Toy train station for Shimla

Since I am a frequent traveler in Indian Railways , I thought of sharing some interesting smart tips with all.

Travelling tips for Indian Railways

1. One has to plan in advance and should have a proper reservation in desired class before boarding the train. In case of impromptu plans, Railways offers TATKAL services for travel booking a day before the journey. There is e-booking offered from railways. Under no circumstances one should take help of any Touts / unauthorized persons.

2. There are multiple trains available from one point to another on a given day , hence one should plan their trip well in advance as per convenience.

3.There can be delays or changes of arrival and departures of various trains and one should inquire in advance about platform number of the arrival / departure of a particular train. One can simply ask any porter ( called coolie in Hindi) as they are well aware of present scenario at the railway station.

4. On the day of journey , one should try to reach minimum 45 minutes before time to the railway station since there can be unplanned delays due to road traffic , at entry points of railway station, for parking vehicles or for multiple platforms to be crossed with luggage.

5. Once on board , one should be careful about the luggage as railways offers limited space and hence its advisable to travel light. One should also carry chain and extra locks to secure luggage in night journey when one is asleep.

6. Regarding water , one should carry own clean water for the journey. If in need it can be purchased from official vendors on platforms and on board from the pantry personnel only. Seal should be checked always while purchasing water. Many of trains and A/C class receives complimentary water bottle which should also be checked.

7. While on board food becomes an important aspect of journey as unhygienic food might lead to severe gastroenteritis and cause sudden and severe discomfort. Its preferable to carry own home made food , however if needed it should be purchased from authorized railway pantry / personnel only unless otherwise provided complimentary.

8. There have been instances of criminal elements posing as fellow passengers offering food , drinks and sweets laced with sadatives to travelers and taking away their luggage. One needs to be very particular not to share food , drinks and sweets with anyone whosoever while travelling.

Toy train view from window of trains compartment

9. One has to be very particular about comfortable clothing while travelling and carrying a extra pair of clothing in handbag in case the need arises. This is of particular importance to people travelling with kids.

10. Its advisable not to put out body parts from window , not to sit in doors of a moving train , not try to board a moving train and not to travel on rooftops of train and follow other safety guidelines as per standard procedures of Indian railways.

11. Regarding use of toilets , its advisable to carry own handwash and be very particular about sanitation while travelling.

12. Most of the train offer electric points for charging your electrical gazets , However its advisable to carry a battery backup for oneself.

13. Most of the railway stations offer authorized taxi services and one should preferably use these services only.

Article written by Gaurav Malhotra