Train Travel in Mumbai (Bombay) and Maharashtra

Mumbai has two train stations. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, more commonly called Victoria Terminus, is the hub of India's Central Railway line. Mumbai Central Station is the hub of India's Western Railway line. Be sure to go to the right train station—check before you set out. To avoid the pandemonium at the stations, have a travel agent book your ticket; this costs a bit more but saves time and stress. Or do it on the Internet. If you do it yourself, head for the tourist counter established specially for foreign travelers. Eliciting information about trains on the telephone is rather impossible because the lines are busy more often than not and the interactive voice-response numbers are in Hindi. Instead, check out the decent Indian Railways site (www.indianrailways.com). For information on confirming a ticket or the arrivals and departures ask a local to make the phone call.

Train Information

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (D. Naoroji Rd. 22/134 general information in English, including delays; 22/2263-5959 recorded information on reservation status in English). Mumbai Central Station (Mumbai Central, adjacent to Tardeo. 22/132 recorded information on arrivals and departures in English; 22/135 general information, including delays, in English; 22/2263-5959 recorded information on reservation status in English).