• Amazing management of Indian Railways!


• It does not cost even 1 rupee to travel in this train


• Free service for 75 years

Indian Railway Network It is one of the largest railway systems in the world, where millions of passengers travel every day. You usually have to buy tickets for train travel, but there is a train in India that has been serving passengers completely free for over 75 years. Amazingly, passengers have never spent a single rupee to travel on this train. This is not a technical error or a subsidy error, but a deliberate, historic decision by the administration.

Lifeline of Bhakra Nangal Dam

This unique railway service was started in 1948. At that time, India had just gained independence and was embarking on major infrastructure projects for the development of the country. This special railway line was laid to support the construction of Bhakra Nangal Dam. Initially, its primary purpose was to transport heavy machinery, raw materials, skilled engineers and workers to the dam construction site. By the time the construction was completed, the train had become an indispensable lifeline for the people of the area.

Ticketless travel decision

After the construction of the dam was completed, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) took a commendable decision. Instead of stopping this train service, they decided to continue it without charging passengers. Even today, this train is running successfully without any ticket windows or revenue collection.

A unique example of tourism and public service

The primary objective behind running this free train is to promote tourism. BBMB wants people from all corners of the country to be able to access this historic dam without any financial barriers and see this grand engineering feat of India.

Staff and students travel through it

In addition, this train plays an important role in the daily life of many sections of the society. BBMB employees and school and college students travel by this train daily. It is the main mode of transport for the residents of the villages located between Nangal and Bhakra.

How is it operated?

As per normal operations of Indian Railways, BBMB bears the entire financial burden of running these trains. The Board considers it a public facility like roads or canals rather than a money-making service. Some of the technical features of this train make it unique even today. It travels approximately 13 km. It still runs on a conventional diesel engine. During the journey, you get a chance to sit in wooden coaches, which are reminiscent of the past.