How Many Trains Are Named After Indian Rivers?

Many of India’s most iconic rivers have lent their names to the country's extensive railway network. This unique naming convention not only pays homage to India's natural heritage but also reflects the deep cultural connections between the people and their rivers. We will explore some of these trains named after Indian rivers and the rich cultural significance behind this practice.

Rivers and Railways: A Symphony of Names

Indian railways, known for their extensive network and rich history, have a wealth of train names that often reflect natural features, including rivers. Here are some examples of trains named after Indian rivers, highlighting their routes and unique cultural significance: tYashwantpur Korba Vainganga Express - This train runs between Yashwantpur and Korba, crossing the Vainganga river. tMumbai Madgaon Mandovi Express - The Mandovi river flows through Goa, and this train runs between Mumbai and Madgaon. tMumbai Kolhapur Koyna Express - The Koyna river is located in Maharashtra, and this train runs from Mumbai to Kolhapur. tMumbai Mysore Sharavati Express - The Sharavati river flows through Karnataka, and this train runs between Mumbai and Mysore. tLucknow Delhi Gomti Express - The Gomti river in Uttar Pradesh, which passes through both Lucknow and Delhi, is named after this train. tBilaspur Bhopal Mahanadi Express - The Mahanadi river runs through Chattisgarh, and this train runs between Bilaspur and Bhopal. tSecunderabad Kurnool Tungabhadra Express - The Tungabhadra river spans Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, and this train runs between Secunderabad and Kurnool. tTiruvannamalai Mumbai Netravati Express - The Netravati river in Karnataka is the namesake of this train. tIndore Bilaspur Narmada Express - The Narmada river, a major river in India, is named after this train. tSurat Chhapra Tapti Ganga Express - Both the Tapti and Ganga rivers are named after this unique train. tDelhi Varanasi Manduadih Shiv Ganga Express - This train runs between Delhi and Varanasi, along the Ganga and Shiv rivers. tChennai Central Chhapra Ganga Kaveri Express - This train runs between Chennai and Chhapra, spanning the Ganga and Kaveri rivers. tTrivandrum Central Gorakhpur Rapti Ganga Express - This train runs between Trivandrum and Gorakhpur, covering the Rapti and Ganga rivers.

Unique Naming Conventions

While many river names are found in train routes, some examples include trains that are named after rivers combined with another river name, such as: tDhanbad Rajendranagar Ganga Damodar Express - This train runs between Dhanbad and Rajendranagar, following the Ganga and Damodar rivers. tChennai Varanasi Ganga Kaveri Express - This train runs between Chennai and Varanasi, crossing the Ganga and Kaveri rivers. tSurat Varanasi Tapti Ganga Express - This train runs between Surat and Varanasi, including the Tapti and Ganga rivers in its route. It's interesting to note that while many train names feature the Ganga, not one is simply named 'Ganga.' Instead, you'll find trains like the Dhanbad Dibrugarh Brahmaputra Mail, which runs between Dhanbad and Dibrugarh, while the Brahmaputra is a river associated with the Indian railway network. In addition to these inter-state trains, there are also shorter routes within states, such as the Mumbai Kolhapur Koyna Express and the Pathankot Amritsar Ravi Express, both named after rivers in their regions.

The Cultural Significance

The naming of Indian trains after rivers reflects a deep cultural love and respect for the natural features that have long been integral to the fabric of Indian society. Rivers have always played a crucial role in sustaining Indian civilization, providing essential resources for agriculture, drinking water, and transportation. They are revered in Indian culture and often feature prominently in literature, music, and mythology. By incorporating river names into train routes, Indian railways pay homage to this enduring cultural significance.

Further Resources

For more detailed information on Indian railway train names, you may want to visit the following link:

[IRFCA] Indian Railways FAQ: Train Names

Scroll to the bottom of the page and download the MS Word file to get a comprehensive list of train names, their routes, and the fascinating stories behind them. Explore the vast and diverse railway network of India and discover the rich history and cultural significance behind the names of these trains. They are more than just modes of transportation; they are a testament to India's culture and heritage.