The only train in the country which does not have TT, you can travel without ticket – ..

India’s railway network is one of the largest rail networks in the world. More than 13,000 trains run every day, taking about 2 crore 31 lakh passengers to their destination. But do you know that there is a train in India in which there is no need to buy a ticket to travel? This train has been providing free service to the passengers for the last 75 years and there is no TT in it.

This is Bhakra-Nangal train

Bhakra-Nangal train is the only train in the country which is completely free. This train covers a distance of only 13 kilometers between Nangal in Punjab and Bhakra in Himachal Pradesh.

• Features of the route:
  • This train passes through the beautiful views of Sutlej River and Shivalik Hills.
  • This journey stops at 5 stations.
• History:
  • This train started in 1948 and was originally run to transport workers and materials for the construction of the Bhakra-Nangal Dam.
  • Today this train is run to connect villages and provide free travel to passengers.

Railway line built during dam construction

The Bhakra-Nangal Dam was constructed as one of the highest dams in India.

• Requirement of Rail Line:
  • This rail track was built to transport goods such as heavy machinery, iron, and stone.
  • After the construction of the dam, this train was continued for rural transportation.
• Why is travel free?
  • Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) operates this train.
  • BBMB decided to keep it free despite the operating costs to honor its legacy.

Unique features of this train

1. No ticket, no TT:
   To travel in this train, passengers do not need to buy a ticket, and hence TT is also not required.
2. Historic Engines and Coaches:
   • The coaches of the train were made in Karachi.
   • The seats are made of wood from the British period.
3. Use of old engine:
   • The train is still pulled by 60-year-old diesel engines, which were imported from America in 1953.

Daily operations and time table

This train carries more than 800 passengers daily.

• Morning Trip:
  • Departure from Nangal Railway Station at 7:05 am.
  • Reaches Bhakra at 8:20 am.
• Return journey:
  • Left Nangal at 3:05 pm.
  • Reaches Bhakra Railway Station at 4:20 pm.

Importance of Bhakra-Nangal train

1. Promotion of tourism:
   • This train lets the passengers experience the beautiful views of Bhakra-Nangal Dam and Shivalik Hills.
   • Tourists coming from India and abroad like to travel by this train.
2. Serving rural areas:
   • This train connects the surrounding villages and provides free transportation to the villagers.
3. Respecting Heritage:
   • This train is not only a means of transportation but also a part of India’s industrial and cultural heritage.

bollywood connection

The Bhakra-Nangal train has been featured in Bollywood superstar Rajesh Khanna’s film Chalta Purja. The glimpse of this train in the film made it even more famous.