Central Railway zone

Central Railway zone is a railway administrative zone in Mumbai that serves several states in central India. The network links rural areas to big cities and moves people and goods over long distances through highland and coastal regions.

The zone formed in 1951 after a reorganization of the national railways to simplify administration of the growing lines. Several earlier railway companies from colonial times were merged and placed under a single central management.

The name reflects the network's position in the central part of the country. Many stations show a mix of European arches and local decoration that travelers notice right away.

Suburban trains run from early morning until late evening with short gaps, so travelers can usually board without long waits. Platforms often fill up during rush hours, so it helps to travel outside those times or arrive earlier at the station.

The network operates some of the busiest suburban lines in the world, with trains carrying millions of passengers each day. The trains often carry bright markings and labels that help travelers identify different lines quickly.

Inception: November 5, 1951

Part of: Indian Railways

Website: https://cr.indianrailways.gov.in

GPS coordinates: 18.97500,72.82583

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:23