TV
With more than 13,000 trains, Indian train connectivity is one of the greatest equipped with all the modern facilities. Trains run on a daily basis and help millions of people travel from one place to another.
The Indian Railways charges a minimal fee to the passengers for all the services. However, this particular train in India has been offering free service for the last 75 years. Yes, you read that right! This train is free for all its commuters.
Usually, a passenger has to either buy an online or an offline ticket to travel on a train. But, for this one train, you don’t need to buy a ticket. This train is none other than the Bhakra-Nangal train, which has been in service for 75 years.
The train travels between Nangal, Punjab, and Bhakra, Himachal Pradesh. It passes over the picturesque Sutlej River and the Shivalik Hills. The train was originally used to move labourers and supply for the Bhakra-Nangal Dam’s construction. It has been operational since 1948.
The decision to make the train free even after 75 years was made in honour of the train’s legacy. Despite its operational costs of about 18 to 20 litres of fuel consumed every hour, the passengers are not charged a penny.
Initially, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) considered charging a considerable amount to the passengers. However, it was later decided to keep it fare-free to honour the legacy of the train. More than a means of transport, it is a living piece of history and tradition.
