Transportation in India

Air Transport in India

Air transport is by far the quickest and most reliable way to get around India.  Key airports exist in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkatta, Cochin, and Chennai, each of which is serviced by an extensive array of domestic and international carriers.  Fierce competition, increased tourism, and online ticketing have helped lower airfares considerably in recent years, but it still pays to shop around for the best deals far in advance.  If you’re coming to India for medical tourism, your healthcare provider might already have special deals and discounts available.  Once in the country, however, you’ll probably have to rely on a great deal of land travel in order to fully develop an appreciation for the vastness and variety of the country. 

Indian Railways

The best way to see India is by train. Most intercity travelers rely on impressive locomotives such as the Shatabdi and the Rajdhani that hurtle across the country at speeds of 145kph.  For those who prefer to travel in and around the various cities, underground metro systems are available (in Delhi and Kolkatta).  These public transport systems have made navigating urban centers infinitely easier, but be forewarned; the trains are often crowded, and it’s easy to become lost if you’re not paying attention.  When traveling between cities, if you’re someone who craves air conditioning and reserved seating, don’t hesitate to purchase 1^st class fares.  The price difference can be substantial, but most agree that it’s worth it. 

India’s Roadways

With the world’s third largest road network of over 3,300,000 kilometers of national & state highways, district roads, and village roads, driving is still the country’s foremost mode of transportation.  Trucks, private cars, public buses, taxis, rickshaws, and bullock carts carry people and goods to every corner of India.  As a visitor, you’ll probably want to avoid driving yourself since traffic signs, lanes, and speed limits are “optional” at best.  But for a modest fee, you can hire a day or week-long driver to escort you to whatever destinations you have on your agenda.

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