Have you ever considered boarding a train without a ticket? Many have contemplated it, but sneaking onto a train without proper fare can lead to fines or even imprisonment if caught. However, there’s one train in the country where passengers travel completely free of charge! For travelers on the Bhakra Railway, this has been a norm for the past 73 years, making it a unique and cost-free journey.

Fare-Free Tradition

This is known as the Bhakra-Nangal Train, has been offering fare-free travel along the Himachal Pradesh and Punjab border. Travelers between Nangal and Bhakra do not need a ticket to board. The coaches are constructed from wood, and it operates on a diesel engine.

Train management

Controlled by the Bhakra Beas Management Board, the Bhakra-Nangal comprises only three coaches. Among them, one coach is designated for tourists and another for women. Operating this train consumes about 50 liters of diesel daily. The scenic 13-kilometer journey through the Shivalik Hills is a visual treat for passengers.

straight gravity dam

The Bhakra-Nangal Dam, known as the tallest straight gravity dam, attracts tourists from far and wide. The route is meticulously carved through mountains and traverses the Satluj river instead of roads. This picturesque journey covers a distance of 13 kilometers amidst the Shivalik Hills.

Historical Train Journey

The Bhakra-Nangal Dam train service commenced in 1948 primarily to facilitate transport for employees, laborers, and machinery to and from the dam. Over time, it also became accessible to tourists seeking to visit the Bhakra-Nangal Dam. Travelers can enjoy this journey without the need for a ticket or fare. Initially considered for closure in 2011 due to financial deficits, the decision was later revised to continue operating the train, preserving its heritage and tradition.