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In this archive story, we are traveling through the bustling carriages of Indian trains.
Read the background story of this archive photo by the photographer. |
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For millions of people in India, trains are not just journeys but daily routines. Every day, commuters travel between home and work, sharing crowded carriages and quiet moments. In cities like Mumbai, local trains form the backbone of daily life, carrying countless individual stories from one stop to the next.
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Daily life on Indian trains
Traveling on Indian trains is more than getting from A to B – it is a journey through India’s vibrant life. From bustling stations and colorful vendors to shared meals and lively conversations, every ride offers a glimpse into the country's culture, diversity and human stories that make train travel truly unforgettable.
What unique experiences can you have on Indian trains that you might not find on trains in other countries?
Indian trains are known for their busy and colorful atmosphere. Travelers range from daily commuters and tourists to people transporting goods. Many trains have both sleeper and seating sections and it is common to buy snacks, drinks and small items from vendors walking through the carriages.
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A journey through India's heartbeat
Traveling across India by train is not just a mode of transportation – it is an immersion into the country's soul. With over 7,000 stations and a network stretching more than 68,000 kilometers, Indian Railways is one of the largest and busiest railway systems in the world. Every train ride is a microcosm of Indian society, offering a glimpse into the diversity, resilience and vibrant culture that define this vast nation. From the bustling platforms to the rhythmic clatter of wheels on tracks, life on Indian trains is an unforgettable experience.
The buzz of Indian railway stations
Indian railway stations are unlike anything else in the world. They are vibrant ecosystems of movement, sound and color. From the moment a traveler approaches a station, the sensory overload begins. Platforms are crowded with passengers dragging suitcases, balancing children on their hips or shepherding elderly relatives. Vendors shout out their wares, hawking everything from fresh chai to magazines, fried snacks and even small toys. The air is filled with a mix of aromas – spices from street food stalls, the metallic tang of train tracks and occasional hints of smoke from cooking fires nearby.
Stations are places where India's social fabric comes alive. People from all walks of life converge – students, office workers, street vendors, tourists and families traveling for weddings or religious pilgrimages. Each person carries their own story, their own rhythm, contributing to the constant hum of activity. Children dart between legs, couples whisper instructions and elderly travelers move slowly, relying on the kindness of strangers for guidance. Porters, called coolies, hustle from train to train, carrying heavy bags with practiced ease, while ticket inspectors check boarding passes, adding structure to the organized chaos.
Major hubs, such as Howra in Kolkata, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai or New Delhi Railway Station, resemble miniature cities. These stations have multiple platforms, long waiting areas and a flurry of movement that never seems to stop. They are not only transit points but cultural crossroads, where regional accents, languages, clothing styles and customs collide. Observing life here is like watching a live documentary of India's diversity, unfolding in real-time.
"The arrival of a train adds another layer to the spectacle. Commuters press forward to secure a spot near the doors, while vendors quickly move along the platform to meet passengers. Bells ring, engines roar and the air vibrates with the anticipation of departure. Travelers who have been waiting in line suddenly spring into motion, boarding with practiced efficiency – or occasionally, frantically, if the train is running late"
Smaller rural stations have their own charm
While the large stations are awe-inspiring, smaller rural stations have their own charm. Here, life moves at a slower pace. Farmers with baskets of produce, villagers carrying bundles of firewood and schoolchildren in uniforms create a scene that feels intimate and authentic. Platforms may be modest, sometimes with just a simple bench or a shaded area, yet the sense of community is stronger. Conversations are shared freely and strangers often exchange directions, advice or even snacks.
One of the most striking aspects of Indian railway stations is the network of informal services that exist to support travelers. Street food vendors, 'Chai sellers', luggage porters and even unofficial guides create a micro-economy that thrives on the constant influx of passengers. Their presence is both practical and cultural, offering a glimpse into how daily life in India adapts to movement, trade and human interaction.
Amid this bustle, travelers learn early lessons about patience and adaptability. Long queues, delayed trains and crowded platforms test endurance, yet they also foster empathy and connection. A brief exchange with a fellow passenger over directions or a shared snack can transform a stressful moment into one of human connection. In these moments, the rhythm of station life becomes a prelude to the journey itself – a taste of the camaraderie, energy and unpredictability that define life on Indian trains.
First impressions of boarding the train
It is against this backdrop of motion, smell, noise and human stories that one finally steps onto the train. The transition from platform to carriage marks the beginning of a new adventure – one where the microcosm of Indian society continues to unfold in confined spaces and where strangers become companions, sharing stories, snacks and laughter during long journeys.
"Stepping onto an Indian train is a sensory experience. Trains range from ultra-modern express services with air-conditioned coaches to old, worn-out carriages with wooden benches. Sleeper class coaches, often crowded, are where life feels most authentic. Here, strangers quickly become companions, sharing stories, snacks and laughter during long journeys"
Compartments and classes
Indian trains are divided into different classes, each offering a unique perspective on daily life:
First class AC
Spacious, comfortable and quiet, often used by business travelers or tourists. Here, passengers enjoy privacy and amenities like bedding and air-conditioning.
Second class AC (2AC and 3AC)
Comfortable with air-conditioning and sleeping berths. Travelers often share compartments with strangers, which can lead to lively conversations or quiet camaraderie.
Sleeper class
The most common class, non-air-conditioned, often packed with passengers. It is in these coaches that one experiences the true vibrancy of Indian train life – children playing, adults chatting and vendors weaving through aisles.
General class
Often overcrowded, these carriages are for short-distance travelers or those seeking the cheapest option. They are a cacophony of voices, laughter and movement. Each class tells a story of India's socio-economic diversity. Observing interactions between passengers, one can witness kindness, generosity and resilience in action.
"A unique tradition is the tiffin service, especially in regions like Mumbai, where local 'Dabbawalas' deliver home-cooked meals to passengers. This service ensures that even those traveling hundreds of kilometers can enjoy fresh, familiar food. Sharing a meal with fellow travelers often sparks conversations and fosters a sense of community, making food an integral part of the journey"
Meals on the move
Food on Indian trains is an adventure in itself. Long journeys are accompanied by the rhythmic clatter of Tiffin carriers being opened and meals being shared. Vendors push carts through the aisles, offering freshly cooked meals – ranging from spicy curries and rice to street-food favourites like 'Samosas', 'Pakoras' and 'Chaat'.
Human stories on the train
Perhaps the most memorable aspect of daily life on Indian trains is the people. Every journey brings encounters with strangers whose stories reveal the fabric of Indian life. Families traveling for weddings or festivals, students commuting to universities, labourers returning home after long weeks of work and pilgrims visiting holy sites – all share the same spaces, creating moments of connection.
Children often play in the aisles, sometimes starting impromptu games with other kids. Elderly passengers share advice and stories with younger travelers. Conversations can range from personal experiences to debates about politics, cinema or cricket. In the cramped but lively environment, human connection thrives.
Challenges of train travel
Life on Indian trains is not without challenges. Delays are common and overcrowding can make long journeys exhausting. Hygiene varies from train to train and shared restrooms require patience. Despite these difficulties, travelers often approach the experience with humor and resilience. Stories of strangers helping each other, sharing water or offering a shoulder to rest on are widespread.
Long journeys test patience and adaptability, yet they also foster a sense of adventure. Travelers learn to navigate unfamiliar spaces, negotiate with vendors and make the best of every situation. The challenges, in fact, become part of the charm, offering stories to tell long after the journey ends.
Scenic journeys
Indian trains traverse landscapes as diverse as the country itself. From the lush tea plantations of Darjeeling to the Arid deserts of Rajasthan, the train window offers ever-changing vistas. Mountain passes, rivers, dense forests and sprawling urban landscapes unfold as passengers watch, often with a sense of wonder.
Photography enthusiasts, in particular, find endless inspiration. Life outside the train is as dynamic as life within, with stations, small towns and countryside scenes providing glimpses into daily life across India. Even a short journey can feel like a rich visual and cultural experience.
Festivals and special journeys
Train travel in India becomes especially vibrant during festivals. 'Diwali', 'Holi' and other celebrations lead to packed trains as families return home. Decorations, sweets and traditional attire transform carriages into moving celebrations. On these occasions, the sense of community and shared excitement reaches its peak, creating unforgettable memories.
"Special tourist trains, like the 'Palace on Wheels' or the 'Golden Chariot', offer luxury experiences but still retain the essence of Indian railways through cultural performances, local cuisine and scenic routes. These journeys highlight the contrast between modern tourism and traditional daily travel, yet both reflect India's cultural richness"
See this video about Indian trains made by Let's Go By Land.
The spirit of Indian trains
"- Daily life on Indian trains is a study in contrasts – chaos and order, tradition and modernity, discomfort and joy. It is a space where social boundaries blur, where people from different backgrounds share moments of laughter, conversation and even solidarity. The train is more than transportation – it is a stage where the drama of everyday life unfolds", the Photographer says.
"- For travelers, Indian trains offer lessons in patience, observation and empathy. The journey is not merely about reaching a destination but about experiencing the rhythm of life, the energy of communities and the stories that make India unique. Each train ride, whether short or long, leaves a lasting impression on those who embrace the experience", the Photographer says again.
"- Experiencing daily life on Indian trains is like stepping into the heart of India itself. From bustling stations to lively compartments, from aromatic street food to scenic landscapes, every aspect tells a story of resilience, diversity and vibrancy. Challenges are met with humor and patience and strangers often become companions for the journey", the Photographer says again.
"- For anyone seeking to understand India beyond the guidebooks, a train ride is an essential experience. It is a journey not just through geography, but through the culture, spirit and everyday life of one of the world's most dynamic nations. In the end, the rhythm of the tracks mirrors the rhythm of life in India – chaotic, colorful and unforgettable", the Photographer says again.
Read also: Slum dweller in Janakpur
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India is a land full of stories. On every street, on every corner and in the many places in India, life is rushing by you as a photographer with millions of stories to be told. In the archive story above, you hopefully had a readable insight in the story that was behind the photo of an Indian man in Mumbai. On this website of Kristian Bertel | Photography you can find numerous travel pictures from the photographer. Stories and moments that tell the travel stories of how the photographer captured the specific scene that you see in the picture. The photographer's images have a story behind them, images that all are taken from around India throughout his photo journeys. The archive stories delve into Kristian's personal archive to reveal never-before-seen, including portraits and landscapes beautifully produced snapshots from various travel assignments. The archive is so-far organized into photo stories, this one included, each brought to life by narrative text and full-color photos. Together, these fascinating stories tell a story about the life in India. India, the motherland to many people around the world, a land of unforgetable travel moments. The archive takes viewers on a spectacular visual journey through some of the most stunning photographs to be found in the photographer's archive collection. The photographer culled the images to reflect the many variations on the universal theme of beauty and everyday life in India. By adding these back stories the photographer's work might immensely enhanced the understanding of the photographs.
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