Train travel is always so exciting and full of adventure. But if the aroma shifts if you missed any relevant information that you need to know. As we know millions of people travel by train daily some for work, family trips, solo trips or business or college trips. Essential hacks that travellers need to know and make the journey easier.
If you are talking about the train journey the most common words revolving around the head i.e. unpredictability, Delays, unhygienic food, last minute seat changes, this quickly turned into a hectic one. So it would be better to know smart hacks that can make all the difference. If you are a frequent traveller or a first time traveler, these are the 10 Essential Indian Railway hacks that will help to make travel comfortable, smarter and even fix the problems related to food.
There are Essential hacks to know during the Train Journey-
There are plenty of essential hacks that you need to know during the train journey. Passengers mostly face problems and these are the hacks to help you. Relevant information that is important to know.
1. Always Check Your PNR Status Before You Travel
Your PNR number is the travel identity of a person in the Railway System. PNR numbers consist of all the required information about the passengers, These are the information such as seat number, coach position, reservation status and the boarding point. It would be better if you check PNR Status prior it will help you to make your journey indelible. It is the simplest and most important habit that everyone should develop.
To check the PNR Status use the credible platform RailRestro, RailMitra or IRCTC to check the real time updates. You can also use these platforms to know the update information about the changes or chat preparation. It might be possible sometimes your seat from RAC to be confirmed or if there are any changes of coach. To know the facts beforehand would help you plan your boarding accordingly. When you are traveling with family or carrying luggage.
2. Pre-Book Your Meals -Your Food, Your Way
It is most common as people are skeptical towards the train meal and fed up with the options available. As usual bland and tasteless panty food, limited options, stale samosas specially on a long route and everyone aware how much struggle to find good meals on train. It would be better if you order food in trainin advance. You have the option to pre-book your meal online by RailRestro train food delivery app.
- Enter your PNR number or train details on the app or website.
- Browse and select the restaurants available along your train route.
- Select your cuisines as per preferences — North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, or Jain meals.
- Pick your favorite dishes such as Biryani, aloo paratha, veg biryani, or Laccha Paratha and kadhai chicken.
- Place your order and wait for your food to be delivered right to your seat.
The best part of the train journey as your meal will be delivered at the station of your choice and right to the designated train seat. Enjoy and relish the freshly packed hygienic meal on train without being stressed about the pantry food or local vendors.
3. Get Back Your Lost Things on Train
If you lost your essentials during the train journey, no need to worry as Indian Railways has launched the “Amanat” mission to help out the passengers to reclaim their belongings. With the help of this service you can easily upload the photo and description about the missing essentials on the official website of Indian Railways. Once your luggage is traced by Railway Protection Force (RPF) then you will be able to recognize and collect your items directly from the RPF authorities.
4. Choose the Right Berth for Comfort
As you know each berth is not created equal and not comfortable. So choosing the right berth leads your journey full of comfort and improves your experience. If you are traveling for long distance routes, the lower berth is the most comfortable one as it offers wide legroom, easy to access washrooms and no need to come down by stairs.
- Elderly passengers prefer the side lower berth for its easy access and comfort.
- Solo travelers find it perfect for quick naps and enjoying scenic window views.
- For undisturbed sleep, choose a middle berth that offers better privacy during daytime travel.
While booking on IRCTC, always use the “berth preference” option to increase your chances of getting the seat you want.
5. Must Note Important Numbers in Your Phone
You need to list out the numbers that can help you while journeying. Some important numbers for rail passengers are:
- Rail Madad – 139
- Medical Emergency – 138
- Child Helpline Number – 1098
- General Enquiry – 1800111139
- RPF – 1800111322
- To Order Food Online – 8102888222
- For security related issues on trains or at stations-182
These numbers will help you throughout your train journey.
6. Tips to Get a Confirmed Seat Even After Chart Preparation
The first train chart preparation time i.e. The best time to get the Confirmation status is eight hours before the departure time if in case your ticket is in the waiting list. Most of the vacant seats are generally opened up to allocate the passengers. This is the time where your booking status is looking for change from WL and RAC.
7. Know the Best Stations for Clean Facilities and Food
If you are travelling on a long route that crosses multiple states it is quite essential to know the best clean restroom, safe meals and waiting halls. There are plenty of stations like Nagpur, Itarsi, Ahmedabad, Deen Dayal Upadhyay, Ambala Cantt and Bhubaneswar. These are the stations that are known for the good upkeep and the cleanest platforms.
If you plan to travel and break around such stations you can step out and refresh yourself. .
8. Track Your Train in Real-Time
Delays and diversions are a very common aspect of the Indian Railways network. Instead of waiting and relying on the announcement it would be better to use and track the train running status. The RailMitra app and the (NTES) National Train Enquiry System are the reliable sources.
The interface is easy to use and shows the exact location and the arrival time and also the platform numbers. This helps to plan the journey better and inform me about where is my train, especially when someone is coming to pick you. Also leads to a big help for the food orders they can order
It’s also a big help for food orders since it ensures your meal is delivered exactly at the right station and time.
9. What is the meaning of the current availability of trains?
If you plan to travel and want to book train tickets it depends on the vacant seats availability after the chart preparation. You are allowed to book the train tickets 4 hours before the departure. You can book a reservation online or at the Railways station.
10. Plan Your Meals Around Station Timings
If you plan a train journey, always schedule your meal around the major stations or halts. With the help of Railrestro food delivery platform you can select the station and meal as per your choice, as this platform offers various food options.
For example, if your train passes through Itarsi junction during the dinner time,while booking, select the station where you want your food to be delivered. You will get your hot and hygienic food right to your seat. These hacks will make sure that you will eat healthy, hygienic and fresh meals as per your taste bud.
RailMitra — An Ultimate Travel Companion
Modern travel isn’t just about the journey; it’s about convenience. The RailMitra app combines almost everything a rail traveler needs — PNR check, live train status, seat availability, and of course, food ordering through RailRestro.
You can easily checktrain schedules, track your upcoming journey, and even glance through restaurant reviews before placing a food order. The interface of this app is quite simple that every group of people can use and navigate.
Conclusion: Making Every Train Journey Memorable
A train journey in India is always exciting and full of adventure; it’s all about the moment. It’s all about the stories and people you are traveling with. The aromatic flavour of chai, Chatter in the corridors and the laughter shared across the berth and the experience shared together.
It is best to develop the habit of checking PNR status and book your meals by RailRestro app. You are aware of the development and the update features of Indian Railways.
These are the quick reminders that every passengers should keep in their mind:
✔ Check your PNR before you leave.
✔ Charge your devices well.
✔ Travel light but wisely.
✔ Pre-book your meal with RailRestro. A good meal can lift your entire journey.
In India millions of people travel on a daily basis and if you develop the habit of checking these will make all the difference. If you are heading towards the home or going for a trip these are the hacks along with the favourite meal to make your journey unforgettable.