Northern Railway

The Northern Railway was established in 1952. It is considered to be the largest zone in Indian Railways in terms of route kilometres. It comprises five divisions: Ambala, Delhi, Ferozpur, Lucknow and Moradabad. This zone is spread across different states, such as Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Chandigarh. The Northern Railway zone is headquartered in Delhi. You can experience the varied mountainous Shivalik range and the Gangetic plains.

Besides transporting passengers from one city to another, this zone plays an important role in economic development by exporting and importing commodities. Some of the key commodities are iron, steel, and food grains. You can book train tickets online for the desired cities under the Northern Railway zone. The zone is integrating new technological changes to provide quality service for the passengers travelling in trains falling under their divisions. Let us check out the departments and responsibilities managed by the Northern Railway zone. From the inception of the Northern Railway zone, they have been working at the forefront of innovations and infrastructural development across its jurisdiction.

Northern Railways is divided into five divisions:

• Delhi Division: This division handles the bustling rail traffic of the national capital.
• Ambala Division: It serves Haryana and parts of Punjab.
• Firozpur Division: This division primarily covers Punjab.
• Lucknow Division: It manages rail operations in central and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
• Moradabad Division: Serving western Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, this division is crucial for its extensive rail network.

Northern Railways has several important departments responsible for its efficient functioning:

• Operations: Manages train schedules, movements, and overall operational efficiency.
• Commercial: Handles passenger and freight services, ticketing, and customer relations.
• Engineering: Responsible for track maintenance, construction, and infrastructure development.
• Mechanical: Manages the rolling stock, including locomotives and carriages.
• Electrical: Handles electrification, maintenance of electric locomotives, and power supply.
• Signal and Telecommunication: Ensures effective communication and signalling systems.

Below are some of the major responsibilities of Northern Railway:

Passenger Services

Northern Railway operates a vast network of passenger trains, including:

• Rajdhani Express: High-speed trains connecting major cities with New Delhi.
• Shatabdi Express: Daytime superfast trains offering premium services.
• Mail/Express Trains: Connecting various parts of the region with both express and mail services.
• Suburban Trains: Local trains cater to the daily commuters in metropolitan areas.

Freight Services

Freight services form a significant part of Northern Railway operations, contributing substantially to its revenue. Key commodities transported include coal, cement, food grains, and industrial goods. The zone has established freight terminals and handling facilities to streamline operations.

Tourism Services

IRCTC, in collaboration with Northern Railways, offers various tourism services:

• Tourist Trains: Special trains like the Bharat Darshan and Maharajas' Express cater to domestic and international tourists, offering luxurious and themed travel experiences.
• Tour Packages: IRCTC organizes tour packages covering major tourist destinations in Northern India, including pilgrimage sites, historical monuments, and hill stations.

Catering Services

IRCTC manages on-board catering services for Northern Railways, ensuring passengers receive high-quality meals and snacks. It operates pantry cars in long-distance trains and provides e-catering services, allowing passengers to order food online and have it delivered to their seats.

Online Services

IRCTC's online platform enables passengers to book tickets, check train schedules, and access various services from the comfort of their homes. The introduction of e-ticketing has revolutionized rail travel, making it convenient and accessible. You can easily book train tickets online from an IRCTC-authorized ticket booking platform, check PNR status, track train running status, order food, and do many other activities.

Infrastructure Services

Northern Railways boasts an extensive track network covering approximately 6,980 kilometres. This network includes double-tracked and electrified routes, enhancing capacity and operational efficiency. The zone manages several major railway stations, including:

• New Delhi Railway Station: One of India's busiest and most significant stations.
• Old Delhi Railway Station: A historic station with substantial passenger traffic.
• Lucknow Charbagh Railway Station: Known for its architectural beauty and strategic importance.
• Ambala Cantt Railway Station: A crucial junction connecting various routes.

Safety Measures

Safety is a paramount concern for Northern Railways. The zone has implemented several measures, including:

• Advanced Signaling Systems: To prevent accidents and ensure smooth train operations.
• Track Maintenance: Regular inspections and maintenance to ensure track safety.
• Fire Safety: Installation of fire detection systems in trains and stations.

Northern Railways, a vital segment of Indian Railways, exemplifies excellence through its extensive network, historical significance, and continuous modernization. The Northern Railways remains a crucial link connecting Northern India, offering efficient and reliable services that enhance travel and economic growth. To book train tickets from the Northern Railway zone, visit the redRail website or application.