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Rail transport is the most commonly used mode of long distance transportation in India. Rail operations throughout the country are run by the state-owned company, Indian Railways. The rail network traverses through the length and breadth of the country, covering a total length of 63,140 km (39,200 miles). It is one of the largest and busiest rail networks in the world, transporting over 5 billion passengers and over 350 million tonnes of freight annually. Its operations covers twenty-seven states and three Union territories and also links the neighbouring countries of Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Railways were first introduced to India in 1837, passenger services started in 1853 and by 1909, it was fourth largest railway network in the world. In 1951 the systems were nationalised as one unit and in 1984 rapid transit services were started. (more...)