Reservation Rules Indian Railway

Indian railway is always busy in welfare of its employee and passenger. It used to keep happy to them by introducing various plans. Its passenger can take advantage of different schemes like, Tatkal Scheme, FAQ list, circular Journey tickets, Upgraded Passenger List etc. However there are some rules which have to be followed while booking ticket.

Every passenger who wants to reserve a ticket for the berth or seat should purchase ticket from local Railway Reservation Office or an Authorized Travel Agency only.

For all trains and for all classes one can book ticket maximum 90 days before and the reservation is valid only for the day of departure of train. One passenger can reserve only six tickets at a time and that is only if all six people are travelling in same train. A passenger can submit one requisition form at a time.

Indian Railway also provides accommodation but only if the necessary ticket is reserved. The passenger who reserves the first can take advantage of it. The railway guarantees the compensation for the nuisance, loss, or extra carriage charge during the journey.

The reserved ticket indicates the time of train departure. However it is printed in 90 days advance passenger are subjected to conform the time of the fixed day from respective station.

The Railway gives concession to senior citizens. Yet it is allotted to every person. It means one should fill the requisite form for that. The senior citizen should carry proof of age while traveling through train. The proof should be produced with the ticket on demand.

If any passenger who has reserved ticket misses the train then the IR is not liable for the compensation.

Organizational Structure of Indian Railway

Indian Railway has monopoly in transportation all over the country. Therefore its structure is well organized and hardly changed as it was during the British Era. The railway has a board headed by chairman who is liable to report the Minister of Railway.

The structure is basically divided into 17 zones which are headed by General Manager (GM). These zones are subdivided in to divisions. Each division is headed by DRM (Divisional Railway Manager). Other officers of the division like engineering, signal, telecommunication, medical, commercial, are responsible for reporting to Divisional Railway Manager. One or two Additional Divisional Railway manager (ADRM) assists the DRM.   

There are 67 divisions in India. Each section controls on average 1000km’s track. Each division is provided with control room from which the trains in that particular division are controlled. It also has Accidental Relief Trains and Vans.  The DRM controls the Diesel and Electric engine Sheds.

There are twelve departments in each division.
1. Engineering department.
2.Mechanical Engineering and Power Department.
3.Electrical Engineering Department.
4.Signal and Telecommunication Engineering Department.
5.Operating and Traffic Department.
6.Commercial Department.
7.Medial Department.
8.Safety Department.
9.Stores Department.
10.Accounts Department.
11.Personnel Department.
12.Security Department.

Each department is headed by an engineer, manager or officer. Again each station has its Station Master. These all have to report the DRM of the division. The DRM reports to GR (General Manager) of the Department who has further to report chairman of the railway board. The Railway minister is the final authority who executes the plans.

Role of Indian Railway

In India railway was established in 1853 on the route of Mumbai (time Bombay) to Thane. It was founded by British Rulers. They created forty two railway networks in India. Later short route railways belonging to Maharajahs came into the picture.  However after independence all railways in different states were taken over by Indian Government and nationalized. They are collectively known as Indian Railway.

Indian Railway operates on three types of tracks created after its inception. They are broad gauge, meter gauge, and narrow gauge. Narrow gauge is found in the hilly area where toy trains are run. The broad gauge is the most common route used to run trains all over India. The meter gauge and narrow gauge are being converted into broad gauge in recent times. There are basically four types of trains being operated in the country. They are passenger trains, express trains, local and metro trains. As non passenger trains the railway operates long haul goods trains.   

Indian Railway is operated by ministry of Railways. Basically it is divided in to five zones. Those are Central  zone, Western zone, Eastern Zone, Southern Railway and Northern Railway Zone. These are again divided in to seventeen sub zones. It plays a very vital role in nation’s day to day life. It is connected to twenty eight states and three union Territories. It also provides rail service to Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. The railway is said to be foremost important part of India’s system and said as lifeline of the nation. It spread over the route of 63,140 kilometer. It carries over ten billion passengers and one thousand fifty million tons of freight ranking largest network in Asia and 4th largest in world.

The Railway  plays a very important part in the country by combining the regions containing diverse culture and language. It also connects and helps people during the natural calamities.

Welcome to My Indian Railway Blog

Dear readers

This is where I will add lot of interesting railway journeys in India. Railways in India are an amazing transportation system used by millions daily. The railway in the country is the fourth largest in the World.    

Thanks

Ronal Dotson