India: Overcrowded and Unstoppable

Overview

India’s vast railway network, built by the British in the 19th century, played a critical role in both colonial trade and the country’s fight for independence. Spanning 71,000 miles of track and connecting over 7,500 stations, the railways remain essential to India’s economy and everyday life. From overcrowded trains in the unbelievable heat to historic stations like Muzaffarpur and Lucknow, this journey reveals the challenges of train travel in India. Along the way, we uncover stories of resilience—from the Sepoy Rebellion and Gandhi’s anti-colonial campaign to the horrors of Partition and the increasing demand for women-only carriages. The adventure concludes with a ride on the Kangra Valley Railway, to the Himalayas.