THIS TRAIN DOESN’T REQUIRE A TICKET TO TRAVEL!

 THIS TRAIN DOESN’T REQUIRE A TICKET TO TRAVEL!

The Bhakra-Nangal train has been running since 1948. It's the only train in India that doesn't require purchasing a ticket.


Many of us may not know, but the DECCAN VISION will let you! A free train runs in India.


India's only train that does not require a ticket to travel, rendering a staggering 77 years of free service without a break and in style. Sounding strange, isn’t it? But it is an unbelievable fact!


Imagine boarding a train without requiring a ticket in a world where travel costs are ever in spiraling mode! Yet, India is home to a unique train that has offered its passengers uninterrupted free rides for decades. But why does this extraordinary service still exist, and what’s the story behind it? Let's explore.


A vast majority of us sometimes or others do travel by train, but can we imagine travelling free of cost without even buying a ticket? While such a scenario might seem unthinkable in a country known for its stringent ticketing rules, the Bhakra-Nangal train stands as a remarkable exception.


This unique train was first launched in 1948. It played a crucial role during the construction of the Bhakra-Nangal Dam—one of India’s tallest and most renowned dams of the post-independence era. Initially, this train was used to carry laborers and construction materials to the site.


For the last 77 years, this train has been running without charging its passengers. Every day, over 1000 passengers travel by it drawn through its historical significance and the scenic beauties of the region covering a 13 km stretch between Nangal in Punjab and Bhakra in Himachal Pradesh that passes over the picturesque Sutlej River and the Shivalik Hills. It stops at six stations and passes through three tunnels, providing stunning views and an unforgettable journey.


Unlike regular trains managed by Indian Railways, this exceptional service is run by an independent entity, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). The choice to maintain the fare-free policy, even after 77 years, was a conscious decision. Despite the substantial operational costs, with the train consuming 18-20 liters of fuel per hour, the BBMB decided to uphold its legacy as a great tribute to India’s post-independence industrial milestones.


Over the years, the train evolved into a popular mode of transportation for the locals and tourists, providing a journey enriched with industrial history. Initially powered by steam engines, it underwent a significant upgrade in 1953 when diesel engines were introduced.


Even with modern aesthetic enhancements, the train still preserves its colonial-era charm, featuring wooden coaches made in Karachi before Partition. These vintage elements offer passengers a glimpse into the past, transforming the journey into more than just a ride -- but a walkathon through history.


Over the years, this train has become a symbol of heritage and goodwill, maintaining its unique status even in a world dominated by drastic bureaucratic commercialization. For locals, it’s not just a mode of transportation but a cherished legacy passed down through generations.


By Prof. (Dr.) Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya

(The writer is a Hyderabad-based distinguished freelance author, journo, speaker, leadership coach, and Emeritus Professor of Management Studies)


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