India is a land of diverse culture as well as religion. In different parts of India, one can find totally different tradition and cultural variations. To promote national integration and concentrate the cultural diversity, the Indian Railways plays a vital role that also fulfills the transportation needs of the country. It is true that, with this support, Indian Railways have also emerged as the major strength of the Indian economy.
Distance covered by Indian Railways
Indian Railways covers total 63,140 route kilometers as on 31.3.2002, including broad gauge (total 45,099 kilometers), narrow gauge (total 3,265 kilometers) and meter gauge (total 14,776 kilometers). It is considered as the main part of the India�s transportation system.
Some major statistics related to Indian Railways:
• Wagons (units) - 2,16,717
• number of locomotives (operating) - 7,739
• Operating trains - 14,444
• Daily Passengers - 8,702
• Coaches - 39,236
Not only passengers, everyday, Indian Railways carry more than a million ton of freight traffic encompassing around 6,856 numbers of rail stations. Being the primary infrastructural sector of India, Railways has been developing to maintain a pace with the development of Indian economy.
Though the huge investment required for the overall development of the Indian Railway system has not been fully sanctioned but due to the budgetary support it is planning to develop its infrastructural aspects.
Operating Zones and Production Units
Basically, the Indian Railway system is operated through several zones and