The Great Indian Railways © ( IRFCA )

Please Also Watch: "TEJAS EXPRESS coaches with AMRITSAR SHATABDI EXPRESS / 2nd Trial Run "
The Great Indian Railway ©
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Filmed in 1995, this documentary is a nostalgiac look at the end of steam trains in India.

The film covers many facets of trains in India including the atmosphere of a second-class compartment, the luxury of the Palace on Wheels, the madness of a train pulling into a station as coolies jostle for an attempt to carry passengers' baggage, the role of the station masters, even a look at the legendary Toy Train of Darjeeling and a miniature train that runs on a maharaja's tabletop bearing decanters to dinner guests.

There is a strong emphasis on the emotional value of the railway system to its passengers and employees. You will be surprised by how antique and manually operated the system was in 1995.

This film is especially recommended for train buffs and those interested in travel to India. It gives a good feel of what it must be like to be there.

[TrainsUnlimited]

Please watch: "IRFCA - Shri Shakti Express In 4K Ultra HD"

[cvvenkateswaran]

This was a documentary made by NGC in 1995. Watched this documentary as a kid in 1996 at the age of 10. I'm 35 now.
India has changed and so has our lives.
Cherishable god given memories.

[shyamsundar]

I remember when my father (a steam engine fireman) came home with tears when steam engines are abandoned and so now am not control my tears...Salute to The Great Indian Railways which has excellent track record for 160 years..Thank you NGC for such a awesome documentary on steam engine trains...

[yevgeniymaksimovich]

When my son was 5 years old he was watching this video all day for weeks! Got me hooked too.That was 20 years ago.Im so glad I have found this documentary again😃

[darkkennight]

Thank You National Geographic for making this I love how this realy shows the feeling of railroad men My Name is Frank Coye and I am from the USA and I am train men on the DL&W RailRoad in pennsylvania and this shows how railroad men love the steam locomotive no matter where your from or what country your from we all love steam am im happy that our railroad still uses mail line steam.

[TrainsUnlimited]

Not only is this the best video travelogue I've ever seen, I suspect that it's one of the best National Geographic productions of any kind. The photography is absolutely breathtaking in its detail - just as good as the still images you'll find in the magazine. Linda Hunt's narration occasionally crosses the line into pomposity but is more often poetic and affecting. And the crew takes you places that only the most intrepid traveler would ever make it to on their own.

[sledhead]

i have and still do weep when i watch this. am a heavy equipment mechanic and, call me an old fool, but believe machinery has soul. and the old steam machinery seem to me, the queens of the equipment graveyards

[manishjs]

The documentary shows Indian railways and economy back in 70s & 80s. Good recall of how as a child i have seen and traveled in train. Things are far better than how its showed. No more snakes for entertainment :)

[morosso]

i've watched numerous documentaries about the great indian railways but this one is the best.

mr, arora's spontaneous gesture simply tells it all. maybe if only he could cry.
hats off to the great indian railways people.

[colliecandle]

I've typed this before, and I say again:
The one thing we humans share worldwide - we all love railways !

[virafkarai]

Indian Railways is one of the most amazing institutions in India. I am a lifelong admirer of Indian Railways. The steam locomotives in India were very very dear to my heart. It was my wonderful father who introduced me to the beauty of the huge, majestic steam locomotives in India. That era may be gone, but it will never be forgotten.

[sachinniranjan]

I cried after watching this. I guess every rail enthusiast will.

[yatin]

I m Proud of being a part of indian railways family..:)....thanks NGC for such a nice documentary...

[kashpatel]

The best documentary i've ever seen. The last part just makes my eyes wet every time i watch it. Indian government should put all the remaining steam locomotives if any, outside each railway station to showcase an era of the great indian railways. It's an integral part of the indian railway history.

[MarkHenstridge]

I am very glad that I watched "The Great Indian Railways" well done National Geographic. I did not have much time for the people of India because I thought I had nothing in common with them "but" it turns out that I do and that is the love of steam engines  as the Indian people call them "The Black Beauties". This presentation was was very inspiring, well done National Geographic and thank you.

[sherylassey]

I still remember how my dad used to give me all his note book to write about the railway engine today it brought me tears looking at the indian trains.

[Lokeshkumar-tuxo]

The Great Indian Railways..I love this documentary. It shows how people get connected to their occupation. Very Emotional. People had to change with time. It does not mean to forget the past. Jai Hind!

[ethylalchoholsachin]

What a beautiful documentary !! Thanks a lot for making such incredible and emotional film. It just touches my heart.
The part after 1:38:50, where the music starts brought tears. Beautiful documentary.

" Varanasi, Madurai, Bardhaman... these are some of the sheds where generations of workers were born to serve the locomotives... with a craft held sacred. "

[christopherjoni]

Amazing story. An era ended with the end of steam locomotives. I am extremely proud to be a son of a railway employee who knowingly or unknowlingly touches the hearts of many everyday. I dont know what will he be feeling when he will retire. He has given 34 years to our lovely indian railway. Thanks for this post.

[britishairwaysfan]

Great documentary.
I love the railways and I am very interested about railways from around the world.
I have to say that this documentary is the best I have seen so far.
Whoever uploaded this I thank you.
D