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indian railways

Indian Railways is a state-owned railway company, responsible for rail transport in India. It is owned and operated by the Government of India through the Ministry of Railways. It is one of the world's largest railway networks, comprising 115,000 km of track and 8,000 stations.

Indian Railways History

Railways were first introduced to India in the year 1853 from Mumbai to Thane. In 1951 the systems were nationalised as one unit, the Indian Railways, becoming one of the largest networks in the world. Indian Railways operates both long distance and suburban rail systems on a multi-gauge network of broad, metre and narrow gauges. It also has international connectivity to Bangladesh (with Bangladesh Railway) and Pakistan (with Pakistan Railways). Indian Railways also owns locomotive and coach production facilities at several places in India.

Indian Railways Customer Care Number

The customer care number for Indian Railways is 139 for information and assistance related to railway reservations, train schedules, fare enquiries, and other services. Additionally, customers can also contact Indian Railways through the following numbers:

0755-6610661 (For Complaints and Suggestions)
0755-4090600 (For Security)
0755-3934141 (For Catering Services)
0755-6610661 (For Online Ticket Refund)

How to Check Indian Railways Train Schedule?

There are several ways to check Indian Railways train schedule:

Online: Visit Indian Railways official website, www.irctc.co.in, to check train schedules, availability, and fare information.
Mobile app: Download Indian Railways mobile app "IRCTC Connect" to check train schedules, book tickets, and check PNR status.
SMS: You can check Indian Railways train schedule by sending an SMS to 139. The format for the SMS is "TRAIN <Train Number>" and you will receive the schedule for the train in return.
Enquiry counters: Indian Railways have enquiry counters at all major railway stations where you can check train schedule and other information.
Phone call: You can check Indian railways train schedule by calling the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) at 139. The service is available in English and Hindi.

How IRCTC Bookings work?

There are several ways to book Indian Railways (IRCTC) tickets:

Online: Visit Indian Railways official website, www.irctc.co.in, to book tickets online. You will need to create an account on the website to book tickets. Once you have created an account, you can search for trains, check availability, and book tickets.
Mobile app: Can also book Indian Railways tickets through mobile app "IRCTC Connect".
Reservation counters: Indian Railways have reservation counters at all major railway stations where you can book tickets.

How to check Indian Railways PNR status?

Indian Railways PNR is a 10-digit number that is provided to you at the time of booking the ticket. This number can be found on the top-left corner of the printed ticket or on the confirmation message received by email/SMS if you booked the ticket online. There are several ways to check Indian Railways PNR status:

Go to Indian Railways official website - www.irctc.co.in to check PNR status.
Open Indian Railways mobile app "IRCTC Connect" to check PNR status.
You can check Indian Railways PNR status by sending an SMS to 139. SMS "PNR <PNR Number>" and you will receive the PNR status.
You can check Indian railways PNR status by calling customer care at 139.
Go to the Indian Railways enquiry counters at the railway stations to check PNR status.

What are India Railways Ticket Cancellation charges?

The Indian Railways ticket cancellation charges vary depending on the type of ticket, the class of travel, and the time of cancellation.

IRCTC Confirmed Tickets

If the ticket is cancelled more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, a flat cancellation fee of Rs 240 will be charged per passenger.
If the ticket is cancelled between 48 hours and 12 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, a cancellation fee of 25% of the fare will be charged.
If the ticket is cancelled within 12 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, a cancellation fee of 50% of the fare will be charged.

For IRCTC RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) and Waitlisted Tickets

If the ticket is cancelled more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, a flat cancellation fee of Rs 240 will be charged per passenger.
If the ticket is cancelled within 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, a cancellation fee of Rs 240 will be charged.

IRCTC Tatkal Tickets

If the ticket is cancelled more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, a flat cancellation fee of Rs 240 will be charged per passenger.
If the ticket is cancelled within 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, a cancellation fee of 25% of the fare will be charged.
Please note that the refund amount will be credited to the account used to make the booking after deducting the cancellation charges. Also, some service charges and GST will be applicable on top of the above-mentioned cancellation charges.

Indian Railways Recruitment

Indian Railways is the fourth-largest employer in the world, with over 1.4 million employees. Indian Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) regularly recruits for various positions such as clerks, ticket collectors, engineers, and managers. The recruitment process typically involves a written examination and an interview. Candidates can visit the official website of RRB (indianrailways.gov.in) for more information on current and upcoming recruitment opportunities. You can also follow TOI Jobs & Recruitment News to get the latest updates.

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indian railways News

First look: indian railways reveals proposed bullet train design

TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 18, 2026, 17:04 (IST)

India's first bullet train, destined for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route, has had its design unveiled by indian railways. This ambitious project, spanning 508 km, is progressing with station foundation work completed in Gujarat and ongoing construction in Maharashtra, including an undersea tunnel. The initiative aims to boost indigenous high-speed rail capabilities.

British couple travels across India with newborn, calls indian railways ‘Excellent’

etimes.in / May 15, 2026, 20:40 (IST)

A British couple's journey through India with their two-month-old son, Alexander, has gone viral. They praised indian railways as an excellent travel method, noting the ease of booking and station amenities. Strangers' warmth and hospitality towards their baby, along with Alexander's ability to sleep through the country's vibrant chaos, made the experience unexpectedly wholesome and memorable.

Massive turnout marks Museum Day celebration

May 18, 2026, 21:44 (IST)

With better than Rajdhani experience & 160 kmph speed, can Vande Bharat sleeper trains be a game-changer for indian railways?

TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 13, 2026, 20:34 (IST)

Over 250 new Vande Bharat sleeper trains are in the pipeline for rollout over the next few years - all with the aim to revamp long-distance rail travel and offer a world-class service experience to passengers.

Trains at 220 kmph on indian railways soon! Cabinet approves Ahmedabad-Dholera semi high-speed rail project; check details

TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 13, 2026, 15:56 (IST)

The proposed rail line is expected to improve connectivity between Ahmedabad, Dholera Special Investment Region, the upcoming Dholera International Airport and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex.

Gold ring worth lakhs slips into train toilet - indian railways staff pull off incredible recovery

etimes.in / May 16, 2026, 08:05 (IST)

Railway staff in India went to extraordinary lengths, working through a train's filthy drainage system, to recover an expensive gold ring lost by a passenger. The successful retrieval, despite the unpleasant conditions, has garnered widespread praise online for the team's dedication and honesty.

Visakhapatnam to anchor maintenance network for freight locomotives

TNN / May 10, 2026, 23:34 (IST)

Visakhapatnam becomes a key hub for indian railways' freight modernization with the inauguration of its first 9000 HP electric locomotive maintenance depot. This marks the start of a four-depot network for these powerful, domestically manufactured locomotives, ensuring sustained performance through a 35-year lifecycle partnership with Siemens.

indian railways launches first Bharat Gaurav Tourist train to Nepal: Route, fare, itinerary and what travellers should know

etimes.in / May 21, 2026, 13:34 (IST)

IRCTC launches its first Bharat Gaurav tourist train to Nepal, connecting India to iconic destinations like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan National Park. This 9-night, 10-day "Pashupatinath Nepal Darshan Yatra" from Indore offers an all-inclusive cultural and spiritual experience, boosting tourism ties. Bookings are now open for this unique cross-border journey.

indian railways eyes 350 kmph speeds with its next indigenous bullet train; first one to have 280 kmph potential

TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 20, 2026, 13:13 (IST)

India’s first bullet train is currently being manufactured by Bengaluru-based BEML and is likely to be ready by 2027.

Arakkonam-Chengalpet to get extra suburban railway line

TNN / May 20, 2026, 18:15 (IST)

Railways staring at higher electricity costs after Supreme Court rules it qualifies as ‘consumer’

TNN / May 11, 2026, 00:08 (IST)

indian railways faces increased electricity costs following a Supreme Court ruling. The court declared the national transporter a "consumer" under the Electricity Act, making it liable for cross-subsidy and additional surcharges on open access power. This decision impacts the railways' operating ratio and power procurement expenses, overturning previous exemptions.

RPF Central Railway reunites 499 children, saves 25 lives in four months

May 17, 2026, 22:08 (IST)

Ravneet Singh Bittu flags off non-AC train between Amritsar & New Jalgaipuri

TNN / May 15, 2026, 00:44 (IST)

'Suspicious act' led to Howrah train fire, shows CCTV footage

TNN / May 22, 2026, 00:31 (IST)

RRB technician CEN 02/2026 short notice released for 6565 Grade I and III vacancies; check details here

TOI Education / May 18, 2026, 11:22 (IST)

Railway Recruitment Boards have released a short notice for RRB Technician Recruitment 2026 under CEN 02/2026, announcing 6565 vacancies for Technician Grade I Signal and Technician Grade III posts. Applications will be accepted online through the official RRB portal. Eligibility includes BSc or Diploma for Grade I Signal and 10th pass with ITI for Grade III. Age limits, fees, selection process and key dates have also been notified for candidates. Exam date will be announced.

RRB ALP recruitment 2026: Registration underway for 11,127 posts; check direct link to apply here

TOI Education / May 17, 2026, 10:24 (IST)

indian railways is recruiting 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilots. Applications are open from May 15 to June 14, 2026. Candidates need an ITI certificate or engineering diploma. The selection involves computer-based tests, an aptitude test, document verification, and a medical exam. Selected candidates will earn ₹19,900 basic pay. This is a significant opportunity for aspiring railway professionals.