Indian Railways, often referred to as the lifeline of the country, holds a rich and ancient history.
On April 16, 1853, the first passenger train embarked on a 34 km journey from Bori Bunder in Mumbai to Thane.
This historic ride, powered by three locomotives named Sahib, Sultan, and Sindh, marked the inception of railways in India.
Throughout its existence, Indian Railways has achieved numerous milestones, leaving an indelible mark in the field of transportation.
Notably, India boasts the world’s largest railway bridge over the Chenab River and is also home to the largest railway platform.
Additionally, several rail routes in the country have been included in UNESCO’s heritage list.
The Shortest Train Journey in India
Among the vast network of Indian Railways, there exists a remarkable distinction in the form of the shortest train journey in the country.
Spanning merely three kilometers, the journey from Nagpur to Ajni in Maharashtra holds this record.
According to the travel website Ixigo, this quick journey takes only nine minutes to complete.
The general class ticket for this short trip costs Rs 60, while the sleeper class ticket is priced at Rs 175.
Given the brevity of the journey, most passengers opt for the general class ticket, as there is little benefit in choosing the sleeper class.
For those seeking a higher level of comfort, AC-3 tickets are available for Rs 555, AC-2 for Rs 760, and AC-1 for Rs 1,255.
Empowering Women in Railways
Furthermore, Ajni, a railway station in Maharashtra, holds its own record in railway history.
In 2018, it became the third railway station in the country to have an all-female staff.
Prior to this achievement, Matunga station in Mumbai and Gandhinagar station in Jaipur had already accomplished this feat.
At Ajni station, 22 women employees were dedicated to various roles, including a station manager, six commercial clerks, four ticket checkers, four luggage porters, four sweepers, and three RPF personnel.
This milestone showcases the commitment of Indian Railways to promote gender diversity and inclusivity within its workforce.