Some general knowledge questions related to Indian Railways

Some general knowledge questions related to Indian Railways that are often asked in competitive exams:

1. When was the first passenger train in India run and between which two stations?

   • Answer: The first passenger train in India was run on April 16, 1853, between Mumbai and Thane.

2. Who is known as the "Father of Indian Railways"?

   • Answer: The "Father of Indian Railways" is considered to be Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India at the time, who initiated the establishment of the railway network in India.

3. Which is the busiest railway station in India by passenger traffic?

   • Answer: The busiest railway station in India by passenger traffic is Howrah Junction in Kolkata, West Bengal.

4. What is the name of the longest railway platform in India?

   • Answer: Gorakhpur Junction in Uttar Pradesh has the longest railway platform in India, with a length of 1,366.33 meters.

5. What is the name of the first electric train in India, and between which two stations did it run?

   • Answer: The first electric train in India was the Deccan Queen, which ran between Mumbai and Pune.

6. Which is the oldest mountain railway in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

   • Answer: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the "Toy Train," is the oldest mountain railway in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7. Which is the highest railway station in India?

   • Answer: Ghum Railway Station in Darjeeling, West Bengal, is the highest railway station in India, situated at an altitude of 2,258 meters (7,407 feet) above sea level.

8. Which is the longest railway tunnel in India?

   • Answer: The Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel, located in Jammu and Kashmir, is the longest railway tunnel in India, with a length of approximately 11.215 kilometers.

9. What is the name of the luxury tourist train in India operated by Indian Railways catering to tourists and known for its royal travel experience?

   • Answer: The luxury tourist train operated by Indian Railways is called the "Palace on Wheels."

10. Who is responsible for the construction and maintenance of Indian Railways?

    • Answer: Indian Railways is managed and operated by the Ministry of Railways, Government of India.

11. What is the name of the fastest train in India, and what is its maximum operational speed?

    • Answer: The fastest train in India is the Gatimaan Express, with a maximum operational speed of 160 km/h.

12. Which is the oldest functioning steam locomotive in India, and where is it preserved?

    • Answer: The Fairy Queen, built in 1855, is the oldest functioning steam locomotive in India. It is preserved at the National Rail Museum in New Delhi.

13. What is the name of the first double-decker train introduced in India?

    • Answer: The first double-decker train introduced in India is the Flying Rani, which runs between Mumbai and Surat.

14. Which is the first railway zone in India?

    • Answer: The Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR), established in 1849, was the first railway zone in India.

15. Which Indian railway station has the distinction of being the first station in India to be powered entirely by solar energy?

    • Answer: Guwahati railway station in Assam is the first railway station in India to be powered entirely by solar energy.

These questions cover various aspects of Indian Railways, including its history, infrastructure, operations, and notable achievements, and are useful for competitive exams and general knowledge enhancemen