Being one of the oldest and largest railway networks in the world, Indian railway system is sure a thing to every Indian to be boasting off. Catering to over 4900 million passengers across India, this system has got it all from the oldest running steam engines to the lavish Palace on Wheels or the Deccan Odyssey.
One long journey on any of the routes in India will surely provide a memorable event of life, be it the journey through the vibrant and traditionally rich states like Rajasthan or the fascinating ride through the lush green mountains of the Himalayas with that soothing breeze flowing in through the small windows of the train.
Even though it being one of the largest networks in the world, it faces some structural and management snags. Seats and sleepers classes are not as comfortable as it is their in the western countries railway systems. It is also not advisable always to eat food available on the trains as it might not be healthy enough, though there are exceptions to this in Shatabdi or Rajdhani trains where the quality is a little better and the cost of such meals is included in the ticket price. It is still advisable to the travelers on long hauls trains to carry their own food in the trains.
Railway stations in India are also not so well maintained in terms of cleanliness or other structural facilities. There are waiting rooms and restaurants on the station which again faces the predicaments of hygiene. If there is a requirement of a long wait then it is advised to spend time outside the station exploring the city or comforting in a hotel. If one still persists to stay at the station then there are books and magazine stalls where one can find lots of books and reading stuff.
But even after all these problems or snags, this system provide some magnificent memories that one savor through out the life. Indian railway system has got magnificent routes and train journey like the South India Train Journey, Deccan Odyssey, Palace on Wheels, Fairy Queen, North India Rail Tour, Train to Kolkata, The Darjeeling , Himalayan Railway, Nilgiri's Toy Train. Each and every age travelers will have something memorable to tell back home from these journeys.
