the first floor of New Delhi Railway station provides personalized service and assistance to foreign tourists and NRIs regarding reservations, itinerary planning and other inquiries. This Bureau is manned by trained staff and tourist guides, fluent in foreign languages for any assistance, please contact: The Manager, International Tourist Bureau, 1, Floor, New Delhi Railway Station, New Delhi - 110 001. Tel: 011-3734164, 3346804, Fax: 011-3343050
• Indrail Pass : This travel ticket has been created especially for foreign tourists and Indian nationals residing abroad. This ticket is available for a special time period from 1/2 day to 90 days. Indrail Passes should be used within one year of issue. Validity period starts from the date of the first train journey and ends on the midnight of the last journey.

In India Indrail passes can be purchased from STIC TRAVEL (P) Limited:-

Benefits on Indrail Pass :
Travel as you like. Priority on Rail Reservation from Foreign Tourist Quota. Children below 5 years travel free and those between 5 & 12 years are charged half fares. Free meals on Rajdhani Express/Shatabdi Express trains. No sleeper surcharge on Night journey. No extra charge for Travel by Superfast Trains. No reservation fee for berths and seats. Free bedrolls on 1st AC/2nd AC/3 Tier AC

Tips for Buying Indrail Pass :

For Single Journey you should purchase Half Day/One Day pass as the validity of these passes are for 12 hours and 24 hours respectively from the time you begin the journey.

For Half Day/One Day pass in case of Rajdhani, you are eligible to use one class lower than you pay for the class. E.g. If you pay for AC class, then you will be eligible to travel by First Class/AC-2tier, AC-3 Tier/AC Chair Car.