Despite the advent of flying in India, we’d rather take the train any day: It’s much more scenic, fun, is better for the environment, and you’re guaranteed to go home with stories to tell vs sitting in yet another plane. Trains are hands down our favorite way to commute. They are a window to an unknown world. You can peek into a stranger’s life, exchange stories with them, share their food or just be a silent observer. In the confinement of those few seats, there is much to do and see on the Indian Railways.
Here are 3 amazing train journeys with mind blowing monumental experiences that are a must visit.
The world’s highest rail bridge over Chenab.
The Chenab Bridge is an Indian railway steel and concrete arch bridge under construction between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir in India. When completed, the bridge will span the Chenab River at a height of 359 m (1,178 ft) above the river, making it the world's highest rail bridge. The bridge will be 1,315 meters long and will use up to 25,000 tonnes of steel. The idea was initially conceived in 2008 but the project was paused due to safety concerns. By December 2021, Kashmir will be connected to the rest of the country through the Indian Railways network as the government has set a new deadline for completion of the world's highest railway bridge.
How to go - it is Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line. Trains can be boarded from jammu or udhampur to experience this monumental sight.
The longest tunnel in the country- Pir Panjal Tunnel.
The Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel or Banihal railway tunnel is an 11.215-kilometre-long (6.969 mi) railway tunnel located in Pir Panjal Range of middle Himalayas in Jammu and Kashmir, India, north of Banihal town. It is a part of the Jammu–Baramulla line. it takes approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds for the train to cross the tunnel. The Pir Panjal tunnel reduced the distance between Quazigund in the north to Banihal in the south to just 11km. It will take about six minutes to cover the distance. The new Austrian tunnelling method (NATM) has been used for the construction of the tunnel due to the varying geological strata of the mountain range – eight geological strata were observed. This is the first large scale project in India where the method has been implemented.
How to travel - The Qazigund-Baramulla line was executed by IRCON. Also, connects Udhampur – Srinagar – Baramulla rail link project. The train can be boarded from udhampur railway station and from baramulla railway station.
The longest route on the Indian Railways network - Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari.
India’s longest train journey begins at Dibrugarh in Assam, and ends at the country’s southernmost point — Kanyakumari, in Tamil Nadu.
Along the way, the Dibrugarh-Kanyakumari Vivek Express covers a distance of 4,286 km; a five-day journey that sees the passengers traverse through nine Indian states and is currently the 24th longest train route in the world. This train currently holds the prestigious record of being the longest running train route in the Indian Subcontinent both in terms of distance as well as time. The train has 56 halts across its route.
As you course through nine states; the views past your windows changes. The scenes at each station began to blur into each other, so similar were they in their broad strokes: rushing porters, sleeping travellers, very awake children. Each state having its own Landscape & Cultural differences including the food. One can witness the hilly terrain of the north with the exhilarating view of the Bay of Bengal in the middle to the coconut filled beaches towards the south at Kanyakumari.
Dibrugarh - Kanyakumari Vivek Express Express has 2 Tier, 3 Tier AC coaches, Sleeper class coaches which can be booked in advance..
How to travel - Boarding the train from Dibrugarh railway station and from kanyakumari railway station.
On which train adventure would you like to embark first?