The longest train route in India is truly a topic of great interest, considering that the Indian Railway network is one of the largest train networks in the world, and also maybe the longest railway route in India itself and the world at large.
Given the sheer magnitude of this network and its reach across the country, it can be difficult to identify what the route is.
This article seeks to explain the regularly asked question on what the longest train route in India is and which are the cities that are connected through the route in question.
Why Train Journey is an Exciting Experience
Going on a train journey on the longest train route in India is always going to be an exciting experience, with beautiful scenery and magnificent landscapes.
One of the biggest advantages of riding on a train is the fact that you get to view the beauty of nature while in transit. Before you reach your destination, you may be tempted to take out a selfie or two, too.
You can even stop at stations and check out the spectacular panoramic views of places like Ladakh or picturesque hill stations like Munnar or Cochin. If you do not have a little extra time for sightseeing, then it is best to simply enjoy the scenic ride, which has been planned meticulously for you by an expert railroad engineer.
Indian Railways
Indian railways are the largest train network in Asia, the third largest in the world and the world's second-largest passenger network. Indian Railways has a total of 12 lines which are run by the Indian railways. Since October 2017, Indian railways have installed 25 new trains with an approximate capacity of 6,000 passengers per train.
The most popular lines that connect cities located in every corner of our country are broad gauge routes, which have been made as safe and comfortable for our fellow citizens as possible.
Broad gauge lines are also known to have a higher travel speed than standard gauge tracks that have been used by Indian railways until now.
What is the longest train route in India?
There are several routes, which run over 2,000 kilometres long, some of which are well known, and some are lesser known.
However, out of all the routes, the longest route can be broken into four categories - Western Railways route, Southern Railway route, Central Railway route and Northeast Frontier Railways route. All these train routes bridge different regions within India and are a source of pride to many who live along them.
All Four Vivek Express Trains in India
The Vivek Express is a prestigious multi-functional Indian train that traverses through some of the most beautiful parts of the country.
The train provides quick and easy transportation to various destinations, as well as luxurious accommodation. You will feel like you're on vacation when travelling on this train as it travels through the longest train route in India regularly.
Here are Four Vivek Express Trains that you should ride on:
Dibrugarh - Kanyakumari Vivek Express
This train makes about ten stops on its way to Kanyakumari and includes places like New Alipurduar, New Cooch Behar and Siliguri.
The route of the train is through states like Assam, West Bengal, Odisha and Tamil Nadu. The train operates from Dibrugarh in Assam to Chennai Central in Tamil Nadu.
The Vivek Express voyages between Dibrugarh Junction railway station and Chennai Central Railway Station of the Southern Railway Zone of Indian Railways.
The train passes through the states of Assam, West Bengal, Odisha and Tamil Nadu on its route between the Dibrugarh-Chennai Central section.
Okha - Tuticorin Vivek Express
The Vivek Express travels between Okha Junction on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai line and Tuticorin via Thanjavur, Shoranur, Mangalore, Ernakulam Junction and Madurai. The train covers a distance of 1,205 km in 34 hours of journey time.
This is one of the longest Vivek Express Trains in India. The train passes through states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu before reaching Tuticorin. It crosses the states of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu on its route from the Okha-Tuticorin section.
Bandra Terminus - Jammu Tawi Vivek Express
The train travels from Bandra Terminus in Mumbai to Jammu Tawi and then to Srinagar. The second highest Vivek Express Train in India, the Train traverses through India for about 14,000 km regularly.
This is the third most popular train in India with the second highest number of passengers during its peak travel period. It starts from Bandra Terminus in Mumbai and covers a distance of about 12,000 km before reaching Jammu Tawi, Nilokheri and Srinagar.
The train passes through states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan and Punjab on its route between Bandra Terminus-Jammu Tawi section.
Santragachi - Mangalore Central Vivek Express
The train starts from Santragachi in West Bengal and covers a distance of 1,085 km in 28 hours of journey time. It reaches Mangalore Central Railway Station at Mangalore in Karnataka.
The train passes through states such as West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka on the route between the Santragachi-Mangalore section.
The Vivek Express Trains that comprise the ’Vivek Express’ have some of the most luxurious compartments in India. The train is designed to provide easy access to various popular tourist destinations like Kanyakumari and Rameswaram from different parts of India through Chennai Central.
Total Distance and Route of Vivek Express
The Vivek Express is one of the most popular trains in India. Starting on 2nd April 2013, this train covers a total distance of 17,521 km across 9 states in India. The name of the train was taken from an ancient Indian philosopher, Adi Shankaracharya and is run by Indian Railways.
The Vivek Express runs between Vadodara and Kanyakumari and covers a distance of 3,685 km every day, which includes stops at Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and other places in between. The total number of halts is 82 with an average speed limit of 35-36 km/hr including stoppages at various places.
States and Major Cities Covered by Vivek Express
The Vivek Express has its final destination at Kanyakumari, which is a junction station on the south end of India. It covers eight state capitals including Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. Other than these cities, it also covers some very important cities in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu like Madurai, Tiruchirapalli and Pondicherry.
Current Route of Vivek Express
The current route of Vivek Express trains follows a route completely along the Western Coastline of India between Vadodara and Kanyakumari up to Madras. The route was planned by the Indian Railways in 2013 and has been running since then.
Services Provided on Vivek Express
The Vivek Express has a vast array of services including catering, auxiliary, power supply, trolley service and much more. Each and every journey is covered by the diverse range of equipment available on the train like air-conditioned coaches, power supply, clean toilets and all other amenities that are required for comfortable travel.
Fare Structure of Vivek Express
The fare structure of the Vivek Express includes almost every category of passengers from classes AC to MG.
Conclusion
The Vivek Express provides you with a unique opportunity to experience Indian culture on one of the most popular trains in India. Operated daily, this train connects Kanyakumari with Vadodara and offers several facilities like power back-up, trolley service and clean toilets for a comfortable journey.
The Vivek Express passes through states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh before reaching Kanyakumari.
The train runs between Bandra Terminus and Jammu Tawi via New Delhi every day. The total route of the train which includes stops at various places is about 3,685 km long.
FAQs
Is the Vivek Express a non-AC sleeper?
The Vivek Express is a sleeper class train and doesn't offer any non-AC facilities.
What is the frequency of Vivek Express?
The Vivek Express runs from Bandra Terminus and Jammu Tawi to Vadodara every day, apart from its stoppages at various places.
What are the destinations in Kanyakumari?
There are some important places in Kanyakumari including Madurai, Tiruchirapalli, Pondicherry and Rameswaram.
Does the Vivek Express travel down the longest railway route in India?
The Vivek Express trains often ply on one particular railway track, which is considered the longest train route in India.