Rohit Thakur
Travelling by the Indian railway system is the ideal way to tour the country. With over 125 000 trains connecting nearly 7000 stations and ferrying almost 25 million people daily, the train service though far from perfect is extremely reliable. It is deemed as the best way to travel by a large majority of the people. Apart from being pocket-friendly, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the spectacular countryside. Nonetheless, one must know the right way to travel by train to enjoy a streamlined journey. Check out these five travel tips.
1. Book Tickets In Advance:
how can apps make your travel experience better in Indian railway. While you can book train tickets for the preferred class at the station counter, purchasing them via reputable online portals easier and a more dependable. Since tickets can be procured 90 days before the departure date, it makes sense to book in advance as they sell out quickly during the peak season. In case of a sudden change in plans, you can opt for cancellation 4 hours before departure. However, a certain percentage of your fare is also cut from the reimbursement that you are entitled to get. This could be 25% if the ticket is cancelled less than 48 hours but more than 24 hours before the journey. The same cancellation charge can be 50% of the ticket cost in case the ticket is cancelled less than 24 hours but more than 4 hours before the journey.
2. Waitlist Confirmation:
If you are a waitlisted traveller, it’s natural to get stressed about whether your travel plans will materialise or not. Well, there is no need to constantly check PNR status! Thanks to some brilliant apps that accurately predict the odds of ticket confirmation you can relax on that front. Not to mention, the apps come with cool features that provide tips on Tatkal bookings, platform information, final charting and also provide the live running status of the train etc. With this kind of data at your fingertips rail travel in India is a breeze.
3. Keep An Eye On Your Stuff:
Once the train PNR status provides confirmation of your ticket, you can safely board the train. The next step is to keep an eye on your belongings. While Indian railways are relatively safe, it never hurts to be cautious. Make sure your suitcases have proper locks in place. Also, consider using a padlock and chain to fasten your luggage securely under the berth, to avert becoming a target of petty thieves. Further, keep your handbag and valuable items close to your body especially in crowded trains.
4. Carry Snacks:
5 important travel tips for travelling in Indian railways. Most long-distance trains are equipped with pantry cars that provide fresh food to passengers. In addition, there are several food services available. You can also pre-order eatables of your choice via apps and have it delivered to your seat. However, it’s always good to carry drinking water and snacks when embarking on an overnight journey. Items like biscuits, nuts, and sandwiches are great to munch when hunger pangs strike.
5. Toilets:
Every compartment comes with a western and Indian style toilet. In terms of cleanliness and hygiene, the air-conditioned classes are slightly better than sleeper ones. To be on the safe side, get up a little early and use the bathrooms before people start lining up in the morning. Always carry tissues and toilet paper. They both are important items that come very handy.
Additional Reading: How can apps make your travel experience better in indian railway
Armed with these simple travel tips you can have a really wonderful rail ride to any corner of the country!
Very useful tips, thank you very much for them!
excellent, informative post.