Facts & Records of Indian Railways

Top Speed Records

• Vande Bharat Express180 km/h
• Gatimaan Express160 km/h
• Bhopal Shatabdi Express150 km/h
• New Delhi–Mumbai Rajdhani Express130 km/h
• Duronto Express (Selected Services)Up to 130 km/h

Longest Route

4,273 km

Dibrugarh Kanyakumari Express, connecting Assam in the northeast to Tamil Nadu in the south - India's longest single train route.

Oldest Running Train

Deccan Queen

The Deccan Queen is one of the most historic and prestigious trains operated by Indian Railways. Introduced on 1 June 1930, the train has been serving passengers for more than nine decades and remains an important rail connection between Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra. Its name, “Deccan Queen,” refers to Pune, which has traditionally been known as the Queen of the Deccan. The Deccan Queen holds a special place in the history of Indian Railways because it introduced several important innovations in passenger travel. It was among the earliest long-distance trains in India to be hauled by electric locomotives and became well known for offering faster and more comfortable travel between Mumbai and Pune. The train has also been associated with premium passenger facilities, including its famous dining car, which became one of its most recognizable features. The journey of the Deccan Queen passes through the scenic Western Ghats, particularly the Mumbai–Pune railway corridor. Passengers can enjoy beautiful views of mountains, valleys, tunnels and waterfalls, especially during the monsoon season. The challenging Bhor Ghat section also makes the route an interesting part of India's railway engineering history. Over the decades, the Deccan Queen has undergone several upgrades while retaining its historic identity. Indian Railways introduced modern LHB coaches to improve passenger comfort, safety and overall travelling experience. Today, the Deccan Queen continues to operate between Mumbai CSMT and Pune Junction, carrying daily commuters, business travellers and tourists. More than just a passenger train, it represents the evolution of Indian Railways and remains a celebrated symbol of the long-standing railway connection between Mumbai and Pune.

Amazing Rail Facts

• India's first passenger train ran on 16 April 1853 from Bombay to Thane with 14 coaches and about 400 passengers.
• The first steam locomotive built in India was produced at the Ajmer Workshop in 1895 and was numbered F-734.
• Indian Broad Gauge measures 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in), making it wider than the 1,435 mm standard gauge commonly used around the world.
• The famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway runs on tracks just 610 mm, or 2 feet, wide.
• The historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway uses six zigzag reverses and three loops to climb through mountainous terrain.
• The Nilgiri Mountain Railway climbs from about 326 metres to 2,203 metres above sea level during its journey into the Nilgiri Hills.
• Three operational Indian mountain railways form one UNESCO World Heritage Site: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railway and Kalka–Shimla Railway.
• India is home to the world’s highest railway arch bridge! The Chenab Rail Bridge in Jammu & Kashmir stands 359 metres above the riverbed — about 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower. The 1,315-metre-long bridge is one of Indian Railways’ most remarkable engineering achievements.