The Indian internal railway system is state-run by India Railways. It is the largest rail system in Asia and the second-largest in the world. There are over 62,000km of track, over 7000 stations and over 11,000 locomotives, including 5000 steam engines. Its trains carry over 12 million passengers every day. The network covers much of the country and is a quintessential part of the fabric of India, as well as being relatively inexpensive.
Express services link all the main cities and local services link most other parts of the country.
Buses connect with trains to serve parts of the country not on the rail network. Children 5-11 years of age pay half price, children under five travel free. Major trains carry restaurant cars. Children under 5 travel free. It is sold only to foreign nationals and Indians residing abroad holding a valid passport, and replaces all other concessional tickets.